Is your wallet looking a little thin because you’ve lost your job? It’s no secret the economy sucks right now. And although the unemployment rate is slowly declining, with an emphasis on slowly, many who have been on the receiving end of lay-offs are still waiting for their opportunity to get in on the upward swing of the employment curve and back into the job market. But in the meantime, coping with being out of work can be difficult, to say the least. Navigating through job postings and dead-end interviews can definitely create feelings of anxiety and despair. And figuring out how the months’ bills are going to get paid with a dwindling savings account and very small unemployment benefits is enough to drive anyone off the cliff. Now add in the fact that the holiday season is upon us, and you have a prescription for psyche meds and therapy sessions—of which you really can’t afford.
Rather than sit home, sulking and being depressed, it might be time to take matters into your own hands and out of the government’s by coming up with creative ways to generate a little extra income. Some cash on the side could always help. This is America, the land of opportunity where you’re one smart idea away from being a millionaire. Granted, you might not have a brilliant multimillion dollar thought waiting in the wings, but you’re bound to have talents and hobbies that can easily translate into quick dollar signs. Don’t let your resume limit you. Get creative and use your special talents to rake in a little extra cash. And in case you need a starting point, here are a few easy ideas to get you started with trying to subsidize your lack of income.
Sell Your Unwanted Clothing
Now is not the time for hoarding behavior. Like most people, your closet is probably filled with items you no longer wear or need. So why not de-clutter and sell them? With thrift shopping on the rise, your closet rejects just may be the next person’s treasure. Opt for your own stand-alone site and make a business out of it. With tons of user-friendly e-commerce sites, even the most Internet-challenged person could be on their way to their own online shop. If not, there’s always eBay, and the old fashioned way — garage sales. You’re bound to bring in a few dollars for those designer shoes you haven’t worn in years.
Offer Babysitting Services
Although you might be home twiddling your thumbs catching up on all the daytime talk shows, you might have a few friends with kids who aren’t as lucky, NOT! A great way to help them out and earn money is to offer your time and babysit your neighbors’ children. While you may not want the liability of a full-on daycare, watching one or two kids at a time may not be too much to handle. Keep your hourly rates lower than daycare fees and you’ll be on your way to gaining a bit more cash on hand.
Start A Catering Service
If you know your way around the kitchen, this should be perfect for you. Instead of sitting home cooking and baking and eating everything in sight, segue your love for food into a lucrative side hustle.
Become A Freelance Writer
Do you love expressing yourself? Perhaps you have a way with words and a knack for writing. If this is you, freelance writing may just be the financial breakthrough your bank account needs. Many publications, both print and online, are always looking for new and fresh story ideas. And yes, many of them are willing to pay for the compelling content you have to offer. So if you have a great writing voice, channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw and get to pitching a few ideas in between your job-hunting.
Become a Tutor
In high school or college, were you always the go-to person for algebra help? Well turn your love for your favorite subject into a tutoring business. There are plenty of students from elementary all the way up through college who are struggling in areas of study you might have mastered. Why not help a student ace their next exam for a small fee?
Become A Make-Up Artist
When you had a steady income, did you find yourself always buying the latest beauty products and tools to try on yourself and friends, with you becoming the resident make-up artist for the group? Well maybe using your make-up tricks to create an uptick in your bank account balance is the route for you. While this may take a little time, create a portfolio showcasing images of your make-up work. Then hit up Craigslist, and other want ads for people seeking an inexpensive make-up artist.
