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I need to get a little money to do what I want in life.

Martyn

Okay, my first thread...

I need some money, not much. I know I cannot work or rather regular work doesn't suit me. I'm not particularly skilled in anything and that makes things even more difficult.

I have no social connections and so asking for cash-in-hand work is likely out of the question. I'm only receiving JSA and would have to starve without it. A few months ago my rent had increased and my computer broke down and so took measures to account for these, and the result is not much money left. I'm in a better position than most since I only eat one male a day on most days, and do intermitten fasting, and that saves some money.

So I was thinking about dog walking because I like dogs and I could charge £3 per hour and make a few quid. A lot of people have dogs in Wigan, but I see a lot of dogs getting walked too.

My first hurdle is getting the word out. I need a business card but I am told that they can get expensive.

Nothing is certain in life so I've given up seeking certainty. Everything is a wild stab in the dark, like throwing a dice and seeing if you'll get a six.

But why am I asking you this? Why do I need external validation? I am not sure. Perhaps there is a part of me that still clings to the illusion that people can help?

  • Former Member
    Former Member in reply to Martyn

    And here I was wondering if you having were those with fava beans and a nice Chianti :-D.

  • in reply to Martyn

    If you're fit, what about asking a local small builder if he needs any labour? They normally pay cash with no questions but will work you hard for your money.

    Is it worth doing some quick practical college courses to gain some skills?

    There's also Men's Shed https://menssheds.org.uk/ These are retired old boys who repair and make things for charity - I'm sure they would be pleased to teach you to do practical things like making planters out of recycled pallets or fixing electricals etc. - they get your labour while you get some skills which you can use to make money.

  • in reply to Plastic

    I forgot about insurance. I'm okay with dogs. I owned a dog once. I don't have DIY skills or anything like that. I like the idea of expanding my services though. Will it risk my benefits? Yes most likely, but what other option is there?

  • As people have said, Vistaprint do cheap business cards - they do offers every now & then.

    Dog walking - this is almost entirely done via facebook these days - find your local area facebook pages and see what people are offering. You will need insurance. Are you any good with dogs?

    There are other local, low start-up cost businesses like washing cars down your road - not much fun in this weather but it's easy to do, only requires buckets etc.

    Window cleaning is much harder - balancing on ladders while working is hard on the legs.

    Casual gardening is easy too - but disposing of the debris is hassle these days.

    Offering something simple like weeding or painting sheds & fences is easy too.

    Putting new felt on a shed roof is straight forward too.

    There's lots of small jobs that people will pay cash for - you might want to make your business cards a bit more versatile listing lots of services that you can offer. Most are outside, heavy or dirty so nicer to do when the weather warms up a bit.

    Will putting yourself 'out there' risk your benefits?

  • I only eat one male a day on most days...that is a typo btw.

  • in reply to Martian Tom

    Good idea. Thanks. I think I could bump it up to £4 an hour.

  • Yeah... I think the title of your thread goes for most of us.  Everyone on earth, quite probably, would like to be able to do what they want through being - or to make them - financially independent.  It's hard enough, without throwing autism into the equation.

    I know some dog-walkers who  seem to do okay and make a living.  Maybe £3 an hour is a little low.  Unless you could walk several dogs at once and make it more worth your while.  A local woman to me has a service called 'Walkies', and I often see her in the park with up to 8 dogs.

    How about posting some cards in shop windows?  Or letting your local pet shops and vets know that you are offering the service?

    Just some thoughts.