What? The system, which says they want to get you out of the system and better yourself, is doing all it can to keep you in the system? No! It cant be! The government wouldn't do something like that! They WANT you to get a job and better yourself! Or at least thats the lip-service they pay.

Yeah that was dripping with sarcasm. It's too damn lucrative to be 'in the system' and there is nothing but incentives to stay in. Why would Dread bother trying to get out of it, if they punish him for doing so?

Anyway, this isnt a thread about my views of disability and welfare and all the other crap that "helps" so many people.

(and I do say as a side note, for those who truly deserve it and need it, it's a good thing. But by making it nearly impossible to leave it, or, rather, making it so you don't want to... now who's being helped?)

As for ebay Dread, go for it. There's damn near no regulation on it, and no one reports to anyone else the volume of sales you make. I'd be willing to bet your city doesnt have regulations on what is "casual sales" on ebay and what is "business sales". I have made thousands of dollars on ebay in the last 12 months, mainly by finding good discounted items with good rebates and buying them with coupons, then selling the items on ebay. ($500 color laser printer from Staples cost me $130, and I sold it on ebay for $325, or leatherman tools on amazon with discounts and freebies that I sell for a $20 profit each) I wouldnt say it's a business, but I've made small-business-like income on it. Who's to say I'm not just buying low and selling high? Who's to say i'm in business?

Now if you MAKE jewelry that MAY be another issue, but, prove it's a business. I call it a hobby. Oh, I'm getting rich off of it? Prove it. Paypal isn't required to report your income to the IRS, because how do they know it's "income". Money orders mailed to your home and deposited in your bank... unless it's over $10,000 your bank doesnt care.

My mom buys tons of fabric and lace at super discounted prices (she knows where to shop) and sells it on ebay, to the tune of $500-$800 a month in profit. It's a home based hobby for her. No license, no fees, and no one to prove she has to pay em.

I say use your line of credit to buy good tools and supplies, make some stuff, and load it up on ebay. I'd be happy to help if you're not an ebay expert (there's tons of tools and easy ways to handle payment, shipping methods, inventory, etc).

Once you're making good money off ebay maybe you can afford to open a B&M store, Gotta start somewhere. Shame your city doesn't want you to.