Do you get bored
quickly during holiday breaks from school? Or do you need extra money to have
fun with friends during your break? You might consider working at a temporary
or part-time job over your break. Not only would you earn extra money for the
holidays, but you would also be improving your resume.
Just keep in
mind that it may be difficult for a young person to find a part-time job
because adults may be competing with you for these jobs, due to the economy. However,
there are alternatives for making extra cash without a regular job:
·
Pet sitting: Many people need someone to care for their
pets while they are away on vacation. Holiday breaks are the perfect time to
ask people you know if they need someone to care for their pets. And the
rewards may be more than financial, as walking dogs is great exercise.
·
Babysitting: Babysitters are often in great demand
during the holiday season. This can be a fun money-making opportunity if you
enjoy kids. Of course, it is also a great responsibility; parents will expect
you to take good care of their kids and not raid their refrigerator or turn their
house into party central. Consider creating fliers to distribute in your
neighborhood and to your parents’ friends to publicize your services.
·
Winter Labor: If you live in area that gets a lot of
snow during the winter, consider shoveling snow off of people’s driveways and
sidewalks. In fact, if your area gets snow until March, this could be a good
job for the entire winter.
·
Sell your used electronics and gently
worn clothing: If you
have properly functioning electronics that you aren’t using, consider selling
them online. Secure websites like uSell and Gazelle.com allow you to safely sell
your smart phones, tablets, etc., online. If you have gently used clothing that
you no longer wear or no longer fits you, consider selling it to consignment
stores. If your item sells, then you might receive 50 percent of the selling price.
Some stores might give you cash on the spot if your clothes are not outdated
and are in good condition. You can might even sell your clothes online through
sites such as thredUP.com or The RealReal.
READERS,
what do you think?
1. Have you ever looked for opportunities to
make extra cash during your holiday break? If so, what did you do?
2. Can you think of other ways to make money
during your break that are not mentioned here? If so, what are they? How
practical do you think they are?
References:
Flashman, R.,
& Stork-Hestad, N. (2011, December 5). KHSFPP Update # 258—Part-Time Jobs for
the Holidays. Kentucky High School
Financial Planning Program. Retrieved December 3, 2014, from http://www2.ca.uky.edu/hes/fcs/hsfp/updates/2011/update0258.htm.
Huddleston, C.
(2014, November). 20 Ways to Earn Extra Cash for the 2014 Holidays. Kiplinger.com. Retrieved December 3,
2014, from http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/saving/T065-S001-20-ways-to-earn-extra-cash-for-the-2014-holidays/index.html.
