I don't like to focus on the negatives in life. Life is hard enough without dwelling on problems.

But unfortunately, with the number of unemployed people now, it would be the height of insanity to ignore the possibility of being out of a job. It can happen at any time.

It happened to us not long ago. The company my husband worked for went through one "restructure" after another. Although he had made it through many of them, eventually it was his turn and he was out of a job.

But he is so personable, not to mention good at what he does, that we assumed he would get an offer before you could turn around. Well, a year later he finally got a new job. Not a great one mind you, but a job is a job.

What he had found while networking looking for a job is that no one is safe. He was meeting CEO's, professors, men, women, and experts in many fields, all in the same position. All spending months, or years, looking for employment.

The most common attribute being that they were all in their late 40's and 50's. Most companies are hesitant to hire people in that demographic. They cost too much and are looking toward retirement. As opposed to the younger, hungrier applicant that is looking toward building a family.

OK, so now that there are so many newly unemployed flooding the market, and not enough jobs to go around, what are you to do?

Well, one suggestion is a home based business. Stop looking for a job and create one!

What home based business you might ask. What are your qualifications? What can you do without a major investment? When you are out of work even a small investment can seam foolhardy.

Luckily, we are now in a time and place where if you have a computer you can make money.

More and more companies are moving from the real world to the virtual one. Instead of real estate they use webspace.

This also holds true for the network marketers of the world. Network Marketers, or Multi Level Marketers (MLM), are finding virgin teretory on the internet. With the adent of Web 2.0 and Social Networking everything becomes possible.

There are many reasons that Network Marketing is particularly attractive in this scenario. A short list would include:

1. The first wonderful thing about this industry is that there is room for everyone. You will never find a Network Marketing company that will say "I'm sorry but we just don't have a place for you". Network Marketing companies are always looking for new people.
2. You won't ever be fired. Network Marketers may drop out, but they will never be fired. As long as you are willing to keep trying, they are willing to let you.
3. You don't have to deal with bosses. You are your own boss. You own your own company. And you are responsible for your own network marketing success.
4. There is a great deal of training information available on the net. And if you pick a good MLM company, they have training available through them as well. And if you pick the right sponsor, they will help you learn the ropes and not leave you out there to fend for yourself.
5. There are endless possibilities for the type of MLM you choose. You can and should pick a product you can be both excited and passionate about. What good is starting a business where you don't love what you do?
6. And of course you can make a living with Network Marketing. Done properly, you can make much more than a living. There is the potential of great wealth in Network Marketing although I don't like talking in those terms. There are to many people out there, preying on people's vulnerabilities, holding the wealth carrot out in front of your nose.

Do your homework. Find out if Network Marketing is right for you. Research what Network Marketing is and what it is not.

For example:

• It is not a "Get Rich Quick" industry. The only people getting rich that way are the people selling you their Get Rich Quick programs.
• It is hard work and it takes time. Success will not happen over night but if you stick with it you can succeed.
• It is not something that can be set up to work "automatically" no matter what the sales letter says.
• It does take supervision and attention to detail. You may grow an organization that seams to run on it's own. But the minute you let that happen is the minute things will start on a downward spiral.
• It is not free. Again, no mater what the ad says, there is a cost. You get nothing for nothing.
• It is affordable. If the Network Marketing opportunity you are looking at is going to put you in the poorhouse to get started, keep looking.

Then research companies. Is it legitimate? What type of training do they provide? Are the sales materials provided or do you have to purchase them? Is there a personal monthly use or purchase requirement? What are the company policies in regard to internet sales, websites, use of logo, etc? What is the compensation program?

When you find the right company, research the sponsor. Will they give you the help and training you need? Do you like them? Can you work with them? Do they have the same work ethic and sales philosophy as you? At some point you will be on your own, but while they are showing you the ropes these things are very important.

But don't over think things either, this process should not take forever. If you find yourself frozen in indecision, go with your gut.

Then when it feels right....GO FOR IT!