Rising Out of the Financial Pitfall of Earning a College Degree

There you were five, six, seven or more years ago. You completed all the academic work required, worked a summer job and had been accepted to the university of your dreams. The only thing stopping you was money. You probably did what thousands of other people did. You got a student loan, then another and another until you finally graduated. Now that you've graduated and are working, you're probably worried about how you're going to pay back all those loans.

This is something that so many college graduates are faced with soon after earning their degree. Many people grew up believing that part of the American dream is going to college. Some believe that going to college means having to literally go away to college. Your parents nurtured and encouraged you and told you that the way to having a good life is by getting a college education. What your parents didn't know is that the price of that college degree would take decades to pay back.

Now that we've reflected on the past, let's think of the future. In order to rid yourself of the debt you signed on the dotted line for, you may need to brainstorm a list of things that you really are good at that could potentially earn you some extra cash. If you're the academic type, you could tutor students, especially those studying for college entrance exams. For the handy type, try a part-time job as a repair man. Repairing equipment, houses or cars are all options. If you're not the academic or handy type, maybe you like working out. Try working as a fitness instructor at the gym you're already a member of. You probably have a natural ability to learn the routines that are taught.

If you're not interested in working up a sweat, maybe you have a gift for gab. Working as a freelance reporter or motivational speaker could be a better fit for you. News never stops and everyone could use a little motivation. Start with children or adults to target your audience as a motivational speaker.

You may have excellent organizational skills and could parlay that into making money as a professional organizer. Perhaps you're good with numbers, possess impressive photography abilities or have musical skills singing and playing instruments. The possibilities are endless if you just think about what you know how to do really well.

Whatever you do, just make sure you choose something that you enjoy since this will be a job in addition to the one you already have.