2. I’ve learned so much’
In less than three years, frugal hustles helped Susan Vernicek to pay down $12,000 worth of student loans and consumer debt. She’s also founded and funded Identity, an online women’s health and wellness magazine.
The Wharton, N.J., resident works 30 to 35 hours a week as a graphic designer; a few times a month she takes freelance design jobs
. She’s an assistant high school soccer coach. She’s a fill-in bartender and works many weekends on a catering crew or at private dinner parties.
“I’m not a sit-in-front-of-the-TV person,” says Vernicek, 28.
She hopes the magazine will soon become a full-time career. But she’s grateful for the chance to have worked so many other jobs: “I’ve learned so much about people.”
Vernicek’s advice: Be ready to say yes. She carries her appointment book at all times. “Work your butt off,” she says, and you’ll get hired again.
