Other Ways To Make Money w/o "Working"

There are those of us who are innately uncomfortable with having a boss. Others simply just don't function in a typical work setting. Whatever your reason for not wanting to depend wholly on a regular scheduled job, there are options. However, make no mistake - it's still work, and you're putting direct effort into making money to pay for your needs. Just because you don't have a "boss" doesn't mean that you've liberated yourself from the chains of capitalism. There are benefits and drawbacks to going this route, and don't be surprised to find yourself in a Feast & Famine situation.

Busking/Spanging

Busking is doing a performance of some kind in a public place to solicit for money. Spanging is just straight up asking for it. Be aware that a lot of places require permits to busk.

Dumpstering goods, Thrifting, etc and selling on ebay/craigslist/stores.

Finding quality items for free or cheap and reselling them has become a big deal since the popularization of ebay and craigslist. A lot of people go to the Bulk Bins at Goodwill and resell at Buffalo Exchange or Red Light. Others buy CDs for super cheap at thrift stores like Life Long Aids Alliance and resell them at Easy Street or Singles Going Steady. Some people go dumpster diving on Frat Row when the quarter is done, and find all sorts of goodies to resell. The difficulty of this line of work is that you need to be creative and have a deep understanding of what people want to buy.

Craigslist-ing your skills and talents.

Can you play the drums and have access to a kit? Do you play a sport really really well? Sell your skills and teach other people via craigslist.

Clinical Trials/Drug Studies

You can sell your body and/or your health to a company who needs to do medical tests, and get paid! Companies like NW Kinetics or Charles River Clinical Services have contracts with various places and do studies at varying levels of sketchiness and pay. Do an internet search for Clinical Trials, Drug Study, etc and whatever city you live in. A lot of hospitals do clinical trails also.

Selling crafts at markets.

If you're good at making crafty goods, there are markets with reasonably priced tables where you can sell your goods. The Fremont Market happens once/week, and I (heart) Rummage happens once/month. Also, try the Seattle Punk Rock Flea Market (http://www.myspace.com/punkrock_fleamarket).

Dog Walking, Baby Sitting, Household Assistance

There's a lot of people out there who just need a little help around the house, preparing meals, taking care of family members and pets, etc. Again, craigslist is the place.

Language Work - Translation and Lessons

If you're fluent in another language you can get paid a lot of money to either do translation work for a government, or to teach lessons. You may need to have some way of proving your qualifications.