There is no place where the economy hasn't hit our pocketbooks, our cost of living has increased and paychecks are not increasing to keep up with the cost of inflation. It is getting more and more difficult for the average person to make ends meet. Today more than ever people are looking for ways to make extra income just to pay for those daily living expenses. One of the ways some look to make extra cash is through contract work-especially those who have the skills that are needed in the creative and technical industry.

Contract work allows you to do the work that you have already been doing without the commute twice a day or juggling family schedules. This means that while you are working part time you will still be able to do the day to day chores you need to do...including a full time job if necessary, all within the comfort of your home during the times you are available. A lot of people are already using their creativity to explore new areas of income away from their day jobs. For instance, writers, photographers, web designers, graphic designers, artists; all explore ways to use their creativity to their advantage. Often times making more than they would at a day job. They have no set hours-only deadlines they have promised to their clients. Contract work will last as long as there is work to be done, once it is finished then you move on to the next project. How long you work, when you work, and how fast you work is all dictated by you

Those who do accept contract work do so on a work per project basis. The client will give the independent contractor a specific period of time to finish a project. Depending on the client and the job it could be a specific amount of time or when the final project is completed. The shorter the time period the higher the pay. It is up to the individual contractor to set how much time is needed to complete the project, collect a deposit, and secure a written contract from the client to insure full payment at the completion of the project. This freedom of scheduling your time for the project allows individuals to hold down a full time job as long as they want or need to. In some cases the individual will find that they have more work they can possibly handle, they then can make the decision to go full time on freelance work.

In the past decade it is becoming more common for individuals to do contract work while still holding a regular job-as long as the contract work does not compete with your current employer there should be no problem. Do not cross the ethical line between freelance/subcontracting and your regular job. Legally you could find yourself in a heap of legal trouble should this happen. The wise subcontractor looks for work outside his immediate area. Contract work opportunities are available nationwide-so shop around before you make the commitment.

The Internet has also given more freedom for the independent contractors in terms of time, resources, and variety of clients. Because it is easy to send files immediately over the web, do not be afraid to take advantage of all the freelance resources available on the web.