5 Tips for Finding a Summer Job for Extra Income

Whether you went a little over budget on your recent vacation or could use some additional cash toward the kids’ back-to-school expenses, a summer job might be the answer to improving your financial situation. All sorts of companies hire seasonal, temporary, and part-time workers, so decide what sounds like a good match for your abilities and get moving!

Here are five strategies for finding a summer job for extra income:

1. Network.

Connecting with othershas always been a top way to land a position, and summer employment is no exception. Inform those in your circle about your desire for additional work. You might discover that a neighbor is looking for childcare help because her regular sitter is heading back to college early, an elderly member of the church would be delighted to pay someone to reliably run errands, or a former coworker’s new company could use a temp worker with your computer background to fill in for staff members on vacation.

2. Keep your eyes open.

As you go around town, become aware of “seasonal help wanted” signs. The pool your family frequents may need additional lifeguards or snack counter help,the library could use extra associatesin the children’s section to aid with summer reading programs, or the movie theater might want early morning or late-night staff to handle the extra showings of the latest blockbuster.

3. Contact a temp agency.

Businesses with increased activity over the summer often turn to temp agencies to find them suitable workers. Likewise, staff vacation absences sometimes turn out harder to cover than anticipated—leading employers tohire temp workersbefore projects really get out of hand.

Think about your skills and availability before meeting with an agency rep in order to facilitate matching.

4. Check out FlexJobs.

No matter the time of year, FlexJobs provides adatabase of legit jobs with flexible arrangements. And with new postings added daily, your perfect additional money-maker can come up at any time—from an alternate-hours position in your geographical region to a remote project done from the comfort of your air-conditioned home office!

5. Create your own gig.

Want more options? Build your own summer (or longer) job as an individual contractor, also known as a freelancer. Construct websites. Write articles. Turn your baking passion into creating custom cupcakes. Organize children’s birthday parties. Market yourself as a handyman. The possibilities are endless based on your skills and interests.

Before taking on clients, however, do some homework. You’ll learn what to charge, what services competitors offer, how to promote your individual brand, what licenses may be needed, and how to ensure you’re filing taxes properly. Asuccessful freelanceris a prepared one!