The last thing any of us need right now is another job, but some of us don’t have a choice. Since the price of everything has gone up—and the likelihood of a raise has gone down—many need to supplement their incomes just to get by.
But what to do? Can you really get another job if you already work a 9-to-5? Will you have the time? The flexibility in schedule? Are there any jobs that just require a few hours a week? Will it pay enough to make it worth it?
There are actually many options out there for people looking to make some quick extra cash. Some part-time work requires specialized skills, but not all. With some research and some specific goals, you can find the perfect side work for you.
Contract/Freelance Work
This area is actually booming right now. Even with massive layoffs, work still needs to be done and companies are finding it cheaper to hire part-time contractors. Most of these jobs require certain skills or education—accounting, computer programming, editing, and marketing are examples. With contract work, you will often make a higher hourly rate because they don’t have to pay for your benefits or wasted hours surfing the net. Plus, many have flexible hours and telecommuting options. Look under the “Gigs” section on Craigslist for opportunities. Also, think about places that specialize in what you can do—maybe you can write software documentation for Oracle or do graphic design work for a local non-profit. Just remember that most companies don’t pay payroll tax on independent contractors, so make sure to do the math or talk with an accountant about what you should be setting aside.
Food/Service Industry
Food/service industry work has very flexible scheduling and little responsibility. Plus, with many of these jobs, you leave with cash at the end of each shift. At Starbucks, half-time employees are eligible for health insurance, stock options, and retirement savings. Local restaurants may need part-time servers, hosts or bartenders. Check out catering companies—they always need people and it’s quick money. Also, many of these jobs feed you—a free meal is always welcome!
