How to Get Quick Cash With Temporary/Seasonal Jobs

There are occasions when extra cash is called for—usually when there is need for gift-buying or some type of emergency spending.

If you aren’t gainfully employed, coming up with quick cash presents major challenges. But, there are means by which you can reach that goal, if you let yourself think outside the box, and give special attention to the time of year.

Usually retail businesses hire temporary Christmas help, particularly if they make the majority of their money during the holidays. But, what if it isn’t December and there is a need?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Never overlook your public schools system. You aren’t apt to know when jobs there are posted, unless you have an inside track. But, check the bulletin board at your local administration building to see where employees are needed; everyone from substitute secretaries and teachers to custodians and lunchroom supervisors are in need in a normal sized district.
   
   Ask to test for typing or other skills required, and interview with the personnel department, so you can get on the call list when there are needs for substitutes. The up side of schools’ subbing is that you can accept work when you prefer, and most hours are conducive with those of school-children, so juggling child care might be less of an issue.

2. Do you live in an area where new phonebooks make an annual appearance? Check with the telephone company department that is responsible for them, and find out what it takes to deliver them in either residential or business areas.
   
   To that end, delivering handbills is another means of getting outdoors and adding exercise to earning money.
   
   Also, with an election coming up, check with local candidates’ or political party offices to see if they are in need of dependable delivery services—or other paid chores to be done.
   
   Don’t overlook other election work; call your city or county clerk to see if temps are being hired to assist with various election duties.

3. If mingling with people does not bother you, consider seeking work at large events, such as auto shows. Models (aka: waitresses or car “posers”) are in demand in large cities where auto shows or other trade doings are held annually. Find a municipal calendar to see what is coming up, then zero in on a niche where you can seek work.
   
   Another means of working with people is to demonstrate products in warehouse clubs or retail establishments. Whether demo’ing food, sharing fragrance samples, or interesting potential buyers in cars or other products, look into where the hotline is so you can be made aware when there are hiring needs.

4. 
    
   Mystery shoppers are role-players in demand for marketing feedback.

   Are you good at role-playing, and may even consider acting? Cattle calls go out all the time for extras, if you happen to live near a city where movies are filmed or similar entertainment events occur. Sign up for an online service like indeed.com that can notify you when the need is advertised.
   
   If you can pull off role-playing, consider becoming a mystery shopper. There are many marketing companies that work with assorted retail establishments, restaurants and other businesses to secretly check efficiency and accuracy as well as service and products. Some mystery shoppers pay a fee to receive assignments, but it is possible to seek work through the middle-man without paying a fee. Good communication skills are a must in this type of work, as is timeliness and dependability, but a good shopper will be in demand and can earn some serious money or expensive perks, like designer shoes.

[Clem-Media]

on 3/4/2008 You betcha--especially how to deal with aches and pains! LOL.

[JMOrganizations]

on 3/2/2008 Thank you for the ideas. You can also do a few hours being a companion for the elderly. You learn a lot from the older folks around you.

[Clem-Media]

on 1/6/2008 You're so kind!

I know as billpayers, we tend to panic when the economy is in the crapper (like here in MI), but calming down and thinking things through creates some wonderful entrpreneurial opportunities, as well as means of just meeting the monthly bills!

Sometimes, it's just that special shove we need to take matters into our own hands (ie: start our own businesses), instead of depending on others to pay us wages for less-then stellar jobs.

[MidniteWriter]

on 1/6/2008 These are great tips. I do not think that people realize there's money to be made out there, and to see seasons as opportunities. Thanks for your tips. They will help many.