Okay, so you want to pay off your debt. Of course, you do. Imagine the impact it will have on your life! But you’ve confronted the reality of your circumstances and found that, in your daily life, there are just no luxury lattes, just no expenses that can be eliminated in order to pay off your debt rapidly.  If this is the case, here is another solution.

Take on another job.

Recently someone asked me to suggest ways for a person to earn money online from home without needing to invest large amounts of money or having advanced technical skills?

To answer this question, I spoke with a friend of mine who, to supplement her income, teaches English online.  Here is what I learned.

The demand for native English speakers to work with international students is huge.  Your native ability, a university degree and a willingness to teach are the only firm prerequisites.  Teaching experience and/or a TEFAL certification are nice to have but not necessarily required.

According to, my friend, Mara Gano, it is not easy to make a living teaching on-line as the hours are limited, but, if your goal is to build capital to start a business or to pay off debt, a five to 15-hour work week is possible.

You can do the math. If you work just 5 hours a week teaching English, you can put $400 on your debt each month.

For an emerging entrepreneur working to start a business or pay down debt, the advantage of teaching online is that most classes are offered very early in the morning or on weekend evenings in order to accommodate students in distant time zones. For example, in China, due to the 13-hour time difference, working hours for someone located in the Eastern Standard time zone can begin at 5:00 am. Your work day will be over before breakfast!  Of course, other countries, Russia, Japan, Korea will have a slightly different working schedule.

If this idea interest you, check out this resource for a list of organizations that hire native English speakers to teach on-line.  Before you commit, be sure to do your own research as not all language schools are as scrupulous as they should be.  Read the reviews from others and ask for a signed contract before you begin.

Caveats

You may wonder why a small business coach would suggest you take on a second job. Fair question.

Working two jobs is certainly not my first choice.  I think everyone should have their own business that showcases their talents and abilities, adds value and meaning to their life and makes a profit.  I tell you how in my book.But I am also pragmatic. To start out this new year I am offering you a practical suggestion. One that allows you to honor your current life responsibilities and maintain your day job while giving you an effective and temporary strategy to acquire the money you need to do what you really want to do with your life.

It is a new year, take charge of your life.  Make 2019 the year you change your circumstances.