Finding a full-time job after graduating doesn’t happen overnight. Worried about your wallet in the meantime?
Here are five ways to earn extra cash while job searching.
1. Cash in on your hobbies.
Have you ever considered turning your hobby into a service? For example, plenty of creative individuals sell their handcrafted work on websites like Etsy. You don’t need to be an artist in order to cash in on your hobbies, though. Whether you’re an excellent baker, an exceptional photographer, or have a knack for decluttering and organizing, you can find ways to turn these interests into cash. Try promoting your expertise on social media to bring in some business.
2. Sell your clutter.
While selling things you no longer use might not give you a steady income, it’s still a great way to get some extra cash in your wallet when you need it. Sift through your belongings and see what you’re willing to let go of, such as old furniture and gently-used clothing. The good news is, there are plenty of websites and apps out there that make selling your belongings easy. No need for an old-fashioned yard sale. Here’s where we suggest starting:
• eBay
• Facebook Marketplace
• Poshmark
• LetGo
• OfferUp
3. Look out for paid internships.
An internship may not be what you had in mind if you’ve already graduated, but don’t count it out just yet. Consider this a stepping stone towards your perfect job. Not only are you gaining valuable experience for your resume, but internships have the potential to turn into full-time offers. You can also rest assured that you’ll have some money coming in while you hunt for something more permanent. If you’re open to this route, start searching online job boards like WayUp and Internships.com for internship opportunities that are open to recent grads.
4. Pick up part-time work.
There’s no shame in landing a part-time job while you’re waiting on the perfect full-time opportunity. It’s likely that there are even gigs in your chosen field that you can pick up part-time, such as working at a daycare center if you’re an aspiring teacher. But don’t limit yourself if you can’t find work that directly relates to your major! From waiters and hostesses to cashiers and receptionists, part-time roles can be found in a multitude of areas. You can also consider taking on a side hustle, like driving for Uber or DoorDash, if you prefer to work on your own schedule.
5. Try your hand at freelancing.
Have you ever considered using the skills on your resume for freelance work? Many brands pay freelancers for things like writing, graphic design, programming, proofreading, and so much more. Plus, you can use these experiences to strengthen your resume, which will help you out on your job search. Consider taking on these types of independent projects in your spare time while you job hunt. Freelance opportunities can be found across most online job boards, as well as sites like UpWork, which directly connects companies to freelancers.
