If you look over at the right sidebar, you'll see a feed related to ways to earn money. Those are primarily aimed at people in less fortunate countries, but many of the ideas could be used by just about anyone.
There are companies out there who are looking for freelancers to do some work for them instead of paying full time employees. This is known as outsourcing and is becoming a real industry. With many companies downsizing in order to stay in business and cut costs, freelancing could be the way to go for many professionals.
Photographers, writers, graphic designers, maintenance persons, cleaning people, and others can start a good cottage industry from their own homes or from a small office by offering bigger companies the services they need. For example, a freelance writer could publish colon cleanse reviews for a health magazine or website. A freelance photographer could submit photos of interesting places to magazines and newspapers. If you are a photo-journalist, the pay increases since you can also conduct interviews that go along with the pictures.
Some states even have programs for artists to become involved in education through workshops they conduct at public schools, museums, and other government supported agencies. You are paid for your time, materials, and travel/lodging for these efforts.
Think outside the box. What do you know how to do that could be offered from home in today's market?
