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[22235933]

I've been a graphic designer and an apparel designer on the side for some 12 years now.  Staring as a "summer job" just to get through graduate school, it's lasted much longer and is more rewarding that I ever expected.  Nevertheless, it doesn't fulfill the desire to teach and isn't related to my education and so I adjunct.

[alwaysanon]

I do consulting work in marketing and communications, which is tangentially but not directly related to my academic field, and I tutor private school students. I also teach 3 classes a semester as an adjunct, write and publish an article or two a year, and care for my young child - she's only in childcare 2 days a week.

After all is said and done, I make significantly more money this way than I would if I was on the TT and paying for full time childcare. I'm also a lot happier and more relaxed.

Granted, I have a spouse with a steady, if not incredibly lucrative, job, and I live in one of those socialist utopias with universal health care.

[zuzu_]

If you have full days off from classes (i.e., you adjunct only on MWF), you can substitute teach HS on your off days. Most states allow you to get a sub certificate if you have at least a Bachelor's degree in any subject. Plus, you can really hone those classroom management skills. (I credit my high-school subbing experience for helping me develop the I'm-approachable-but-don't-f*ck-with-me vibe.)