In case you hadn’t heard the news, the economy’s in the crapper and nationwide unemployment is at record highs. Making ends meet can be a tough proposition even during the best of times, and these are not the best of times. But for the creative thinker, there will always be opportunities for work; it can just take extra effort to visualize them.

Teach Your Skills Forget that old axiom, “Those who can’t do, teach.” The best teachers are those with a genuine knowledge and passion for their skills, or unusual talents. There are people offering lessons on everything from bicycle repair to pole dancing, bread baking to bookbinding, and it doesn’t take a master’s in education to effectively communicate your skills in a one-on-one or small group setting. Depending on the skill you’d like to impart, joining (or instigating) an artist’s collective, practice space or tutoring center can gain you contacts and networking opportunities as well as a place to conduct your classes.

Sell Your Skills Remember that you are not solely the sum of your college degree or past job experience; you can create an entirely new career from your outside interests too. Perhaps you have a talent for wheel-building, web design or crochet. Maybe you have a knack for writing a really strong resume, copy-editing or translation or a penchant for plant care, cookery or design. There’s always work available for independent contractors in almost any field (short of brain surgery or rocket science), and once you’ve built up a steady client base, you might find yourself having to turn work away instead of vice versa.

Learn New Skills Statistically speaking, more adults go back to school during tough economic times than during the flush ones. And since it’s a trend, you probably won’t have to endure the feeling that you’re the only “non-traditional” student on your track. You don’t necessarily have to find a good grad school either to change your career path. Skills can be introduced or polished in intensive seminars, continuing education programs, technical colleges or online classes, and the more you learn, the more you have to offer your next employer, or client base.

Photo courtesy of frozenchipmunk.