Looking for a Way To Make Some Cash?
Need some extra cash? If so, there are a lot of options for jobs this summer. Truthfully, the best time to apply for a summer job is in April and May before school ends because that’s usually when employers start looking to hire for the summer. But if you missed the boat, do not despair, because you can still find a job or a way to make to some money this summer.
The type of summer job you want depends on you. Do you want to work for an employer with a schedule they set for you, or do you want to work independently in which you control the days and times you work?
Now one is not necessarily better than the other, it simply comes down to a matter of choice. Below is a list of jobs separated by employers and then by what I like to call side hustles—meaning you work for yourself.
This is list by no means exhaustive, but hopefully, you will find something that will work for you so check it out.
Employer-Based Jobs
Fast Food Restaurants— McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Sonics, Culvers, Boston Market, Zaxby’s, Moe’s, etc.
Majors Restaurants Chains
Theme Parks
Grocery Store Chain— Publix, Krogers, Winn Dixie, Safeway, etc
Ice Cream Shoppes— Dairy Queen, Baskin & Robbins, Brewsters, Coldstone, Ben & Jerry’s
Life Guard
Camp Counselor
Soccer/ Sports Referee
Mall Retail Stores- Hollister, Target, Claire’s Dillards, Kohls, Rue 21 etc.
Majors Restaurants Chains
Movie Theaters
Doctor & Veterinarian Offices— front desk receptionist
Server or Host/ Hostess in a restaurant
Work at an Animal Shelter
Other Places to Find Jobs
Temp Agencies– Temp agencies are a great way to get your foot in the door. Recruiters can help you find a position based on your skills and experience. I started out working as a temp and landed a job with two major corporations that hired me on as a full-time employee. There are many people who have had the same experience. I’ve listed a few agencies to get you started: Kelly Services, Randstad, Spherion, Adecco, Aerotek, etc. If you need more, just Google temporary employment agencies.
LinkedIn—If you are a recent college grad or soon to be, post your resume on LinkedIn to be noticed by recruiters. Follow companies you are interested in working for and above all follow recruiters. Help them find you.
Interested in Nonprofit work? If you are interested in working for a nonprofit. Check out Idealist. This is a nonprofit website that is looking to hire talent for non-profit organizations. Some of the jobs are remote. To find these jobs, be sure to remove your location so that the term “everywhere” shows up in the location field. Next navigate over to the left side panel and select remote under the location section. Check it out, you may just find a career that you are passionate about.
Job Fairs– Pay attention to flyers around campus and online listing upcoming job fairs. Your local Career and WorkForce agency keeps a list of these as well. An example would be CareerSource Florida. You will need to find your local chapter depending on your city and state, but they are a resource for finding a job too.
Side Hustles— Start A Business & Control Your Cash Flow
Employer-based jobs can be brick and mortar or they can be online. A lot of people are working from home now, so don’t knock it until you try it. Some of the jobs listed below are considered work at home. You can either work for yourself as an entrepreneur or freelancer/ independent contractor, or for a company that will pay you to work from home as their employee.
Tutor
If you are good at math this is a great option. But don’t limit it to the academics. Are you good at playing an instrument, or playing a sport like soccer or football? You can help younger kids get better at their instrument or sport as well. The one on one training you offer may be just what they need. You can offer your services in person or on a website for tutors–just be sure to pay attention to the age requirements. Get to Googling!
Transcriptionist
If you have fast typing skills, this job may be a great fit. A transcriptionist listens to a recording and then types the words that are being spoken. Check out Rev.com. This company doesn’t require experience and is open to hiring teens. You can also work on your own time.
Babysitter
Love little people? Get CPR certified and this will give parents even more of a reason to hire you as a babysitter. Try offering your services to family members, family friends and neighbors first and then ask for referrals. Before you know it your business could be booming in no time.
Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
Not crazy about kids, but love dogs? Then dog walking or pet sitting is a perfect gig for you. People love their pets and will happily pay for someone to take care of them while they are away on summer vacation or just to walk them daily. Create some flyers, pass them out and get to work. You can either go at it alone or list yourself as a sitter on rover.com.
Landscaping/ mowing lawns
Now it may be hot if you live in the south, but rain can be your best friend if you are willing to mow lawns. This is the time of the year in which they grow fast. Borrow a lawn mower (if someone will let you ) until you earn enough money on your own and get to mowing. If you love the outdoors, try landscaping.
Photography
Love to take pictures and have a knack with the camera? There are a lot of websites including Google that would love to use your photos. Many of them will pay you for your contribution. The reason why is because there are a lot of businesses that need your original photos for their websites. Give it a try. It could be a great way to make some extra cash. Try sites like canva.com.
Writer
If you have the gift of gab and can write persuasively, writing for other businesses and business owners is a great way to make some money. You can be a copywriter, write articles for blogs and if you are really good, you can teach others how to write.
Reseller on eBay or Amazon
Do you have old books, clothes, video games, or just items you no longer want or use? Your trash could be someone else’s treasure. Reselling items on eBay and Amazon has become very popular. A lot of resellers on eBay hunt for bargain items in thrifts stores and yard sales and then resell them for a higher price on eBay. Now this will require some research on your part to find out the latest trends and what customers want, but you can create a nice cash flow for yourself once you do. Amazon.com
T-shirt Designer
I know it seems old school, but if you are artistic and can transfer your design skills to make an awesome t-shirt you can get the cash flowing. Startup costs depend on the route you take, but if you look into print on demand, you may find that your costs may be lower. Google print on demand. You will find companies like Printful.com, Printify.com. Just be sure to do your homework and compare the services and prices so that you are getting great value for your money. Check out Youtube. There are a ton of videos about how to start a t-shirt (and other items) using a print on demand service.
Tailor or Seamstress
Are you always sketching or sewing your own clothes? There are a lot of people who don’t know how to stitch a hole in their pants let alone sew an entire garment. Your skills may be in high demand once people see what you can do. Get a portfolio and samples together, research how to price your services, and then start offering your services to prospective clients.
Organizer
Is your room the cleanest room in your house? Do you organize the spice cabinet by name and then color code it? Do you get excited by the thought of going to the container store? If this is your MO (method of operation) then organizing someone else’s mess could be the ticket to some cash for you. People will make a mess, but often hate to clean it up. You can use your skills to organize someone’s house, junky garage, messy business office or even a college student’s inconsistent notes. Put your superpower to work for you and use it to make some green.
Cleaning Service
Does the thought of dirty dishes make you break out in hives? Do you have a sense of accomplishment when you see straight lines made by a vacuum cleaner? There are many homeowners and business owners, both large and small, who could really use your services. Convince a few of your friends to work with you, and you can turn it into a full-blown business.
Fiverr
Fiverr is a great platform to showcase your skills. If you have excellent computer, design, or writing skills people will hire you to do all sorts of work for them–from designing logos to writing music. Check it out, you will be amazed at what you find.
Sell Your Gently Used Clothes
Sell your clothes for some extra cash. You can sell your clothes to a consignment shop like Plato’s Closet. You can also sell your clothes at an online clothing reseller like Poshmark. Just be aware that you have to be at least 16 years old to participate.
Car Detailer
If the thought of shiny wheels makes you excited, then detailing cars just might be your thing. This entrepreneurial venture will require an upfront investment, but you can make your money back fairly quickly. Google “how to start a car detailing business” to learn more.
Artist/ Woodcarver/ Carpenter
Talented artist? Sell your artwork online or frame it and sell it in person. Etsy is a great place to sell your items. People who shop on Etsy.com are often looking for unique handcrafted items. Check it out and get started making some cash using your natural talent.
Instagram or Facebook Social Media Assistant
There are A LOT of small business owners who are overwhelmed and need help managing their social media accounts. If you spend most your time on social media and consider yourself somewhat of an expert, you can really help a small business owner increase their social media presence. Take the time to learn what business owners need to help them increase their social media presence. Hootesuite.com has some free courses on how to market on social media. Go for it. It’s free. You have nothing to loose, but a lot to gain.
Virtual Assistant
Entrepreneurs and executive employees often hire virtual assistants to help them with both daily personal and business tasks. If you have excellent organizational skills, can follow directions and you are a self-starter, you may be an excellent virtual assistant. Check out websites like Rat Race Rebellion, Work At Home Mom Revolution and FlexJobs for a list of vetted opportunities. While Rat Race Rebellion and Work At Home Mom Revolution are free sites, Flexjobs does require a membership starting at a low monthly cost of $14.
Task Rabbit
Check out TaskRabbit. People will hire you to do one time individual tasks. Check it out, you may find that you can perform a few tasks and make a few bucks along the way.
Uber Driver/ Lyft or Delivery Driver
If you have your own car, you can be an Uber or Lyft driver. If this makes you uncomfortable, then you can be a delivery driver for Postmates, Doordash or Bitesquad.
Braiding Hair
This is great for dorm life. I know when I was in school there were girls in the dorm who would essential “set up shop” in their room and do hair, whether its braiding, washing, weaving, etc. This is a great way to make some cash since not everyone knows how to do their hair.
On Campus Designated Driver
If you are the sober one or non-drinker in your dorm or group of friends, for $5 a head you can the designated driver when your friends go out. This is a great way to earn some extra cash and ensure that everyone makes it home safe. (You might want to cover your car seats just in case there are any mishaps).
Looking for More? Get Creative
Get creative! Use your imagination. Think about the gifts and abilities you already have. Ask yourself what service can you provide people that they need and are willing to pay for. Think about elderly people in your neighborhood who may need someone to run errands for them. It’s a great way to help someone out who needs it while earning some extra cash.