If you have decided that it is time for a change, such as starting to work from home or finding a way to make extra income, you might be surprised to find out that you are looking in all the wrong places.

It is a common belief that you can only start on a new project by entering into an industry that is completely new to you. While this can work, it does mean a lot of extra motivation on your part so that you can take the time needed to do the research on the competition and the field to be successful.

However, you may be surprised to find out that you can get started quicker and make more money by using your past experience in your new venture. If you need a change in your professional life, there are many ways to do so while still using your hard-earned skills. In the words of Tony Robbins, a motivational speaker known for his mastery of fire walking, “It is not knowing what to do, it’s doing what you know.”

Working Options

If you are looking to take control of your own schedule or work from home more often, then you may want to consider using your past experience to open a consulting firm or freelance in your current industry. Especially in today’s economy, freelance jobs and contractors can have a leg up on regular job-seekers. This is because consultants, contractors and freelance workers require much less overhead than normal employees, as they generally do not receive insurance coverage, retirement plans or other employee benefits. If you work offsite even part-time, then you are saving the company other resources as well. Consultants and freelance workers are generally paid a flat hourly or per project fee, and thus, the hiring company knows what they will be receiving and paying upfront. The key to becoming a consultant is motivation; you need the motivation to sell yourself on each project, as well as the fortitude to make it through rough patches all on your own.

Try Teaching

Whether you have been in the workforce for 3 years or 30, it is not unusual to want a change of pace. You may want a lighter workload, less hours or extra income without another full time job. Consider taking this opportunity to pass on your knowledge to others. If you are a seasoned professional, you may be in high demand to teach at local colleges or technical schools. It does not matter whether your background has been in white collar or blue collar industries; an instructor with the ability to pass on real world experience is valued at many institutions. Look around for openings or even stop by your local community college to talk to the head of the department in which you are interested. Let them know that you are available to pick up a night course or a course that is taught off campus. These courses are hard to staff as many staff professors are unwilling to teach outside of their normal schedule.

There are also other ways that you can pass on your experience. Check online job sites for job postings that will fit your career experience. You may be surprised at just what you do know and what you are qualified to do. You can also write articles and submit them to trade magazines and websites. Many of these will pay a premium for quality articles written by someone with real experience. If you are creative, then you can use your experience to work for you and help you to build a new career.