Reddit reviews Earning Money Without a Job: Revised for the 90s

Long ago I got a book called Earning Money Without a Job.
(can get at Amazon for a penny plus $4 shipping) http://www.amazon.com/dp/0805014586/

The first part is kind of inspirational, but goes on about what it takes to be self-employed. I was a little scared by that part. The second part lists maybe hundreds of ideas for self-employment. I put an ad in the paper and started doing odd jobs. Later I worked in some special restaurants, later went to vo-tech, studied electronics, had some computer jobs, and later got laid off after having to lay off everyone in my department as the company died. I read that book again. This time I was going to do yardwork. This time I was more interested in the first part of the book. I have been happily self-employed for 16 years since then. You might not want to do yardwork (though that is always there - the work in Norman is unlimited), but I recommend this book highly. You might be able to advertise as a tutor in the fields you have taught. Or who knows what kinds of ideas you can come up with. But I believe there are infinite opportunities that we can find or create for ourselves. You might be able to be very happy with some kind of self-employment. Or it could be a temporary thing. You can always think something up, put an ad in the paper or on Craig's list and see what happens.

As for minor health issues - hopefully they can be addressed. I have many and am always working on self-healing, self-therapy.
If you have problems with your hands, get this book - (cheap at amazon) - Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Other Repetitive Strain Injuries - Sharon Butler
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1572240393/

Temporary agencies is an idea, though ideally you have a car as well as phone. I am surprised it is so hard to get into a convenience store. I wouldn't give up on that. Atwoods is always hiring, though they might want you to be able to do some lifting. But 50lbs should be sufficient. Natural Grocers is a pretty premium job, but they really work people hard. Sprouts would probably be easier to get into.

I used to work in restaurants and have always advised anyone looking for a restaurant job to just apply wherever you might want to work, rather than at wherever they are advertising. (or just go apply at dozens of them) Because all restaurants have a lot of turnover. I used to like just washing dishes. I would walk in, ask if they needed a dishwasher, and they would say "can you start right now?" That actually happened several times. Once you are in, you might be able to shift to other jobs, and maybe get to be a manager. Most restaurant work is minimum wage, but sometimes you get some cheap or free food. But waiting tables/bartending gets you into some tips.

I have heard that it is easy to become a substitute teacher in public schools, but I don't know anything about that.

The most depressing times in my life were when I did not have a job. Hang in there, keep looking, keep thinking about it, keep reaching out for advice. And good luck!

(knowing what field you taught in might give people more ideas for you)