Jill of All Trades

Wannabe IPs would do well to note Lavin's diversity. As a freelancer, her skills and interests -- marketing, advertising, designing, writing, creating, communicating, and teaching -- blend in a way that they had not at her wage-slave jobs. Of course, not everyone is interested in a job that forces you to assume many different roles. But if, like Lavin, your talents and interests are wide-ranging, freelancing may be just the thing for you.