Thinking of a second job?

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you times are tough. I mean, we hear and read about it every day: “The economy’s in the tank!” or “Unemployment is on the rise!” or “This is the worst recession since the Great Depression!” Ai yi yi.

If you haven’t yet been affected, chances are you know someone who has. Many of my friends, for example, have had their hours or pay reduced so that their employers can “weather this economic storm.” These same friends, most of whom are college educated, have started picking up second jobs to make up for the difference in their shrinking incomes.

They’re not alone. Millions of Americans have second, even third jobs. And it seems to be a growing trend, especially with health care costs on the rise. So if you are thinking about joining the 17 percent of Americans who work more than one job, here are some ideas to get you going.

Pick up freelance or consulting work
Put your professional skills to use outside your 9-to-5 job. Are you an IT professional? Many small businesses and start-ups like to use contractors to beef up their limited IT teams. Are you a website designer? Search for local companies that could use some fine-tuning with their online presence.  Are you a writer? Content is huge, and most companies and nonprofits could use more help generating it in the form of newsletters, marketing emails and blog posts.

Teach and/or tutor
Are you an expert in some field or subject? Do you love to cook? Get a rush from working with investment portfolios? Why not show others the way? Teaching courses at your local community college could bring in some extra cash. (It could also be a great way to network.) If you like working with kids, check out tutoring and college prep centers. Tutors make about $20/hour and usually work a few hours each evening.

Head to the mall
Retail jobs offer flexibility, if you don’t mind working evenings and weekends. While you may be competing with teenagers and college graduates, who are facing a tough market, you can tout your managerial experience and maturity. Another plus? Employee discounts! (Just don’t spend every dollar you earn there! )

And, along the same lines, waiting tables is also a great way to earn some cash: flexible hours, free meals, and tips!

Help around the house (for a price)
Do you ever find yourself straightening up your sister’s house? Or maybe, with that green thumb of yours, you’re always bringing limp azaleas back to life? Well then, you should get paid for it!  Cleaning houses and landscaping for easy ways to earn extra money. Consider babysitting, house sitting or dog sitting too.

Be an eBay Power Seller
I have a friend who collects velvet Elvis paintings–he usually finds them at consignment stores and garage sales–and then sells them online. (Yeah, there really is a market for this. Who knew?)

Do you have a collection you can part with? Old clothes you no longer wear? You can make hundreds, even thousands, of dollars selling your used goods online because, as they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

While we’re all about saving money here at ‘Grow Your Green,’ we understand that life is also all about balance. Now that you have a few ideas under your belt, make sure that your bases are covered with your primary employer.

Before you moonlight…
Before you take on that second job, you should consider some things:

• Let your current employer know you’re thinking about moonlighting. Many companies have policies that prohibit their employees from doing certain things outside of work, such as consulting for competitors. See what limitations you may have.
• Be clear with both employers about your schedule, so that things don’t overlap. Get schedule terms in writing if you must.
• Don’t overextend yourself. If you do, your performance or health could suffer and that does no one any good.

Alright, there it is. What about you? Have you had to take on extra work? Are you considering it? Let us know how it goes, or if you have any other ideas for a second job, send them to us. Good luck!