Fantastic information guys. Thanks! If you have more I would love to hear it!

I get along with my immediate bosses and my peers very well. It is just that, I am one of many doing the same job, so I am very expendable. Especially to HR and the "bean counters" who doesn't really care about the needs of the employee over the business need.

I have always wanted to be a writer. I need a lot of work, but what better way to get good at it than to just do it? This is a great idea and I will get working on it asap.

Anything of specific topic or ideas you might have on something I could write about within the culinary arts arena? Anything in particular you have wanted to know or would be of special interest?

What do you recommend is the best way to get people to want to buy an e-book for $19.95? How long are e-books usually when they are written? The question I guess is, what would people consider a value for $19.95 in your opinion?

> Greetings Jay,

> Let me first say, "Congratulations on the up coming birth of your
> child". I am a father of 5 so I know what you are about to go
> through.

> Based on the information you have provided, your income is very limited.
> You did not mention if your wife is working so I have to conclude that you
> are the sole provider. Nothing wrong with that, my wife hasn't worked
> outside the home in over 18 years.

> Before I go any further I want to address your view of your employment.

> "Frankly, I hate my job. It is a dead end job, and I do not like
> having to work for someone else who holds my livelihood with such cavalier
> attitude."

> If you are having trouble getting along with your employer, then you will
> have trouble serving your customers. Customers and employers are the link
> to good customer service.

> When you start to serve your employer and find ways to solve problems and
> make your area of their business better, you begin to understand what it
> means to serve your future clients better. Start to change your attitude
> towards your employer and his/her business. Even if they are thankless!!!
> Remember your employer may become a future client, it's happened to me and
> countless others.

> Also no job is a dead end. It serves a purpose and needs someone to
> perform the tasks involved. In this instance, it's you! Remember
> everything you do with an employer is a stepping stone to a better future,
> provided you pay attention and learn from your experience.

> Now let's move on.

> "I have a job currently that makes only 25,000/year but has me work
> 10-11 hours per day."

> "But with the amount of time this job is taking up, and the very
> little pay I am getting, I have no time to focus on this business. I have
> no choice but to work overtime when available to make ends meet and
> prepare for the baby."

> If you are working 10-11 hours a day that means you still have 13-14 hours
> left in your day. Of those 13-14 hours take 1-2 hours a day and focus
> strictly on your business. It might mean cutting out tv time or some other
> extra activities you like to do. Being that your time is limited then
> utilize what time you do have and apply it to making your business a
> reality.

> If you haven't done so, consider having your wife do some of the foot work
> while you are at work, if she is able. If not then possibly she could help
> in areas that doesn't put stress on her pregnancy.

> "Is there anything that really exists that I can do to make at
> least $32,000/year and not have to work ridiculous hours commuting and
> working? I have a lot of computer IT background, and am a professionally
> trained culinary arts chef (to back up my sauce business later). Is there
> anything that will allow me to work at home 8 hours a day, but flexible
> enough to allow me to be with my family as I need to be?"

> Yes. You could build a culinary arts website and write ebooks based on
> your personal knowledge and experience in that field. Then sell the ebooks
> from your site. Each ebook could contain 3-5 recipes. You would make it as
> detailed as possible. Include pictures and step-by-step instructions.

> Each ebook could be sold for $19.95 each. Allow people to pay and then
> instantly download your books. If you sold 5 ebooks, that's $99.75 for the
> day. In one year that's $7,281.75.

> Being that you are a professionally trained culinary arts chef then use
> that knowledge to propell your future sauce business now. Get a jump on
> your business future and utilize your knowledge.

> You could also provide a mini email course that would teach people about
> becoming their own personal chefs. It's unique and to my knowledge no one
> is doing this. This gives you a way to gather emails and begin building
> your own email list.

> Then in time as you write new ebooks you could give your email clients a
> discounted price if they preorder or for being on your list, while those
> who are not on your list would pay the higher price.

> Another theme for your ebooks is a series, Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3 &
> etc... When you do this you build yourself a following. People waiting for
> your next set of recipes. This in turn would generate additional sales.

> I could go on but I think you have a good idea as to how to catapult
> yourself forward now.

> May the Lord bless you, your wife and the child He is about to give you.