richard14
(OriontheHunter)
1
Hey everyone. I am wondering what kind of work is out there, outside of your normal job, for IT professionals.
I have though about doing just normal computer repair stuff but that has a bunch a pitfalls and you really should have an LLC to protect yourself so it requires some money up front.
I have looked into Experts Exchange, the live consulting, but haven’t tried it out yet. Does anyone else do that?
And yes I know if I want to make more money I should really look for a better but job but I have some circumstances that prevent me from doing that.
Is there anything else that would be possible for making some extra money using our IT skills? Has anyone had an success with a specific idea? Thanks for your input!
Adding this to water cooler since this isn’t really about careers but if you think it should be there just let me know or move it please.
13 Spice ups
joebob
(Wanderer)
2
I only work with businesses now. I do stuff for free for my immediate family, but other than that, I stay away from residential. My time outside of my 40 HPW job is very valuable to me. Most residential customers would not want to pay what I would charge for that, so I just avoid them.
2 Spice ups
THIS was a great post and discussion on the topic… worth a read
There are always options. The best one are things you can charge recurring fees for to small buisnesses that are easy if you know what you’re doing but seem daunting if you aren’t technical.
Like managing hosted email and websites for small businesses.
Managing social media for the SMB space…
you can do it in your spare time, charge a fair rate and everyone wins
3 Spice ups
Guru.com and Freelancer.com are both some pretty good places for outside work. 
2 Spice ups
ranhalt
(ranhalt)
5
Amazon has been trying to compete with Angie’s List for local service providers, maybe that’s an option. Then there’s the micro contractor services, like Uber/Lyft, but for task jobs. I forget the examples.
2 Spice ups
richard14
(OriontheHunter)
6
That was an awesome read and gave me some good ideas. Thanks Frostbyte.
1 Spice up
richard14
(OriontheHunter)
7
Had no idea that Amazon was doing that. I will take a peek. Thanks ranhalt.
1 Spice up
My mechanic needed some very basic computer support, and was unsatisfied with the quotes they were getting from the local support companies. They asked me if I could help them, and generally I’d say no but I like these people. So, I go in and look things over once or twice a month, and they take my time and use it for theirs. Their shop rate is like $80 an hour, and I’m going to need maintenance on my cars.
It’s not cash, but I have three hours on the books so far. Barter rocks.
3 Spice ups
Similar situation as you. I do stuff on the side of people I know and it is usually the typical “i scratch your back you scratch mine”. Doesn’t immediately put food in my fridge and pay the bills but it comes in hand when you need to avoid bills you call in those back scratches.
1 Spice up