In this economy, many families have gone from 2 jobs to 1, or even to no jobs at all. Some get unemployment benefits, but in many cases, it doesn't come close to making up for the lost income.
First, find out if there is a large Craigslist in your area. If there is, make a list of skills you have- from dog sitting, to baby sitting, to painting a room, weeding a garden, running errands for a busy family, or an elderly person, mowing the lawn, building a website, teaching a skill such as knitting, coupon shopping, or frugal meals, etc.
Once you have an idea of the things you feel comfortable doing, post your services. Make it clear what you are available for, how far you are willing to travel for a job (in city limits, up to 10 miles outside the city limits, etc), and how much you charge per hour. Also, let them know what supplies you have, or what supplies they will need to supply.
You might not get a regular weekly job, but a few odd jobs now and then can put extra food in the pantry, or help pay up an over due bill. Every little bit helps.
Back in February, I posted an online ad for my step-mother. She's been out of work for a while, and her only real skill was that she used to paint signs, murals, etc. I posted her services on Craigslist for her, and within days, she had a paying job painting murals on the walls of a motorcycle shop. She's still doing the job, and the guy is talking about having her do the job at another store he owns, too.
She only goes twice a week, because it's a long drive, but she's earning around $100 a day doing it.
If you do not have a nearby Craigslist, print up flies, and post them around town- laundry mats, coffee shops, grocery stores- anywhere that has a community bulletin board. You could even try a small print ad in the paper, but that does cost more money. Hand fliers out to friends to post other places.
I know there are many of you looking for ways to earn money- hopefully this gave you an idea on something you might be able to do in your area.
Here are some ideas of things most anyone can do without much extra knowledge or skill:
- Clean houses
- Mow a lawn
- Weed a garden
- Run errands
- Babysit
- Pet sit
- Wash a car
There are many other types of jobs out there for people willing to do a little work!
recommend this
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 31
We will be doing that for Jason if he graduates and cannot find a job in his field. Fortunately he has to do a three month externship when he is done so he will likely be able to secure a job where he does that. But if not...craigslist will be our friend.
When my husband lost his job in the banking industry four years ago, he was out of work for about a year. He then started helping out a relative with some handyman work, and now this is how he makes a living. He also does substitute teaching, and a lot of other odd jobs. It is not a regular paycheck, but he made it work for him and I am very proud of him. I still think it is amazing that my husband, who is a computer wiz plus math and science guy turned everything around, and now he can make a living by using his hands.
I was just perusing my local list, and found a cleaning company which is fully insured and licensed who will clean for $23 an hour. My house needs a once over, so I'm considering it! Just the main rooms- top to bottom, vaccuum, mop, sweep, all the little things we never seem to get done.
I can't wait til we make enough money for me to hire a cleaning person every once in a while. I am soooo not the cleaning type!!!
More Comment Graphics