My Lifestyle Career

Crafty Careers: Turning Glitter into Gold

Last night I attended a lovely networking event for local woman entrepreneurs.  Working from home can be a lonely proposition, so I always enjoy the opportunity to get out and meet other small business owners and learn about their unique niches.

One of the woman I spoke with was Laurie Davis, a.k.a., the Glitter Fairy (some of you may know Laurie from her appearances on the Martha Stewart show).  As you can tell from the slideshow above, Laurie has a unique talent for transforming ordinary items into special gifts that add sparkle and joy to our world.

Now, I'll confess that before I met Laurie, making a living off of glitter would not have been high on my list of entrepreneurial careers.  But Laurie, with her infectious personality and creative flair, has found a way to profit off her passion for all things glitter.  In addition to her appearances on the Martha Stewart show, Laurie's creations are now being carried by Neiman Marcus, as well as other prestigious retailers.

Making a living off crafts is not without challenges.  Many crafters need to sell their items through multiple outlets -- fairs, the Internet, retailers, etc. -- in order to cut a profit.  But, with the right combination of pluck, perseverance and smart business savvy, you can turn your crafty talents into cash.  

Here are some recommended resources to help you get started:

Barbara Brabec:  Author of numerous books about making a living as a craft person, Brabec recently started an online blog called Handmade for Profit that offers up advice on how to turn your passions into profits.  Good starting point for those looking for solid nuts-and-bolts information on this business option.

Etsy:  Etsy is the world's largest online marketplace for handmade crafts.  Now, just in case you're wondering how much money could possibly be involved in selling crafts online, consider these stats. In August 2009, the site recorded $15 million in sales and 558,114,207 page views.  This site is a must-visit for both crafters and people who appreciate buying crafts.

About.com:  Tutorials and links for starting your own craft business.

How to Sell at Crafts Fairs and Shows:  Excellent article detailing the best ways to make a profit at craft fairs.  Check out their helpful list of resources at the end of the article.

Profit From Your Love of Travel: 4 Lifestyle-Friendly Options

Wouldn’t it be nice to find a way to blend your love of travel with your career (instead of slaving away for 50 weeks to pay for two weeks of vacation)?  If you’re at a point in your life where you have the personal freedom to travel, consider these travel-related careers:

1.  Travel writing:  Looking for a profession that enables you to combine your passion for writing with your desire to explore the world?   Consider becoming a travel writer.  There are hundreds of travel guide book publishers, travel magazines, online sites and newspapers seeking articles about travel every week.  

While it is unlikely that you will be able to support yourself as a full-time travel writer (most writers juggle multiple income streams) there are some very nice perks associated with this profession.  In addition to being paid for your writing, you’ll typically be compensated for your lodging, travel and tour expenses – often on a first-class basis -when you travel on assignment.

To learn more about travel writing, consult the following resources: 

• Profiles of Travel Writers – Interesting collection of interviews with seasoned professionals in this field. 

• The FabJob Guide to Travel Writing - Instantly downloadable publication that provides detailed information on the nuts-and-bolts of becoming a successful travel writer.

• Mediabistro.com - There are a number of training programs available to people wanting to learn how to become travel writers.  Although I do not have personal experience with the courses offered through Media Bistro, it is the go-to resource for all information related to the media business.  They offer an online travel writing class for aspiring travel writers that looks quite substantive.

2.  Teach English Overseas:  Thanks to the global economy, the opportunities for teaching English overseas are booming.  In most instances, all you need to qualify for a teaching job is a bachelors degree, but candidates with advanced training and either a certificate in ESL or a master's degree in TESOL, enjoy greater job opportunities and earnings potential. 

Most programs require at least a one-year commitment from job applicants.  Earnings potential can range from a small living stipend -- to $50,000+ depending on your expertise and location.  As an added bonus, if you spend a full calendar year abroad, your income might be exempt from US taxes (if you meet the qualifications for the foreign earned income exemption). 

To learn more: 

• Teaching English as a Foreign Language Course Database 

• Transitions Abroad Online Guide to Working Abroad:  Comprehensive Links and Advice on teaching and working overseas. 

3.  Work on a Cruise Ship: Cruise ships offer a variety of opportunities for employment ranging from full-time staff positions to part-time gigs as onboard lecturers, fitness instructors and even dance partners (yes, distinguished older gentleman can receive free cruises in exchange for working as charming partners on the dance floor!). 

To learn more, go to the careers page of any of the major cruise lines or consult:

• About.com’s Guide to Cruise Ship Jobs

• JobMonkey.com Guide to Careers on Cruise Ships 

4. Tour Director/Manager: If you’d like a chance to get paid for travel, but you don’t want to commit to a long-term obligation, consider becoming a tour manager. Tour Operators hire Tour Managers to be the guides for tours that have been organized by the Tour Operator. Tour Directors lead their groups on tours and ensure that all aspects of the trip run smoothly.

In addition to having their travel expenses covered, people who lead tours get paid either a salary or project fee.  In addition, they earn income from tips and commissions generated from selling optional tour features. 

There are a number of short-term training programs available to people wanting to enter this field, many of which are now offered online and through community colleges.  Here are two of the better-known programs:

• International Guide Academy

• Professional Tour Management Training  (offered online and through local continuing education programs). 

 

Want to Teach? Alternative Paths to Certification

 

Teaching, with it's flexible hours and the potential to take summers off, has long been a favorite option for midlife career changers and lifestyle enthusiasts. 

Fortunately, the occupational outlook for teachers is looking strong for the foreseeable future.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "employment of school teachers is expected to grow by 12 percent between 2006 and 2016, about as fast as the average for all occupations.  However, because of the size of the occupations in this group, this growth will create 479,000 additional teaching positions, more than all but a few occupations."

The demand for teachers will be particularly robust for teachers in the maths and sciences, as well as those with expertise in bilingual and special education.

Attaining a teaching degree is more feasible than ever, with nearly all 50 states offering some form of alternative teaching certification.  These programs are intended to attract people into teaching who have a bachelor's degree in the subject they will teach, or significant work experience, but who lack the needed education courses needed for licensing.

If you've been thinking about trading in your corporate paycheck for the opportunity to influence our next generation of leaders, these resources can help you launch your teaching career:

Occupational Outlook Handbook: Overview of Teaching Careers

National Center for Alternative Certification 

Chronicle of Higher Education Career Network (college and university positions