When I was going to school in the early eighties we were told of a job market that was drastically different than what exists today. We were told not to worry about the future too much. All we had to do was go to school, get a job and do good work. As long as we did these things we would be taken care of. We were also told the best place to put your money was in a savings account

In today's world these instructions are not only inadequate they are for the most part completely false.

Getting an education is always a good foundation no matter what a person decides to do.

It does not seem to matter what you study all that much. The important part is that you have shown the resolve and will to get a degree. Listen to your gut and study what you enjoy. The last thing you want is to get a degree and be stuck in a job path that you don't like.

The term "job security" does not mean what it used to.

To have a job in today's world is a fragile agreement between you and your employer. It does not seem to matter if you do a great job or a mediocre one. You can be fired at any time. I have seem everyone from the lowest maintenance person to the top engineer let go at the whim of the company. The Wall Street Journal ran an article a few years ago stating that a good way for a company to save money was to fire its employees who had been there for years and were earning higher salaries and hire new younger employees that would work for less pay.

Banks are a great tool for consumers and a great way for banks to make money.

You may have to re-read that last sentence. The convenience of banks today is invaluable for consumers. Keeping transactions electronic when paying bills or buying groceries is much easier than carrying cash and balancing your checkbook. Electronic pay methods like PayPal are making it easier and easier to get the goods you want. However, when it comes to saving money, there are far better methods than what is offered at your local bank. Do some research or, better yet, talk to a financial specialist. There are many vehicles for your money out there that will serve you well.

So what can a person do to escape living on the edge of unemployment or homelessness?

For most of us, quitting our jobs outright is not an option. What we can do is take the things we enjoy doing in our spare time and monetizing it. Let me give you an example of what I mean.

If you like building models. Create a model website or blog and post pictures, reviews, or instructions for novice modelers. You can add adsense or other affiliate links on your site so visitors have other sources of related information. You will get paid for the referrals.

If you like sewing clothes. Sell your clothes on eBay. You can open an eBay store and carry inventory.

There are numerous ways you can turn your hobby into a passive income stream. Pursue what you enjoy. Over time it could replace your day job.

Remember, retirement is the point when you no longer have to work for an employer. You may still choose to work for someone else. But the choice is yours.