There are a lot of people who whine about their work. We don’t. It’s not because we have lots of assets or the best jobs. It’s because the best asset you can possibly have today is your job. If the events of the past few years have taught people anything, it should be this: Your home, car or bank account could all disappear one day. One day, your health insurance may not cover everything you need, or the business you set up may suffer great losses amidst a climate of fear and uncertainty.

Of all the things you ought to fight to keep, we have learned that people should keep their employment. Gainful employment helps people keep their health insured, assists in obtaining high credit scores and helps put money in the pocket. These three reasons alone make work worthwhile. This does not even mention the psychological rewards of being employed – a sense of security, a feeling of accomplishment at the end of a month or week, and the overall variety of a day in contrast to being unemployed.

Yet not everyone gets to enjoy their pay or their jobs. If homes can be improved and autos remodeled, how does someone ‘upgrade’ their professional lives? Think about some of these opportunities to rake in more cash and satisfaction.

Moonlighting?

Some people try juggling work with two jobs or more. People with freelance experience, or who have time on their hands, can in theory earn something on the side. It’s a pro-con question that comes down to personal choices and feasibility. Can you still look after the kids with two jobs? Do you have non-negotiable gym exercise dates so you can keep working on your fitness? What’s the nature of the second job? Will you get in trouble if you do take it on?

Surely, if your job has a two-hour commute from home to get to the office, or requires you to pull long, 12-hour shifts, you can’t feasibly handle that without compromising your health. A solution is to freelance on the side. Just avoid doing extra work during office hours, or using office resources.

Studying?

People have often viewed education to be an optional thing. 70% of people can’t afford to go to college without taking a loan or a scholarship, so this concept is not every alien. However, the career for someone who had finished higher up the educational ladder stands to command greater wages. According to the US Census Bureau, master’s degree holders on average earn approximately $11,300 more a year than someone with just a bachelor’s degree. PhD holders can earn over three times more: Some take in up to $37,265 a year. It can become quite advantageous to have finished more advanced degrees, because the opportunities can open up for you greatly.

BYOB: Be Your Own Boss (On the Side, Maybe)?

There are dozens of households who have made their own business ventures in their garages and backyards. What’s even more impressive is that companies like Microsoft, Google, and Apple all had roots in the ‘We’ve got this idea’ vein. If you have a good idea, start with it and start small. Think long-term. Manage the business carefully, and try to keep a balance between what pays the bills and what keeps you hungry.

Keep an eye right here for more clever money tips! You can also find resources on directory sites like nkud.com under Money and Finances.