My banker called me. I almost dropped my phone! He wasn't exactly friendly to me. I had repeatedly overdrawn my account and now his patience had run out. I'd be getting that in writing, too.

So a very clear message for me: How can I make money?
My first thought was right away: I need a side job! But I really had no desire to work somewhere in retail or at an arcade! I need something that lets me fill up my wallet more easily.
I called Katie, my friend. She always has good ideas. Katie works at an ad agency and is responsible for new slogans. "Come on Katie, how can I make money?" She laughed loudly into the phone and said: "Ever thought about working?"

The idea factory is open

Katie gave me the tip to just sit down and write out my ideas. Then cross everything out and get started.

  • Copywriting
  • Selling clothes
  • Babysitting
  • Collecting returnable bottles in the evening
  • Subject in a clinical trial

Those were my ideas, completely off the cuff. I decided on collecting bottles first. I'd once seen a report about it on TV. A smart woman had actually collected enough for her next vacation.
Why not!

How can I make money

Hunters and gatherers

It went amazingly well. On average I made $12 to $26 collecting bottles. I found plenty in parking lots and parks in the evening. I got two hours of fresh air. I pat myself on the back and I'm proud of myself. "How can I make money" is even good for my health!

In addition, I decided on copywriting. I love writing funny stories, and Katie was able to line up a job for me. At the moment, collecting and copywriting together earn me as much as $300 to $350 a week. Sooner or later my $3,000 overdraft will be paid off.

The main thing is being independent of the bank. I never want to go through a situation like that again. And I can only advise everyone to just sit down. Take a big white sheet of paper. Write "How can I make money" at the top and just think.

My sheet is still lying on my desk and I keep adding to it. Right now I'm happy with my two "side jobs." I've even thought about whether I'll publish a little guide and share my experiences with others. That of course assumes I'll try even more things out.

Why not! Then one day I can help others get going. Because "How can I make money" would make a very good book title. That line sells!