Do you have a hidden specialty?

You know how hairdressers have good stories about other people (sometimes referred to as gossip, but sometimes just interesting stories)? The other day, mine told me about his buddy in Omaha who has found a highly specialized way to make a living: he does nothing but repairing and detailing people's car wheels. He started off as a car repair generalist and, over time, moved toward this level of specialty. Apparently, he makes a lot of money doing so, and he knows just who in his community is most interested in keeping their wheels spiffy.

You're thinking "Great, I have no car wheel detailing skills, so what?" Me neither. But if you're looking around for ways to make a living without a job, the point is to think creatively about what you do know how to do. Consider all of your skills, even the ones you typically save for Sunday afternoon (are you good at shopping? organizing your files? making banana bread?).

If you get good enough at something, devote enough time and energy to it, and find people who will buy it (think "who lives in the upscale neighborhoods around here?"), you might be able to make at least part of your living doing it. People do earn money shopping for busy people, organizing the chaotic office or home, and baking their grandma's secret recipes…as well as shining up wheels. Might you be able to make something of the talents you take for granted?