Decisions, Decisions

Have you ever had so many ideas that you end up never deciding on one?

I'm at a point in my life where I've been given a chance to do something else to earn a living. I lost my job this past week. A great chance to start over!! I'm not worried, being in Canada, I will not be cold or hungry and the Ontario Government has many great programs for the unemployed to help start over...retraining programs, funding for starting a business...the world is mine for the asking.

The problem is, I've got so many ideas that I can't settle on one...therefore I find myself not doing anything!!

Does one ever really succeed at multiple endeavors?

It depends upon the person. I have a friend who is 28 years old, married, and a 3 or 4 year old son. They both work at the same night club that used to be jammed packed every weekend. She has no other skills as she never worked anywhere else but as a bartender. Her husband, however, has a college education as a Mixologist plus he has teaching credentials and is a kindergarten teacher. The night club they work at laid her off a few weeks ago so she got a job at a little hole in the wall bar during the weekdays. During those 3 weeks she has decided to quit her day bartender job and go to college full time to be an RN. I'm excited for her big time, as I know what it's like to attempt to change careers. I have always worked in Customer Service but went and got a BA in IT to do computer work instead. Of course I'm not there yet but my boss can't wait for the state to approve the raise and title change, that I'm not supposed to know about LOL so SShhhhhh

Do the many ideas, or some, start at one place, like here, you can go to comm college for a number of things but first step may be certain common classes. or introductory classes, Maybe starting some will get you more info to what the various options will get you into., job market wise or what the classes/ job will really be like wise.

Remember, even if you rule out something, that's a step to deciding.
I totally sympathize, in terms of watching my son decide what to do after high school., and myself, as the kids get to HS age , wondering if I should be more productive.

I'd like to work from home and that means being self-employed. I've been there before and liked it. I have a dream of a little shop...selling a mix of crafts, wood working, house plants, scented candles, etc. Not sure I can swing the shop, but all of those things can be a business in themselves. I've been looking into pet sitting/boarding as well. I have no idea what I'd go back to school for if forced...

a jack of all trades, but a master at nothing.

LOL I'm a housewife, I know the feeling..................

I spend all day wiping bottoms, floors, and counters... and thinking, is this it?
so far, yeah. it's it.

Maybe you could go to school for some sort of business classes?

Switching careers is scary, as you are heading into the unknown. Do you know someone that already has a home-based craft business, that you can talk to and find out the practicalities? I imagine you already know how to keep accounts for tax purposes, and what sort of things qualify as expenses (such as use of a room in your house as an office or workshop, and business use of your car), but an already established craft-person would be able to advise you on where to advertise, where to exhibit at craft shows, and how much to expect in the way of income. While making your mind up, you might also consider taking part-time or contract jobs of various kinds, to try your hand at different things and see where your heart lies. This is a great opportunity to do something that you enjoy, and I wish you good fortune!

Well, maybe get over to Crafts or Trash to Treasure forum--I think there are a few or more here who sell thru Etsy or eBay. Scent candles might be tough online-- nobody can smell them.
I have a friend selling Cookie Lee jewelry- the party/catalog sales type thing.That I think works better if you're tied into a workplace, or friends are, to spread the word.

Hello there...

Although I returned to work for my BIL I continue to do classes in my home..selling isn't particularly lucrative..one the cost of materials the other how much time and effort is put into projects...

Rather than selling I teach and what I have found to bring in the $$$ is one day 'make and take' workshops..perhaps you can go in that direction as well as having an area set aside for selling your wares..

Guess it all depends on how much you HAVE to bring in to survive..if it's to supplement your income and enjoy what you do it's the perfect direction...

Good luck on your endeavours..

great suggestion from Betty.
Another place to teach casually might be thru community college, if you have something to design a class on. I took quilting that way. hand piecing.

For the past 2 years or so I have had a home-based greeting card business doing wholesale only to local retailers. I had gotten to a point of better than breaking even when the economy tanked. Right now I am sitting on a lot of inventory and trying to decide what to do next. I know very few craftspeople or fine artists who are doing well here right now. And by "doing well " I mean making a living by selling their work. Betty's suggestion about teaching and giving workshops is a really good idea. I know several people doing that. Sometimes in conjunction with an art supply store or community organization. One painter I know is giving workshops now in 3 states, traveling quite a bit. Another idea is to give parties with your art or craft work on display and for sale. An Open Studio sale. I'm leaning in that direction for spring, combined with a garden party! At least it will be fun. ( Don't forget there is a whole business element to all this and that means taxes, etc.) Good luck with it and may 2009 be a better year for us all!

Going back to teaching...not sure how many seniors homes or trailer parks are in the area, they are also always receptive in having someone come in to teach...we have 5 parks in our area all with community centers of their own and surrounded by Municipal community centers where the recreation Co-ordinator is always looking for someone..not a lot of money but a sure fire way to bring in some $$$ and look at the fun you could have...


Robybird, I joined 2 card making sessions ..one this month and the other in April... they supply the materials, we make 3 cards and cost is $40.00 for one and $45.00 for the other...now could I have done them on my own, most certainly, well perhaps not the tea stained ones but it's more for the social aspect..people are out there, people want to fill their days and feel good about themselves so there is a market again just depends on how many $$$ you need to survive...but, if you are multi talented in crafts between all of them you could do ok..

Don't give up...

Didn't mean to sound so negative but it really isn't a good time for small business' in my area. I do think things will change but for now I am working more on computer skills and photography, which I also love doing. Another consideration is to assess your particular city or area. You might want to do an internet business or need to travel. Colleges and chamber of commerce organizations often give free seminars for small business people and it can be a good way to get a sense of what might work best.