Things You'll Need:
- Willingness to try new things
- Networking skills
- An eye for scams (don't waste your precious time)
- Perseverance
- Determination
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Step 1
First off, eHow is one obvious way to make a little cash. There are a ton of articles on here about how to do that, so I won't dwell on it, but try it! I am proof it really does work.
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Step 2
The internet. This one is trickier, because there are SO many scams out there, but there are good part time gigs, too, if you keep your eyes open. I did some "guerilla marketing" work for a company that was advertising a great new website. I made a few hundred bucks doing what I was already doing (surfing the web and shooting my mouth off about what I read). Look for these opportunities on places like craigslist and ifreelance.com. Just use good common sense before you agree to the work conditions (I was paid a decent flat rate PLUS a "per piece" rate, this is safer than piece only pay rates). Also, something to consider: the company I worked for was local--I was able to go to their offices and met my boss in person. That's a huge deal to me.
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Step 3
Clinical trials. This one sounds so much creepier and scarier than it has to be. Companies are testing everything under the sun these days, and this is a great way to get free treatment for a condition you already have (like stress or depression or insomnia) You might even make a few bucks on the side!
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Step 4
Post-modern marketing. Many companies are now using "street teams" and "touring associates" to market their products to the younger set. If you are young (or young at heart) and can work odd hours, these jobs can be a lot of fun. I will be spending the next few months travelling to college towns on the weekends helping advertise a product in nightclubs. Free travel and a few extra bucks? Count me in!
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Step 5
Stay open to new opportunities. Maybe there aren't many openings for a Risk-Assessment Analyst (or whatever you used to do). Don't let that title define you! Get a paper route (get your subscription for free), or serve coffee for a couple of hours a day a few times a week (free coffee). These are trying times--you can let them get you down, or use them to find out more about your abilities, character, and fortitude. You can do it!
