by Melinda Barr

Created on: February 05, 2010   Last Updated: April 29, 2010

In these tough economic times, many people are turning to part time work to help supplement the family income. A part time job is not the same as a full time career, therefore you can be more flexible about the kind of work you will or will not do.There are many ways to go about your job hunt. Scour the newspaper help wanted ads, check online job posting boards, and drop off resumes to high turnover industries like restaurants, grocery stores, and gas bars.

Networking is one key way of find supplemental employment that many people forget about. Talk to people you see on a regular basis and let them know you are looking for a part time job. Mention it the cashier in your local grocery store, convenience store, and coffee shop. Letting as many people as possible know that you are looking increases your chances of getting a job. Any one of them may have information about who is currently hiring that you have not heard about yet.

Do not overlook online writing sites like Helium and many others, particularly the ones that pay upfront payments in addition to page views. At today’s minimum wage (which is what most part time jobs pay), you can earn just as much by dedicating that three or four hours a day to writing. By choosing higher paying channels and writing quality articles, you could easily make more at writing than you might at a part time job.

Get creative. Turn your skills, hobbies, and interests into something other people might need. Senior citizens are a great target market if you have an interest in lawn and garden care. They are also good candidates for errand running, driving to appointments, washing exterior windows, and so on.  Two or three steady, repeat customers is all you need to get you on your way to earning supplemental income. Gift baskets, crafts, and baked goods might also be something that could bring in some extra cash.

Another approach you might try is volunteering. Although this is not a revenue producing avenue, the contacts you make and the networking potential far exceeds the hour or two each week you will spend volunteering. Every person in every organization has family, friends, and neighbors. Volunteering is one of the fastest (and fulfilling) ways to increase your network circle considerably.

Talk to school counselors if you have a flair for language, math, or science. Parents often hire private tutors for their children for some additional help in any given subject. Or, they might require babysitting services for the younger children from time to time. A combination of several “small” chores can equal or exceed the money earned from one part time job.

Keep an open mind, and talk to as many people as possible when looking for part time job opportunities. It might very well come from a source you had never even considered before.

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