Probably the easiest way to get started earning more money right away is by doing something related to your present career or job.
A word of caution: Make sure you are not in violation of any agreements you have with your employer or in any way competing with them.
For most people, the skills they use every day in their 9 to 5 job can be used elsewhere. Even some other skill you have from a hobby or previous career would work. My wife, Georgia, has performed work as a makeup artist even though her "career" was in high tech. She had worked in the London theater earlier in her life. We sometimes forget that we do not lose the skills we have just because we're not working with them today.
You surely have talents and skills that can be translated into additional income right now.
For example, when I was in the US Army, attending the Signal School at Ft. Monmouth, NJ, I was being trained in Television Equipment Repair to later be assigned to an Army television network. Although I was learning about broadcast equipment, part of the program included fixing television sets. Using this one small part of what I had learned, I was able to get a part time job in a local TV repair shop to supplement my meager Army salary.
What are your skills?
Make a list of the jobs you've had and skills you possess.
List the things you enjoy doing.
Look for crossovers and opportunities you can implement right away.
In the publishing industry, it is not unusual to find many of the designers and graphic artists freelancing. If you're a layout person at a magazine, they generally have no problem with your designing brochures or newsletters for local businesses.
Journalists will often write copy and press releases for businesses to supplement their salary.
A school teacher might start a tutoring business on the side or, if they are entrepreneurial, could hire other teachers to do the tutoring while they built the business.
Where I grew up, in New York City, almost every Firefighter owned their own business or had another job on the side. Their schedules, working in 24 hour shifts gave them blocks of free time with which to add to their income.
Many accountants have a sideline tax business or bookkeeping service.
A secretary might freelance as a virtual assistant to supplement his or her income.
Whatever skills you have, it's important for you to begin to understand that, within you is the power to change your life and the means to increase your income.
Jim Donovan, is the author of several critically acclaimed self-help books, published in more than 20 countries and a highly sought after motivational speaker and small business coach. His newest service "Turnaround Mentor," provides coaching and mentoring for small businesses who want greater results.