Top 5 Hobbies that Pay: Second Incomes in a Sinking Economy

Hobbies are our entertainment. They are our fun work away from our career choices. But when the economy falls on hard times, many hobbies become a second income or a primary source of support. If you are unsure your job will continue, or if you are facing a lay off, then it's time to study up on your favorite hobby or begin a new one.

Take stock of what you have on hand now and what your interest are. You want to be able to make more money than you spend from the hobby. If you haven't got a hobby yet you can browse the following and decide is something falls within your interest. You can learn from old magazines, a mentor, the internet, books or perhaps a family tradition can become an income producing hobby.

1. Car Repair. If you like to tinker with engines, cars, design and detail now is the time to collect a few extra items. Hoses, oil filters, oil and fuses to mention just a few. Small items will help a lot with your profit on each job. Mechanics at a repair shop charge much more than most people can afford. This is because parts are expensive, time is kept short and overhead must be paid. Work from home in your own garage or driveway for basic repairs. Most people are very happy if you can change the oil, the spark plugs, windshield wipers or just keep the engine running for another six months! This is a top hobby in the future.

2. Child care at a low cost. Do you love to just be around children? Well you can begin a very part time child care businesses. Child care is very expensive for the lower and middle income family. If you can help them out a few days a week and be dependable at a much lower cost with entertainment for the children you can earn a little money, play with the kids, feel young again and really help a family in need.

3. Home repairs. You just can't seem to sit still when you're at home. You fix the washer so it runs, you re-hang the screen door, you paint a room, install a garbage disposal and many other things in the name of hobby or just because you like to. It doesn't matter if you are male or female you can bill yourself as a Husband For Hire! Professionals charge a great amount of money just to show up. If you can do it for half the cost or less and still make a profit you will be helping the divorced, the widowed, the elderly and the just plain untrained.

4. Yard care. This is hard for many people because of time, health problems and no equipment. Mowing most lawns doesn't take more than about 10 minutes. Charge a low rate for something you can do for exercise on your day off. For a regular yard that takes 10 minutes charge $10.00. If you trim and clean then charge $20.00. It isn't much, but you are just working in your own neighborhood anyway. Keep it simple.

5. Gardening. You love to garden and always end up with more than you can use. It goes to waste or you end up giving it away. Start a donation can for your products. It will surprise you how most people will donate more for the freshest of vegetables than if you set a price. If you grow flowers sale bouquets. Anything you make will be profit over giving it away. Teach a local adult course in how to grow your own garden.

These are the top five hobbies that will turn into income if the future falls on even harder times than we feel now. So study up and prepare. Whatever you can't do physically you can begin a class and teach to those who can. It's an income to keep you from losing your home, utilities and car. It buys a bit more food for the kitchen or gas in the tank. Use your talents to make your own life a little better.