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I've been self-employed for over 10 years now, but constantly changing my business. (Gotta go where there's some money.) What I'd like to pass on to anyone who is newly out of the workforce is the subject of the cash economy. (My divorce sent me to the cash economy, BTW.) Basically, it's life "under the radar" of the gov't, or near liberty.

As mentioned above, E-bay is a great way to make some cash - it is a major supplement to me for sure. I know that there are some others in here that enjoy restoring cars or other mechanical items, which is the main part of my income. Generally, I tend to watch the local legal notices for towing/impound auctions. There are lots of them here in Tacoma, I don't know how each city/county would list theirs - but it is worth the effort to find them. I've seen 6-7 year old cars go for as little as $100 with very little damage on them. (No one believes me until they go to the auctions.) After a little work, you've got a car worth several thousand dollars - toss it on E-Bay. Best of all, you never had to register it to yourself, leaving no paper trail with your name on it. By taking cash/money orders only for the payment you remain totally anonymous.

It's not for everyone. Self employment is the hardest you'll ever work, with the longest hours. But freedom isn't free.