Surveys

Unique ways to make an extra buck

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