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Job Duties:Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers typically do the following:Control power-generating equipment which may use any one type of fuel, such as coal, nuclear fuel, or natural gasRead charts, meters, and gauges to monitor voltage and electricity flowsCheck equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problemsAdjust controls to regulate the flow of powerStart or stop generators, turbines, and other equipment as necessaryCareer Overview:Power plant operators, dispatchers, and distributors control the systems that generate and distribute electric power.DutiesPower plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers typically do the following:Control power-generating equipment which may use any one type of fuel, such as coal, nuclear fuel, or natural gasRead charts, meters, and gauges to monitor voltage and electricity flowsCheck equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problemsAdjust controls to regulate the flow of powerStart or stop generators, turbines, and other equipment as necessaryElectricity is one of our nation’s most vital resources. Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers control power plants and the flow of electricity from plants to substations, which distribute electricity to businesses, homes, and factories. Electricity is generated from many sources, including coal, gas, nuclear energy, hydroelectric energy (from water sources), and wind and solar power.Nuclear power reactor operators control nuclear reactors. They adjust control rods, which affect how much electricity a reactor generates. They monitor reactors, turbines, generators, and cooling systems, adjusting controls as necessary. Operators also start and stop equipment and record the data. They may need to respond to abnormalities, determine the cause, and take corrective action.Power distributors and dispatchers, also known as systems operators, control the flow of electricity as it travels from generating stations to substations and users by monitoring and operating current converters, voltage transformers, and circuit breakers over a network of transmission and distribution lines. They prepare and issue switching orders to route electrical currents around areas that need maintenance or repair. They must detect and respond to emergencies, such as transformer or transmission line failures which can cause cascading power outages over the network of transmission and distribution lines they control.Power plant operators control, operate, and maintain machinery to generate electricity. They use control boards to distribute power among generators and regulate the output from several generators. They monitor instruments to maintain voltage and electricity flows from the plant to meet consumer demand for electricity, which fluctuates throughout the day.Work Environment:Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers held about 60,700 jobs in 2012. About 69 percent were power plant operators, 19 percent were power distributors and dispatchers, and 12 percent were nuclear power reactor operators.About 70 percent of power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers worked in the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution industry in 2012. State and local governments employed 13 percent of power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers.Operators, distributors, and dispatchers who work in control rooms generally sit or stand at a control station. The work is not physically strenuous, but it does require constant attention. Workers also may do rounds, checking equipment and doing other work outside the control room. Transmission stations and substations where distributors and dispatchers work are typically in separate locations from the generating station where power plant operators work.Because power transmission is both vitally important and sensitive to attack, security is a major concern for utility companies. Nuclear power plants and transmission stations have especially high security, and employees work in secure environments.Work SchedulesBecause electricity is provided around the clock, operators, distributors, and dispatchers usually work rotating 8- or 12-hour shifts. As a result, all operators share the less desirable shifts. Work on rotating shifts can be stressful and tiring because of the constant changes in living and sleeping patterns.Education and Training:Power plant operators, dispatchers, and distributors need extensive on-the-job training which may include a combination of classroom and hands-on training. Nuclear power reactor operators also need a license. Many jobs require a background check, and workers are subject to drug and alcohol screenings.Many companies require potential workers to take the Power Plant Maintenance (MASS) and Plant Operator (POSS) exams from the Edison Electrical Institute to see if they have the right aptitudes for this work. These tests measure reading comprehension, understanding of mechanical concepts, spatial ability, and mathematical ability.EducationPower plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers need at least a high school diploma. However, employers may prefer workers with college or vocational school degrees.Employers generally look for people with strong math and science backgrounds for these highly technical jobs. Understanding electricity and math, especially algebra and trigonometry, is important.TrainingPower plant operators and dispatchers undergo rigorous, long-term on-the-job training and technical instruction. Several years of onsite training and experience are necessary to become fully qualified. Even fully qualified operators and dispatchers must take regular training courses to keep their skills up to date.Nuclear power reactor operators usually start working as equipment operators or auxiliary operators, helping more experienced workers operate and maintain the equipment while learning the basics of how to operate the power plant.Along with this extensive on-the-job training, nuclear power plant operators typically receive formal technical training to prepare for the license exam from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission(NRC). Once licensed, operators are authorized to control equipment that affects the power of the reactor in a nuclear power plant. Operators continue frequent onsite training which familiarizes them with new monitoring systems that provide operators better real time information on situations regarding the plant.Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsNuclear power reactor operators must be licensed through the NRC. To become licensed, operators must meet training and experience requirements, pass a medical exam, and pass the NRC licensing exam. To keep their license, operators must pass a plant-operating exam each year, pass a medical exam every 2 years, and apply for license renewal every 6 years. Licenses cannot be transferred between plants, so an operator must get a new license to operate in another facility.Power plant operators who do not work at a nuclear power reactor may be licensed as engineers or fire fighters by state licensing boards. Requirements vary by state and depend on the specific job functions that the operator performs.Power distributors and dispatchers who are in positions in which they could affect the power grid must be certified through the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) System Operator Certification Program. NERC offers four types of certification, and each qualifies a worker to handle a different job function. A dispatcher’s certification is valid for 3 years, and a worker must fulfill continuing education requirements to renew the credential.Other ExperiencePrevious related work experience can be helpful. Many employers prefer experience in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, or in other occupations in the utilities industry, such as line worker or helper, or laborer in a power plant.Some nuclear power reactor operators gain experience working with nuclear reactors in the U.S. Navy.AdvancementAfter finishing work in the classroom, most entry-level workers start as helpers or laborers and advance to more responsible positions as they become comfortable in the plant. Workers are generally classified into levels on the basis of their experience. For each level, there are training requirements, mandatory waiting times, and exams. With sufficient training and experience, workers can become shift supervisors, trainers, or consultants.Nuclear power plant operators begin working in nuclear power plants, typically as non-licensed operators. After in-plant training and passing the NRC licensing exam, they become licensed reactor operators. Licensed operators can advance to senior reactor operators, who supervise the operation of all controls in the control room. Senior reactor operators may also become plant managers or licensed operator instructors.Important QualitiesConcentration skills. Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers must be careful, attentive, and persistent. They must be able to concentrate on a task, such as monitoring the temperature of reactors over a period of time without being distracted.Detail oriented. Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers must monitor complex controls and intricate machinery to ensure that everything is operating properly.Dexterity. Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers must use precise and repeated motions when working in a control room.Mechanical skills. Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers must know how to work with machines and use tools. They must be familiar with how to operate, repair, and maintain equipment.Problem-solving skills. Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers must find and quickly solve problems that arise with equipment or controls.Pay:The median annual wage for power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers was $68,230 in May 2012. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,110, and the top 10 percent earned more than $92,570.Median annual wages for power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers in May 2012 were as follows:$74,990 for nuclear power reactor operators$71,690 for power distributors and dispatchers$66,130 for power plant operatorsBecause electricity is provided around the clock, operators, distributors, and dispatchers usually work rotating 8- or 12-hour shifts. As a result, all operators share the less desirable shifts. Work on rotating shifts can be stressful and tiring because of the constant changes in living and sleeping patterns.Union MembershipCompared with workers in all occupations, power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers had a higher percentage of workers who belonged to a union in 2012.Job Outlook:Employment of power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers is projected to decline 8 percent from 2012 to 2022. Although electricity usage is expected to grow, advances in technology and increased energy efficiency will contribute to decreases in employment for the occupation. Employment growth will vary by specialty.Employment of power plant operators in nonnuclear power plants is projected to decline 11 percent from 2012 to 2022. Energy companies are increasingly promoting energy efficiency to cut costs and comply with environmental regulations. Consequently, the demand for electricity is expected to grow much more slowly than in the past, resulting in fewer new job opportunities for workers.In addition, as old power plants close, they will be replaced with new plants that produce electricity more efficiently and, in many cases, have higher capacities. These new plants will have modernized control rooms which are more automated and provide workers with more information. As a result, fewer workers will be needed to produce the same amount of electricity in these new plants.Employment of power distributors and dispatchers is projected to show little to no change from 2012 to 2022. Although some distributors and dispatchers will be needed to manage an increasingly complex electrical grid, employment growth will be tempered by advances in technology and smart grid projects that automate some of the work of dispatchers.Employment of nuclear power reactor operators is projected to show little to no change from 2012 to 2022. Although no new plants have opened since the 1990s, new sites have applied for construction and operating licenses, and they will need to be staffed before the end of the next decade.Job ProspectsJob prospects should be better for those with related training and good mechanical skills. Many people will seek these high-paying jobs, so job prospects will be best for those with strong technical and mechanical skills.For More Information:For more information about power plant operators, nuclear power reactor operators, and power plant distributors and dispatchers, visitAmerican Public Power AssociationCenter for Energy Workforce DevelopmentInternational Brotherhood of Electrical WorkersFor more information on nuclear power reactor operators, including licensing, visitU.S. Nuclear Regulatory CommissionNuclear Energy InstituteFor information on certification for power distributors and dispatchers, visitNorth American Electric Reliability CorporationSimilar Jobs:Construction Equipment OperatorElectrical or Electronics Installer or RepairerElectricianLine Installer or RepairerStationary Engineer or Boiler OperatorWater and Wastewater Treatment Plant System OperatorSource: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, 2014–2015 Occupational Outlook Handbook, http://www.bls.gov/ooh.Cheers!

According to AARP:Most Desired Fields / Percentage of Those Interested in an Encore CareerAdvocacy 36%Work with children/youth 32%Conservation 31%Teaching 31%Community safety 24%Local or global poverty alleviation 24%Spiritual/religious work 23%Work with older people 17%Lucrative jobs with no college required / Average SalaryLoan officer $61,928Medical appliance technician $57,484Stationary engineer or boiler operator $55,373Postal service mail carrier $49,499Line installer and repairer $47,759Quality control inspector $46,378Floral designer $45,234Hazardous materials removal worker $45,220Changing careers after age fifty used to be uncommon, but as social norms and economic realities shift, more and more people are finding it necessary or desirable to make a late-life change. No matter why you decide to change careers, it's important to prepare yourself for the realities of the job market, which may have changed drastically since you last sought work.Part 1 - Making the Decision1. Take your time. The decision to switch careers is likely to affect your financial security and quality of life for the rest of your working days, so you should take your time and make a wise decision.If you are already employed elsewhere, don't quit your job or announce your plans to quit until you have your next career plans secured. If you fail to find a second position, your employer is likely to view you as unreliable, and any employees who are under your supervision may lose faith in your directives.2. Assess your situation. There could be a number of reasons why you may want to change careers later in life: seeking a lifestyle change, looking for higher compensation, coming out of retirement, or following life-long career goals. Regardless of your decisions, make sure that your choice is financially feasible.Think about what it is that makes you consider a career change. If you find yourself unhappy with your coworkers, boss, or company, it's possible that a job change might be enough to give you more satisfaction, rather than changing your entire career. A career change might be better if you find that your current work does not make use of your skills, or is unfulfilling more generally.Most workers retire right around age 70, which gives you less than 20 years to prepare a nest egg. Switching careers means you might sacrifice seniority (and the paycheck that comes with it) as you enter a new career in a junior position. Consider whether you are sacrificing financial stability by changing careers.If your current position is not setting you up for financial freedom during retirement, a new position might be right for you.If you have recently found yourself without a job due to cutbacks or other conditions out of your control, this might be an ideal time to explore other career options, provided you can get by without an income while you obtain any necessary certifications and hunt for a new position. Check to see if your former employer offers career counseling in layoff situations, which can be beneficial as you think through your options.3. Talk to those you love. Talking with trusted friends, family, or mentors can help you assess your situation from multiple perspectives, which can help give you insight not only into whether changing careers is a good choice for you, but also into what your viable alternatives might be.Friends and family with vested interests in your financial success (like a spouse, dependent children, or heirs) might not have neutral opinions, but they still might be able to offer input that you had not considered.A neutral third party mentor might be best positioned to assess your situation and give you feedback. Consider contacting a career counselor. If you are a university graduate, call your university's Office of Career Services and ask if you can schedule a meeting in person or via Skype.Part 2 - Choosing Your Next Path1. Consider your experiences, qualifications, and skills. Your next career path should maximize the things you're good at, and give you an opportunity to enjoy your work, while also providing financial security for your later years.The majority of people entering an "encore career" later in life go into the fields of education, healthcare, government, and non-profit. Of course, these are not your only options, but great places to get started in your search.2. Determine if you need additional education, training, or certification. Major career changes might require additional qualifications that you don't currently have, and if the process is very costly or time consuming, you need to determine whether the payoff will be worth it.For example, if you do not already hold an advanced degree but decide to become a university professor, you will have to go through five or more years of graduate school (which can cost tens of thousands of dollars) followed by six or more years in the tenure track before you obtain job security. Depending on your age, it may not be feasible or practical to accrue debt in order to switch careers.Other career changes, such as a change from teaching to school administration, may only require a certification exam and license.3. Think about other obstacles you may encounter. Entering a new career at an older age can have unexpected drawbacks and challenges, and these can vary by industry, so be sure you talk with a trusted adviser about the field you are considering.Prepare for possible discrimination in the hiring process. While age-based discrimination is illegal, it is still common. Job ads are often coded to indicate that the company seeks a younger employee, using language like "energetic" or "fresh" as code for "young." Some places routinely hire only young employees, such as Facebook, whose employees have a median age of 28.Even when you land the job, you are likely to be perceived as less technologically advanced simply because of your age. You can mitigate some of this concern by polishing up your digital presence and taking courses at the local community college in any specific software or hardware you might need to know in your chosen field.Part 3 - Marketing Yourself for a New Position1. Prepare yourself for the job-hunting process. It may have been years since you last updated your portfolio or resume, so getting everything in order is crucial before you begin applying.Most applications are done online, so you will need access to high speed internet service and the ability to upload relevant documents.You will need a cover letter for each job you apply to. Writing cover letters can be very time-consuming, so to expedite the process, write a generic cover letter which can be customized depending on the specifics of the job responsibilities.You will need a resume, updated with every position you have held. If you are changing industries or seeking a very different position than you held previously, consider writing a functional resume rather than a chronological one. A functional resume highlights your skills and abilities and how they fit together to qualify you for a position.2. Polish up your digital presence. More and more, potential employers locate candidates for positions through internet sites or at the very least vet potential candidates by looking online. Your "digital presence" is the impression of you that others receive when they read everything about you that is available online.Start by going to Google, the main internet search engine, and typing in your name in quotations plus your location (for example: "john doe" Athens, Georgia). If you have a very common name, you might have to enter more details, like your previous employer ("john doe" university of Georgia). If nothing shows up at all on the first page or two of results that is about you, you have no digital presence and need to start from scratch.Depending on your field, having no digital presence might indicate to a potential employer that you are out of date. If the career you are considering has anything to do with technology in particular, start working on a strong digital presence.Start by creating a Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+ profile. In your privacy settings on these websites, be sure to select to allow your profile to be shown in search engine results. Only use professionally done and flattering images of yourself as profile pictures; be sure that any personal, unprofessional, or unflattering images or details about yourself are kept private in your privacy settings (or better yet, are not there at all). Create some publicly visible postings that engage with current issues in your field.Consider creating a website. If your name is available as a domain, you can register it and develop it into your own professional website using a hosting company like Blog Tool, Publishing Platform, and CMS - WordPress. Visit this helpful wikiHow page to learn more about how to create and design a website.3. Locate open positions. The process of job hunting has changed a great deal in the last several years, as more and more companies have moved to digital methods for announcing positions and collecting resumes.Network on and offline, as often who you know is as important as what you know when it comes to finding a job. Facebook and Log In or Sign Up are great places to get started.Try using websites devoted to jobs in the field that you are interested in, or more general and large-scale websites like Job Search | Indeed and Monster Jobs - Job Search, Career Advice & Hiring Resources which tend to carry job advertisements for all fields.4. Market yourself. As you prepare your job materials, remember that you are in a very competitive job market, and as an older candidate you will have to go to greater lengths to prove that you are the best candidate for the job.As an older worker in a very competitive job market, one advantage that you will always have over younger competition is your experience. In your cover letters and resume, you need to list the skills you've gained over the years and the responsibilities you've held.Show your versatility, too. Since you are changing careers, show how the work you've done in the past, though different, has prepared you for the work you are seeking.Take your time and wait for the right opportunity. Don't flee a stable job irrationally. If you really want to change careers, wait for the opportunity you've dreamed about to come along. Exercising patience will very likely pay off by the end of your job hunt.

The list is not exhaustive but I believed you can pick an interest in one or two of the businesses listedCONSULTANCY SERVICES: - This is the foremost of the small businesses one could ever think of; one can basically consult on almost anything and everything. Just think of any special skill in your possession and pronto, you can make a reasonable income from it. E.g. marriage counseling, business consult, legal consult, property consultancy, educational consulting, media consultant, etc. One do not have to possess any capital to start consulting, just some contacts on your phone, email addresses and referrals from family and friends, you are good to go.RESTAURANT: - No matter how poor people may be, food still remains the number one basic necessities of life before clothing and shelter. If you can do it right, it’s one of the surest way to crossing the poverty line. If you are still in doubt, please visit Equal Right in Somolu, Amala Sonola in ogba Aguda, Ewa-Agonyin(Beans) palace in Unilag etc. With a capital between N10K – N50k, you should be making a residual income from it.FASHION AND TAILORING SERVICES: - From time immemorial fashion business has been dynamic and ever present. From Paris to New-York, Milan to Lagos, Beijing to Joburg, fashion statements defies national/ethnic boundaries. Different occasions demand special outfits, one can easily take advantage of the trend in fashion consciousness of the people to earn a decent living. You can start with as little as N30K-N100K.REAL ESTATE AGENCY: - By finding properties for prospective clients, you perform a valuable service to both owner of properties and prospective tenants. Advertise that you have listings available for houses, apartments, flats, rooms, offices, etc. You can either charge a one-time fee for finding accommodations or work on a commission. In this line of business, capital or professional qualification is not really required as a start-up, you can belong to groups in the real estate NICHE or get briefs from family and friends, just have the right information and you will always smile to the bank. In addition, you can also be a property manager to your clients and earn steady income from management fees.RENTAL BUSINESS: This has mushroomed into an attractive new business opportunity. People like to borrow, do-it-yourself rent professional equipment. Many people are doing well these days by acting as rental agents for all manner of things - power tools, trucks, cars, electric generators, etc. Just look around your environment and conduct a research on items that could be of rental value to your community. For example, if you live in an area where property development is just springing up, you can decide to venture into giving out building tools such as, wheel-barrow, head-pan, shovel, trowels, drums, ladders, scaffolding, sledge hammers, pick-up trucks, etc.LAUNDRY/IRONING SERVICE /CLOTHES CLEANING: Everyone has dirty clothes for laundry and ironing, but many working class and career individuals do not have the time to tend to their laundry themselves because of the busy schedule of work or business, this is where you would come in and make money by doing a professional laundry service, especially in areas where power supply is erratic. If your backyard/compound is spacious enough to accommodate washer-men and pressers who will do justice to the clothes, hire them and start making money, This business could just be for you if you have a knack for cleanliness and corporate cleaning services. With a capital between N20K – N100K this business could turn you to a millionaire over a period of time.HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE: Many home-owners and apartment dwellers will welcome help at "house cleaning'. Charge a flat fee for the amount of work that must be done. Make arrangements with firms that provide labour for tidying up office environment , cleaning carpets, dusting the furnitures, polishing, etc. and collect a commission from them. Tell your friends and family who are moving to a new house or changing offices, with the help of fliers or handbills you could reach out to a large audience.MAKE AND SELL CUSTOMIZED JEWELLERIES AND BEADS: Homemade costume jewellery sells, sell directly to jewellery outlets, gift shops, hairdressers shops, clothes boutiques, and by selling on e-commerce shops such as Jumia, Konga, Payporte, OLX, Facebook Shopify, Gtbank smemarkethub, etc. It is possible to start with limited capital of N5K- N20k.GAME CENTERS: The game center concept is good, both for those who have jobs and those who want full time involvement. A game center is a place where people mostly young come to play computer basic games like play station, Nintendo, Atari, etc. You can also provide space for refreshments like ice cream, snacks, soft drinks etc. Gaming centers charge customers who come to their outlet between N100.00 – N500.00 depending on the area, and the type of customers you are dealing with. If you start small, you can make between N5k – N20k per day. There is a classical game center at Mende by Maryland, it is built with a portal cabin and looks beautiful as well. You can as well provide a MOBILE GAME cabin for birthdays and get-together parties, this arrangement can fetch you good money if you get high-end clients in areas such Ikoyi,V.I, Lekki, Ikeja G.R.A, etc.FISH FARMING: If you have been contemplating on a small business and haven’t heard about fish farming, then you are missing something. Over the years, quite a few people have made fortunes from fish farming; as the population is swelling and protein needs are far outstripping the available supply, fish meal is always a winner if done well. Fish farming is a sure bet business if you put the right structures in place. More and more people like fish due to its low cholesterol protein, All you need do is to get a space, buy or construct tanks, buy finger lings for between N10 to N20 and feed them for 4 to 6 months, then sell from between N1500 to N2000 depending on weight and size. But you need to have a basic knowledge of fish farming to start this.WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT: Experience, training or licensing may be needed. Many courses exist (many of which, logically, are offered online) where you can learn the language of website creation and can learn about the details, like how to set up shopping cart systems, security concerns, etc. But lately we have seen ready tools on some hosting site like Godaddy, Bluehost, Wordpress, ipage, simplesite and so on; many of these hosting sites have ready tools for even the newbie in web design. You will, of course, need to learn about each company you want to design for. What is the atmosphere of the company that you need to reflect in the website design--is it wild and contemporary, meaning brilliant colors and fun graphics? Or will more classic colors like black, navy blue and maroon be more appropriate? Many small businesses in Nigeria does not have a web presence, even the bigger corporations only possess a web banner or billboard, you can propose an interactive website to small businesses at a cheaper rate of say N10k or more and start building your client lists from there. This business requires little or no capital to start.DAY CARE: If you are the type that naturally loves kids around, this is an opportunity for you to tap into. Perhaps you have children of your own and the idea of taking care of a few more for part of the day appeals to you. Child-care needs continue to soar in this part of the world as the task of professional career seems to be more demanding. Many people prefer the option of their child being cared for in a home environment while they are at work, opposed to a more institutional-like setting. These things mean that a home based childcare business can get off and running immediately. If you are living in at least a 3bedroom apartment and there is an extra room unoccupied, please don’t let rat and cockroach take advantage of the extra rooms in your house, talk to friends in the neighborhood who might need such services, with a simple handbills and short message advert it will surely pay to have kids around.GIFT BASKET/PACKAGING SERVICE: Finding a niche is the best way to start out in the gift basket business. If you had flare for gifts and souvenirs why don’t you look for clients who you could put together baskets that hold the things that people with this interest would like too! You can create a product that a gift basket could be built around, I saw a fruit basket designed by First Bank Plc presented to a customer at Alausa secretariat Ikeja Lagos, it was a piece of creativity as everybody was taking snapshot of it. With a capital of N50k-N100k, you can start this business. Marketing your gift basket service is not an arduous task, just talk to friends, families, congregational friends and colleagues, and if you have a little budget for advert and proposal it’s all well and good for publicity.BEAUTY SALON/HAIRSTYLIST: Hairstyling is a popular business that can be quite lucrative. Generally, with the trend in fashion statements nowadays, hairstylists are usually busy. If you already have your apprenticeship training and experience, and loads of friends especially ladies under your belt, you probably have prospects that will follow you right home without any hesitation. You can have a unisex salon under one roof, get some boys and girls from cotonou, they are very good in weaving and braids, place them on salary or commission and your life will not remain the same!MUSIC LESSONS: Some people are naturally gifted in music and sound instruments, either as a result of being in the choir, or family background or personal interest in music and sound could be an inspiration. You want to stick to the instrument(s) you know, but you may be skilled enough a musician to offer lessons on different instruments, or those in a particular class, e.g., stringed or woodwind. You can decide to take on individuals or classes, depending on space and availability of instruments. Public/private schools are continually reducing their commitment to art and music classes for students, so you can try to work with the public school system to supplement their efforts in those areas. I have a friend, Adeshina, he has been taking advantage of his deep knowledge of the musical instruments to make extra income way back school days, even as a comfortable person today, he still plays organ for his church AVM in GRA and private personalities when occasion demands. Here, your hidden talent could be your buried treasure.PHOTOGRAPHER: Previous experience and formal training may not be needed to venture into this line of business as there are ready tools available in the market to perform different operations such as editing, printing, framing, styling, Photoshop software, etc. Making money as a photographer can be done in a number of different ways. You can specialize in one area, the most common being weddings and social functions. All you require is a professional camera, a mobile printing device and your call cards, visit any social function dressed as corporate as possible so as not to be bounced by the security guys, take one or two snapshot of guests most especially ladies, quickly find a safe place to plug your printer and extra batteries for charging, before the show wound up, look for people you have snapped and give to them at N100 or more, you can make as much as N20K-N50K at a particular event. There are other niches you can explore for photography: portraits of people and their pets, families and homes; photographs of holiday events, birthday parties or model photo shoots, film makers, students, religious gatherings, etc. The possibilities are endless and the capital to invest is not a cut-throat.WEDDING PLANNER: Before I got married I visited a wedding planner shop on Aromire street Ikeja and I was impressed at how much people pay for the services of a wedding planner, anyway I didn’t make use of their service but I learn one or two thing from them which helped in making my wedding event a success. However, the rich and busy type of people in the society doesn’t really have all the time going to the market to shop for this and that, they prefer to give the service to a wedding planner. You will need to be up-to-date on wedding trends and fads, dress styles, color trends--almost everything under the sun! Offer your customers an ala carte menu of services, from helping pick flowers, the wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses to picking the venue and hiring the caterer. Before you open your business, shop at all the wedding shops, and even pretend you are a bride-to-be to see what kind of service the wedding gown shop provides and how they treat potential customers. You need to know every detail of the business to give the accurate impression that you are the go-to person for anyone planning a wedding. For you to succeed in this line of business, I advise you to just do one perfect wedding job and others will keep coming like a virus.COMPUTER TRAINING: If you have a basic knowledge in computer training and applications you are on your way to becoming a teacher to many people. It will amaze you to know that only about 20% of Nigerian population is actually computer literate. My brother once offered to train people for free on Sundays after lecture at NASFAT in Ipaja Lagos; he confessed that there was a large turnout, even the working class people attended. You can offer training in desktop computers and mini computers such as laptops, palmtops, I-pad and tablets. You could probably make a living helping seniors learn how to use the internet and e-mail to keep in touch with their loved ones, send applications, online exams/TEST, etc. Make the training as much fun as possible; people do not want to know all the details about what makes a computer work. If you overload them with information from the beginning by explaining bits, bytes, and megapixels, they will stick to their paper and pencil forever. You can start this venture with fairly used computers which you will find scattered all over Computer village in Ikeja Lagos. Talk to people in your neighborhood by printing an advert for a free computer lesson, get their database and give those basic trainings afterward and introduce more complex ones.ELECTRIC FENCE WIRE INSTALLATIONS: Fences are everywhere and they also add beauty to the structures and buildings in the society. The quest to protect from external invasion, burglary, theft and encroachment has necessitated the need for a more technical way of protection. The electric fence wire is really the vogue now, and the training is not hard to comprehend. Just undergo the training first and the materials for executing your job abound everywhere with installation guide and manuals. The start-up cost is basically the training fee and tools like cutting tools, hand gloves, measuring tapes, plum, etc.GRAPHIC DESIGN: One major landmark about the computer is, you could probably become a professional in any field by accident. Graphic design is one of the “Experts by Accident” job am talking about. At least with the little time I have spent on the computer in the last 2 years, I can create a simple design for anything I want to do. Despite the proliferation of the internet, print media is still relevant to the foreseeable future! Fliers, newsletters, magazines, information sheets, letters and advertisements are just a few of the type of print media that business outfit hires Graphic Artist to create for them. Websites and online advertising need graphic design services as well. Even if your expertise is only in design, offer the works for potential clients, friends, and small businesses. So many softwares abound in the market to help you through. I know of a guy who designed my wedding invitation cards, his business name is KUKUGRAFIX, as a student, he does good graphic jobs using just his laptop and pay-as-you-go internet connection.INTERIOR DECORATION: Market your talents to building contractors. People purchasing new homes can often be overwhelmed with the choices and possibilities in home decoration. Design some questionnaires for each major element and each major room in the house. Find out how the homeowner will use the home--are there children? Pets? How will each room be used? Suggest color separations for the painting of the rooms, try and explore the use of wallpapers in room areas where traffic is high. Get hold of catalogs showing architectural masterpiece, develop an interior model that suits your clients' budget, give them options and freedom to express their views on what you intend to do. Referral will definitely come your way if you get it right. This business does not really requires much capital, with a good marketing skill and creativity you will succeed.RECHARGE CARD PRINTING: If you have not heard of recharge card business before, perhaps you are still living in the cave of KUVUKI land. A recent study shows that the average monthly money spent on voice and data in Nigeria amounts to N445Billion. Even the GSM companies attest to the fact that Nigeria is a Goldmine when it comes to Telecoms business. You can actually start with capital as low as N10k and make a profit of N2k if you do your networking well. There are 3 categories of recharge card business anyway, you could either be a Retailer, wholesaler or Dealer. Whichever category you chose, it’s a good venture because as long as people still keeps subscribing and making phone calls you will never be out of business, also it is not a seasonal business.BUSINESS PLAN SERVICES: Just this month alone I have received an Offer to develop a business plan for five clients in the areas of NYLON BUSINESS, ICE BLOCK MAKING, CAR WASH BUSINESS; EVENT CENTER and TRAVELS AND TOUR PACKAGES. At least, I receive an incentive of N100K alone on the NYLON BUSINESS PLAN. Choose an area of business you have expertise on, include a market research on it, and write the business plan narrative and the financial statements. Plan your fee around the main one which the client will want, and offer the others as add-on services. You can give clients an electronic file and allow them to take it from there, or you can keep the business plan on file and offer the service of fine-tuning it whenever necessary. Have business plan samples to show clients--and make sure to include your own!.You can also start with little or no capital as Google is always your friend on research.A CYBER CAFE/BUSINESS CENTER: Prior to the era of deregulating the telecommunication sector, the cybercafé cafe or business centers used to be the only place ordinary people could visit to carry out some task such as checking/sending emails, Fax, Internet calls(VOIP),Typing of documents, scanning, binding, graphic works, etc. But now, most of these tasks could be done in the comfort of your house, however, due to the economic growth and the competitive nature of modern day business the Cybercafé/business center had refused to go into oblivion. The fact remains that in a business center outfit, you could basically perform all I.T related functions at a glance and with precision. Therefore, it is not going to be a wild goose chase venturing into this line of business as it can be undertaken by anyone. I have a complete business plan for anyone who wishes to go into this line of business. You can start with as little as N200K-N500K.FOOTBALL VIEWING CENTER: In the contemporary African setting, having a satellite dish system at home used to be a luxury but with the emergence of DSTV, GOTV, STARTIMES, MYTV and other free-to air satellite stations, watching foreign Television programs has never eluded the Nigerian viewers again. Soccer being a unifying sport has created an avenue for prospect in viewing centers, people love to watch football where they could shout, argue and make fun or jests of other club supporters. Although it is not an everyday business but the weekly income from viewing center could take care of the basic necessities required in the family, all you need is space that can accommodate up to 50 viewers, get a DSTV Dish and decoder, set of TVs and speaker unit for public attention. You can add refreshments such as biscuits, gala, soft drinks to balance the equation. You can start with as low as N200K-N500K capital.SECOND HAND MATERIALS : Second-hand materials either from abroad or locally sourced can often be bought cheaply at private sale, from markets and side-street secondhand market like GATA NKOWA in Abule-Egba Lagos, Lawanson, Computer Village, Vespa market, Alaba Market, ASPAMDA, etc. and through classified advertisements in E-commerce website such as OLX, TRADESTABLE, NAIRALAND, etc. The goods/items can be displayed on free advert platforms, it could also be displayed in a Vehicle whether stationary or moving-across-town, the goods usually comes with lower price value compared to brand new ones. You can start this business with a little capital such as N10,000 or less.PROOFREADING: A lot of publishing houses, independent writers seek the service of proof readers; some of them will prefer the service of part-time proofreaders since they cannot afford to pay the monthly salary of full-time proof readers. Make sure you have lists of script-writers, Article writers, story-book writers for children in your database, and get in touch with publishing houses; it is important that you advertise your service in a local newspaper, on social media, in an electronic medium, etc. All you need to get started is your skill in proofreading scripts.A SMALL POULTRY: Poultry is a business you can start from your backyard with 50 to 500 bird, which cost between N10, 000, to N100,000 depending on cash at hand, these amounts include cost of bird, the pen, feed and medication, Get somebody who is experienced to help you set up the pen. You can source woods directly from sawmill to lower the cost. Waste management in poultry is very vital, if not properly handled it will affect the growth, production, and bird performance whatever aspect of poultry you intend to go into is profitable. A single bird can give you an average of 730 eggs within 2years before you sell it off for say N500 or N600. Target your harvest towards the festive periods such as Easter, EID-il-Kabir, Eid-il-Fitri, and Christmas and New Year celebrations.CANDLE STICKS PRODUCTION: With erratic power supply in the country, there is no doubt that production of candlestick is a money-spinner. A sizable group of Nigerians still relies solely on candle sticks to battle the erratic power supply. With N10, 000 you can have a candle mold, which produces 16 candle sticks at a time and go about 50 times a day translating into 800 per day. This is a situation when you are starting with N20, 000-25,000, to produce the 16 pieces does not take you more than 10 minutes; throw in another wax, which you must have melted. While the previous one congeals and go on and on. So instead of starting with N100,000 - N200, 000, you can actually start with N25, 000.The startup requirements are mold, which cost N10,000, wax N1,000, Thread N1,000, heart source N600, Packaging Nylons N1,500, Ceiling Machine N2,000 and logistics.SNAIL FARMING: Snail meat has been generally affirmed as a very safe and nutritious delicacy. In these days of increased coronary implications and other health issues, snail –producers are certain to hit it big because many people are shunning away from beef or red meat. It is also pleasing to note that snail production venture could be kick-started with a little initial capital of N15,000K. The best period to commence snail rearing is the raining season however if you have access to borehole or nearness to swampy environment, snail can be reared anytime of the year. You can get these snails from the market throughout the country, or from snail farmers. Snails prices depends on the sizes, the bigger ones are sold for between N1, 500-N3, 500 per bunch. It is better to buy the big ones because they can hatch after about 35- 45 days. About N15, 000 should get a new entrant started in the businesses. Visit Hotels, eateries, bukkateria, corporate offices, schools, catering schools, Government offices, etc and advertise your produce through pamphlets,handbills,fliers,etc.ESATE MANAGER: Owners of apartments and houses are most often willing to pay 5% of the rent as commission to agent who will collect monthly rents, place income in the bank, superintend maintenance and show people over vacant flats. Some people make good income from this arrangement, managing several blocks of serviced apartments/flats in private and commercial areas such as Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria-Island, Ikeja GRA, Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Lagos-Island,etc. You can leverage on referrals, family and friends who have properties but doesn't have the time managing the estate themselves. You also do not need to have any capital to start this venture.PLANTAIN CHIPS: Plantain chips are probably the fastest moving consumer goods in Nigeria after Bottle water and Sachet pure-water. After removing the skin/peels, the unripe or ripe plantain fruit can be sliced/diced (1 or 2 mm thick) and fried in oil to produce chips, packed in polythene and bagged for distribution. If the chips are made from sweeter fruits, they are cut vertically to create a variation know as plantain strips. Just make sure you put your label which will have your contact address, phone numbers, name of your venture. The more you produce the more money you make, because majority of Nigerians love plantain chips. This business can be kick-started with N10,000.START AN AQUARIUM BUSINESS: An aquarium business is a great backyard-based business idea. Two common directions taken by people here are fish breeding and aquarium maintenance services. An aquarium business is not just a skill-based business. It requires a decent investment in equipment because most people who want to buy an aquarium will want choices. You need to present to the client various options such as a small, round or rectangular aquarium that has a corner of a room or a small aquarium that can be fitted into the wall, and others. You can charge as much as N20, 000 to N100, 000. Pick an idea now, execute your plan, and earn money with a business you love. You can liaise with furniture showrooms, horticulturists, landscapers, Interior Decorators, Building contractors, etc about your service. With an initial set-up cost of N100,000K, you will never regret venturing into an Aquarium business.SPECIAL EVENTS/PARTY ORGANIZER: Pubs are more frequently offering entertainment these days, but the Owners don’t always have the time or inclination to organize it. So, your business idea is this. Find an attractive pub or event arena, and offer to organize a weekly party or live shows such as comedy, Talent hunt, Exhibitions, etc. The arrangement would be that you organize the show and charge admission/gate fee. The Owner of the outlet rents you the space/hall/ground/facilities for either a fee or for free, but he keeps all the profits from the extra food and drink sold. Once the agreement is made, the work is easy. Provide music, etc, perhaps by a good DJ. Promote the event as much as you have the capacity and have tickets sold. The facility owner would, no doubt, be happy with the extra takings. A friend of mine once packaged a VALENTINE GROOVE in Feb 2015 already, the facility owner agreed to give out his Hall out for free, my friend also arranged all upcoming artiste in the environ to come showcase their talents, different service provider like ASUN BERBEQUE,FISH BERBEQUE, SMALL CHOPS, SHAWARMA, POPCORN, ICE-CREAM Vendors volunteered to take part in the publicity for the show. It therefore means that my friend was able to organize this show with next to nothing in terms of capital. This event could be a regular show or seasonal, and it could also be a one-off at very little risk to see how it goes. It undoubtedly works because it is merely a way of sub-contracting something out to the mutual benefit of all stakeholders.CAMPUS/SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY: This is a good idea for anyone with an interest in photography, or someone who knows someone interested in photography. Quite simply, campus/school photographers are still very popular till date. As a part time business, you can offer to do it cheaper than the regular Professional photographers reason being that many students will want to keep memories of their campus activities. Contact schools, both private and Government owned in your area of proximity and put your proposition to the Directorate of Student Affairs. Once you registered with the School management with an intent to operate in the school, you will be required to pay some fees and complete an application form as an operator of such business in the school premises. Usually students enjoy as much as 50% discount as against what is obtainable outside campus. Through repeated sales and turnover, you can graduate to real professional photographer whereby you apply for bigger jobs outside. You can equally apply to private Crèche, Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools for an arrangement to be their school photographer once there is need for such. Luckily, if you have the knack for photography, this is a sure bet business, even without capital to invest in professional cameras you can rent or borrow.VIDEO COVERAGE SERVICE: Offering a video coverage for special occasions is a profitable venture. Many young brides lately want a living memento of their wedding-day. N100k-N250k can be realized for 1-6 hours work if you get packaging right. Get acquainted with the latest Video graphic programs and technologically-advanced ways of creating a 'movie like' video service. You can borrow a Camera for a fee of between N10K – N25K depending on how latest its technology is. Just start with family and friends at the initial stage of the business then gradually progress to the big market using your previous experience.TOY MAKING: The local toy industry is becoming keenly interested, gone were the days when 99% of toys are imported from overseas market, recent study has shown the strong initiative in developing local contents in toy productions, our local toys are also in high demand both locally and abroad, the humor in African folks and tricks favors this genre of technology, games, game boards, masks, educational toys, models, puppets and other types are fancifully created to serve as income earner. Visit the beach side, amusement parks, Stadium complex, Trade-Fairs, Swimming pool side, etc. and see many attractive toys produced locally. With little capital of about N20K you can venture into this business.GSM PHONE REPAIRS SERVICES: This is another highly profitable small business. Some I.T firms even offer to train people on GSM repairs for free. Also there are different software on how to repair, fix and troubleshoot any phone, your ability to handle simple working tools is all its needed to excel in this field of endeavor. As GSM is widely used in Nigeria with almost 100million GSM phone users across the country, so is the income potential is unlimited. Alternatively, GSM repairing course is offered by some professional engineers, why not enroll for the training and start making steady income daily.HOUSEHOLD ELECTRONIC REPAIRS SERVICE: Hardly would you come by a household in Nigeria which does not possess an electronic gadget. Electronic Items such as T.V, Radio, Electric cooker, Fan, blenders, microwave oven, mower, vacuum cleaner, etc abound everywhere. As a matter of fact, many of these items will develop a fault at one point or the other, if you are the type that always derive passion in repairing gadgets like these it is a good spare-time business as there are useful manuals on the subject or enroll for the training under a trained electrician.INSURANCE BROKERAGE AGENT/SELLING INSURANCE POLICIES: This is growing enormously and the future market is very great. Most insurance companies have training facilities for agents who are mostly paid on commissions. Men and Women act as sole proprietor, operating their own business in their own time, the opportunity to earn is limitless as long as the policy is still active and the premium is paid you will continually receive your commission as agent. Many Insurance firms are willing to put you through their working operations in order for you to succeed as the arrangement is a mutually benefiting one.