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Working part-time jobs at home

MADISON (WKOW) -- The economic recession is pushing people to look for other ways to supplement their income. Many are starting part-time jobs at home. But they're finding out, it takes time, money, and dedication to make it work.

After another job just didn't work out, Megan Cain decided to use her artistic talents to make extra money.

"Eventually I just decided, well, I know how to do mosaics, and I enjoy it, and I want to have a business, so why don't I just have a mosaic business," she said.

Cain transformed her basement into a workshop, using tools and materials she already had.

She takes colored glass and turns it into works of art. Her business is called Wild Plum Mosaics.

"It's always different, you never know what you're going to do next, and there's a lot of creativity involved."

Experts say Megan's work is a great balance -- it compliments her skills and her interests.

Career life coach Dee Relyea has a similar story.

"I was doing general clerical work. They were paying me $12 an hour. And I was exhausted," Relyea said. "Even though it wasn't bad money, I would leave that job, go home, spend one hour with a client -- make a bunch more money, and I was energized. I realized this is so great, I would do this for free."

Relyea's career coaching classes at the Madison Job Center are often filled to capacity -- packed with people eager to earn a little extra money on the side.

Marcia Curry attended in October. She's starting a daycare center in her home, and eventually wants to expand.

"I think it would be a pretty good idea," Curry said. "It's what works for me and my kids' schedules. You know we're just so busy."

Curry says she's been on both sides -- as a parent and as an entrepreneur, and she knows what it's like raising children when times are tough.

"I look at the young mothers who are out there struggling because I was a young mother struggling."

But part time work, even at home, isn't easy or cheap.

Cain spent almost a thousand dollars to get her mosaic business up and running, and spends hours every week making her mosaics.

"I would characterize myself as someone who has multiple streams of income, this isn't my only job," she said. "You can't really think you're going to be making the same income that you were at your old job."

But, she says, if you've got the drive, it's totally worth it.

If you're starting a part-time job at home, experts say there are few more steps you need to take, including registering your business, and opening a separate bank account.

Doing these things can protect you and help curb losses in case things don't work out.

Resources:

http://sbdc.wisc.edu/startup/sbfs/default.asp

http://www.wenportal.org/

http://www.wisconsinsbdc.org/

Free statewide business answer line: 1-800-940-7232, Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30 p.m.

E-mail Jeff Angileri -- jangileri@wkowtv.com