If you are among one of the many who has been out of work for awhile, then you may feel like you are beginning to lose hope. During a recession, competition in the job force is fierce, and there are hundreds of applicants for job openings. It can be quite frustrating trying to look for a job as gas prices fluctuate, food prices rise and trying to cover your family’s needs. This is especially hard when you are unemployed.
After filling out several job applications, attending job interviews and yet again-getting another rejection letter, it’s easy to question yourself if the entire process is even worth it. While you are searching for employment, there are jobs that you can do on the side to earn some extra money for your household. This won’t only just keep you from losing your mind, but it will also give you some extra work experience. Future employers will see this as an effort on your side by staying busy and keeping a good work ethic.
There are a variety of jobs that you can do that don’t require an acceptance letter or turning in a time card. You can begin by writing down some of your strengths and other activities that you excel in. Browse through the newspaper and see if there are any specific jobs that people are requesting such as baby-sitting, mowing lawns, taking care of pets or even seasonal work.
Landscaping
One examples of an extra job that you can do is landscaping- (mowing lawns, weed-eating and planting flowers/garden). Households who don’t have time to mow their own lawns or care for their yards often are in search of others to help them complete the task. Decide on a set price, supply cost (such as gas and the use of your tools) and the kinds of services that you want to offer. Put an ad in your local newspaper and make fliers to distribute. During the winter, in return, you can offer snow shoveling services. If you gain a good handful of customers, it could turn into a nice side business.
Freelance Writing
If you love to write, enjoy reporting the news or like to do research to create informative content, then you could excel at freelance writing. There are several content companies online that allow you to work from home as a freelance writer. With good drive, motivation and a strong work ethic, it’s possible to make a part time or even a full time income writing online. Visit writer’s forums, talk with other work at home parents or start searching for “freelance writing jobs” on popular search engines such as Yahoo! Or Google. Popular companies to write web content for include Yahoo! Contributor’s Network, Demand Media, Break Studios, Merchant Circle and Textbroker. Search websites like Craigslist or Elance to find individuals or businesses searching for freelance writers.
Baby-Sitting/Daycare
Running an at home daycare may provide more difficult than just baby-sitting. Starting a daycare also requires more money upfront. If you are just beginning, try your hand at baby-sitting at first. For those who are still lucky enough to have employment during a recession, they may be searching for childcare. Put an ad in your local newspaper and hang up fliers in your hometown area. Have a list of references ready as well as one that shows your qualifications. Find out what the “going rate” is in your community and what other sitters charge. Then decide how many children you are comfortable watching. In most states, there is a legal limit number children you can watch before you have to become a licensed daycare provider. Be sure to research this information too. If you stay busy with a streaming amount of regular children that you watch each week, it could turn into a part time or full time job.
Dog Walking/ Pet Sitting
Many individuals and families own a pet or two. Some even maybe three or four! During the day, many are unavailable to take their pets out for a walk or to take them out and get some exercise. Sometimes families leave for a vacation and feel guilty about boarding their pet somewhere that is unfamiliar to them. If you have a love for animals, this could be an ideal side job for you. Offer to walk other people’s dogs or even “pet-sit” for them while they are away. You may need to feed them, take them outside and provide them some temporary companionship. While many families do love their pets very much, there are things that come up in life that keep them away from their fury friends. This is when they could call up a dependable dog walker or pet-sitter to help them out. Ask other pet-sitters or research online to find out what others charge. Create an ad or make a flier to hang in veterinarian offices or other local businesses.
Conclusion:
While most of these jobs may seem minute, they actually can turn into lucrative side businesses over time. With some hard work and dedication, they could even become a full time job. Some may decide they don’t want to do jobs such as these forever, but they are a simple way to bring in some income until you get your foot in the door of another business again.
With a slow economy, it often can take six months to a year before becoming employed again because job competition is so fierce. By taking charge of your own financial future, this also will look good with probable employers ask how you have been spending your free time while you have been out of work. If you are currently unemployed, make a list of your hobbies and talents, and find out how you can create a job that you can do so that your household still has some income streaming in.