WEEKEND EDITION: How to Get Fast Cash
It wasn't that long ago when the mortgage was due, the wife and kid needed supporting and credit card bills were mounting.
Oh yeah - and luxuries like food and heat were needed.
All of this was pretty difficult to pay for, given I had also been out of work for six months.
Since my Unemployment Insurance check had dried up, I did the only logical thing. I worked a boat load of hours every week for a boat load of different temp agencies.
I was in the right forest, but climbing the wrong tree. I could have spent fewer hours working and made more money.
If you're strapped for cash, you can, too. There are some jobs that pay more than others, at times that are conducive to a job seeker.
Waiter/Waitress. Here, we're talking about upscale and chain restaurants, rather than corner diners. Think Red Lobster. Think Olive Garden.
Think about this: during a four-hour dinner shift, you will likely be handling four tables per hour. Even if you're stiffed by one table per hour (which WILL happen), you will still likely average a minimum tip of $5 per table. That's $20 per hour. Not bad for a part-time gig.
Freelance. It's not just for artists or writers anymore. Approach a company in your field and pitch your services - particularly if they aren't hiring. Explain what services you will provide and at what cost per hour.
There are two possible positive outcomes: 1) they sign your letter of agreement; 2) they tell you they have a contract with an agency.
If they work through an agency, ask which one, then approach the agency. Tell them XYZ Company wants to take you on as a freelancer. Then suggest to them that since they don't have to find a candidate themselves, they pay you more than they would have normally. Most temp agencies have a large profit margin, so suggest they split it in half with you, considering you've saved them a lot of effort.
Mow lawns. Yes, mow lawns. And it's not just for college kids, either. Presuming you're able to push a lawnmower, you can do this.
My neighbor has a quarter-acre lot and pays $23 to a service that only does her front yard - and it takes them less than 15 minutes to do!
Talk to those in your area who use lawn mowing services. Put a few circulars around. If you price your service accordingly and have enough houses, you might be able to mow four to eight lawns per day - and it would only take you a few hours per day.
If there are vacant lots or homes for sale near you with overgrown vegetation, they could well be your customers, too. Call the town clerk and find out who owns it, then call the owner. Pitch them on the idea that the town will charge far more to mow their lawn than you will.
All three of these jobs take just a few hours per day, which leaves plenty of time for networking and interviewing. You won't get rich - not by a long shot - but they will help keep the wolf from the door. And you won't have to work 75 hours each week.
IN THE CARAVAN: Keep the wolf from the door by making fast cash with traditionally college jobs, as well as using your expertise on a per diem basis.
Oh yeah - and luxuries like food and heat were needed.
All of this was pretty difficult to pay for, given I had also been out of work for six months.
Since my Unemployment Insurance check had dried up, I did the only logical thing. I worked a boat load of hours every week for a boat load of different temp agencies.
I was in the right forest, but climbing the wrong tree. I could have spent fewer hours working and made more money.
If you're strapped for cash, you can, too. There are some jobs that pay more than others, at times that are conducive to a job seeker.
Waiter/Waitress. Here, we're talking about upscale and chain restaurants, rather than corner diners. Think Red Lobster. Think Olive Garden.
Think about this: during a four-hour dinner shift, you will likely be handling four tables per hour. Even if you're stiffed by one table per hour (which WILL happen), you will still likely average a minimum tip of $5 per table. That's $20 per hour. Not bad for a part-time gig.
Freelance. It's not just for artists or writers anymore. Approach a company in your field and pitch your services - particularly if they aren't hiring. Explain what services you will provide and at what cost per hour.
There are two possible positive outcomes: 1) they sign your letter of agreement; 2) they tell you they have a contract with an agency.
If they work through an agency, ask which one, then approach the agency. Tell them XYZ Company wants to take you on as a freelancer. Then suggest to them that since they don't have to find a candidate themselves, they pay you more than they would have normally. Most temp agencies have a large profit margin, so suggest they split it in half with you, considering you've saved them a lot of effort.
Mow lawns. Yes, mow lawns. And it's not just for college kids, either. Presuming you're able to push a lawnmower, you can do this.
My neighbor has a quarter-acre lot and pays $23 to a service that only does her front yard - and it takes them less than 15 minutes to do!
Talk to those in your area who use lawn mowing services. Put a few circulars around. If you price your service accordingly and have enough houses, you might be able to mow four to eight lawns per day - and it would only take you a few hours per day.
If there are vacant lots or homes for sale near you with overgrown vegetation, they could well be your customers, too. Call the town clerk and find out who owns it, then call the owner. Pitch them on the idea that the town will charge far more to mow their lawn than you will.
All three of these jobs take just a few hours per day, which leaves plenty of time for networking and interviewing. You won't get rich - not by a long shot - but they will help keep the wolf from the door. And you won't have to work 75 hours each week.
IN THE CARAVAN: Keep the wolf from the door by making fast cash with traditionally college jobs, as well as using your expertise on a per diem basis.
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
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