Reading List: The Economy of You

UPDATED: January 11, 2014
PUBLISHED: January 11, 2014

After the birth of her daughter, financial columnist Kimberly Palmer worried constantly about being laid off and landing in a fiscal pickle. While writing about the economic downturn for U.S. News & World Report, Palmer met people in similar situations who were supplementing their incomes with side gigs that they worked around their full-time jobs. Some of these microbusiness entrepreneurs turned their second jobs into real businesses. She launched Palmer’s Planners (a series of guides to navigating life events such as budgets, babies, business, etc.) on Etsy.com, and after many “bumps, false starts and surprises,” Palmer reached her goal of earning an extra $10,000 a month.

In her book about microbusiness entrepreneurs, Palmer shares plenty of inspiring stories of successful side-giggers who freed themselves from financial strain. She also documents the ones who ran into problems and presents a slew of helpful resources, including a master list of the top 50 side gigs and exercises and worksheets to help your side gig soar.

Palmer's guidelines in The Economy of You, including tips on keeping costs low, balancing your supplemental business with a full-time job, branding and marketing basics and more, give you the tools to become a part of this growing trend.

by Kimberly Palmer

January
AMACOM; $21.95

Jessica Krampe is the digital managing editor for SUCCESS.com. A graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, Jessica has worked for news, entertainment, business and lifestyle publications. Outside of the daily grind, she enjoys happy hours, live music and traveling.

Oops!

You’ve reached your limit of free
articles for this month!

Subscribe today and read to your heart’s content!

(plus get access to hundreds of resources designed
to help you excel in life and business)

Just

50¢
per day

!

Unlock a fifth article for free!

Plus, get access to daily inspiration, weekly newsletters and podcasts, and occasional updates from us.

By signing up you are also added to SUCCESS® emails. You can easily unsubscribe at anytime. By clicking above, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Register

Get unlimited access to SUCCESS®
(+ a bunch of extras)! Learn more.

Let's Set Your Password

Oops!

The exclusive article you’re trying to view is for subscribers only.

Subscribe today and read to your heart’s content!

(plus get access to hundreds of resources designed
to help you excel in life and business)

Just

50¢
per day

!