Unique ways to make an extra buck
By Kate Lorenz on Jul 16, 2009 in Featured, Job Surveys
Many people would like to make some extra money, but it’s more true now — especially for those who have to support a partner who has been laid off, been laid off themselves or taken a pay cut. In fact, new CareerBuilder survey found that one-in-ten workers reported they have taken on a second job in the last year to help make ends meet.*
The survey also asked what the most unique ways people have earned additional income. I’ve done a lot of things to earn extra cash: babysat, audio recorded conference sessions, been a retail sales assistant, bartended, clipped newspaper columns, and sold used clothes and CDs.
I don’t know about you, but some of these responses sound a little more exciting than dealing with surly retail customers and drunk bar patrons. Here are some of the things people have done to put some extra money in their wallets.
- Used a portable propane burner to heat oil, and sold catfish dinners on his front porch
- Made Star Wars costumes for people
- Donated blood plasma
- Researched stories for a gossip columnist
- Won money on a game show
- Juggled chainsaws in a talent competition
- Posed for an art class
- Worked as a tarot card reader
- Wrote a freelance article on Big Foot
- Took notes in class for college students
- Took items from the Lost & Found and sold them online
- Gave people in the office hair cuts
- Tested recipes for a book
- Worked as a movie extra
- Participated in product testing for bandages
- Played in Poker tournaments
- Participated in university research studies
What about you?
