If you’re like me, and probably most college students, a little extra cash in the bank can never hurt. School’s been kickin’ since August, and I bet all of your summer “savings” have started to run low. What can you say? All of that money was obviously only spent on necessities.
- Nails
- Spray tans
- El Jefes taqueria bowls
- Roots bowls
- Starbucks
- Line Leap passes
But now, with Thanksgiving around the corner and the holiday season quickly approaching, I can’t be the only one who could use a little extra spending cash. During the holidays, you need to buy gifts, brainstorm your outfits and plan festivities. Whatever you choose to do or buy, you need to pick it all out before you spend!
So, let’s brainstorm a few ways you could get the money rolling in for this holiday season. These options may not be at the top of your list of things you’d want to be doing while home from school, but work with me here.
Babysitting
Maybe you’ve had a weird, or even miserable, experience babysitting kids, but let’s not forget that it can pay pretty well a lot of the time. There are bound to be parents in your hometown looking for someone to watch their kids around the busiest time of year. I understand that it can all depend on who you babysit for, but there are tons of ways you can try to make it fun!
Sell some of your old stuff online
I know I’m the worst when it comes to getting rid of any of my old stuff, but it’s such an easy way to clear out some space in your closet and get some cash! There’s no way that you need and love everything in your wardrobe.
How about that old sweater you bought from Abercrombie in high school? Ditch her. That old pair of Hunter rain boots just sitting in the closet that you haven’t worn since 8th grade? They’ve served their time. Good thing there are easy ways online to get rid of this junk. Poshmark and Facebook marketplace are two accessible sites to post your stuff to, and people can place bids on your posted items. Snap a pic and wait for some offers!
Look around your hometown for any local “Help Wanted” signs
When I went home for break my freshman year, I asked my local flower shop if they needed any help, and they hired me for a few hours here and there. It never hurts to ask! Not only was being at the flower shop kind of fun, but I was also making some cash. So, peek around the streets near you, see if anything catches your eye, and ask if they could use an extra hand this holiday season!
Doordash
This one could either be your favorite option or something you’d never be caught dead doing. I say this because I once thought I’d never Doordash, but I was wrong. This past summer, my cousin put me onto the Dasher life. She signed up on a whim because she was bored and wanted money. Then, she ended up loving it, so I thought, why not try it! I also ended up loving it, and I made awesome money. The app sends notifications when the best times to Dash are, so you can choose when you want to get Dashing behind the wheel.
Get Creative
This last option may be my favorite but also the trickest. Try to think of something you’re good at or passionate about, and sometimes there’s a way to make some money doing it. Are you good at painting? Drawing? Doing hair? Nails? Creating cool sweatshirt designs for people? Cooking? Baking? The list could go on, but maybe something you’re into is not something ordinary, which could be even better! Start doing what you love and making some cash for it.
These are only a few ideas, but there are several ways you can try to make some money while home for break. Get out there before the holiday season is in full swing, and see what there is to offer!