I've spent the last couple of days really focussing on what it is that I do and how I can turn those talents, skills or hobbies into revenue. So far I'm focussing on photography, my jewelry business and my network.

There are plenty of websites that allow you to upload your photo's and potentially derive income as people buy them. I've narrowed this down to a few sites and will spend this week reading their terms and conditions carefully before I go ahead. These require hosting costs - about US$10 per month and up plus a commission on all sales.

My jewelry business is getting closer, I've spoken with the bank and will open a merchant account which will allow me to take credit card payments. They give me a mobile card machine which I can take into people's homes and to markets etc. I've already invested in some of the jewelry so I have something to show people besides the catalogue. I think I will need to spend about another AU$2,000 to get that off the ground. I've placed the order, I'm just waiting on the stock to arrive.

My previous boss/Partner is looking at alternate homes for our consulting business and things are progressing there. One option there is that we work as subcontractors to which ever business wants to take us in. I'm excited about that.

I had lunch today with friends and told them I'd lost my job and was now looking for alternate ways to make money. They were supportive and provided some ideas and direction. I think there is some shame around being unemployed, but I figure I'm better of sharing my situation with my network because you never know when an opportunity may present itself.

I have a couple of meetings this week with the outplacement firm E&Y has hooked me up with. I'm looking forward to those meetings and the direction they will offer.

More to come...