>I'd recommend mastering VFP and VB. You should also get very familiar with HTML, vbscript, javascript and OLE/COM. I have a full time job plus consulting, and make more consulting than I do at the full time job. However, I plan to retire from the "full-time" job in four years, if I don't drop dead first. I can then move into seeking out more clients -> more money.
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>My suggestion is to try to find someone who needs part-time help and build from there. Start with a VERY fair price for your work, and as you hone your skills, expand you client base and raise your rates. When you get to the point that you're working all the time, raise your prices.


Michelle:
I agree with John Harvey for the most part. However, mastering is a relative term. It's My Opinion that a consultants should feel confident in what ever development tools they are using before stating that they provide consulting services with them. My first VB contract was to produce a guest login/logout tracking system for a manufacturing plant. A user could pull a list and see who was in plant and who left plant in case of emergency. It took a day to write and a very simplistic knowledge of VB.

Network with other programmers in your area to see what type of contracts are available and follow John's suggetion on finding a part-time contract. I'm doing this now. I have 3 part-time contracts for about 20 hours per week plus my real job which is my steady pay check.

Good Luck.