Jobs on the side

Having a Second job is more than just an idea -- second jobs are becoming increasingly necessary for many people. More than seven million Americans hold second jobs. And although you might think most people who have second jobs are in minimum wage positions, studies suggest that teachers, police officers, engineers, nurses and other professionals often hold down second jobs. Having a side job can help you with your financial goals.

If you can fit a second job around your existing job, you can more easily pay off student loans, save for a downpayment, pay off a car, eliminate credit card debt, fund vacations, top up retirement savings -- or make ends meet. Just make sure your second job doesn't interfere with your main job. Look for work that accommodates your existing position and lets you get eight hours of sleep at night.Of course, if you become a consultant and hang on to your day job, you'll have a great second job. Also, racooda.com offers people looking for side work the opportunity to scan side jobs in their area. But if you're looking for other ideas, consider these:

• Second job / side job ideas
• Teach ESL
• Teach courses at your local community centre, college continuing studies program, or community college
• Get a job at a retail or department store, especially during the holiday season. You may even get discounts on purchases.
• Tutor
• Cut lawns
• Do landscaping
• Babysit
• Clean houses
• Become a handyman/woman
• Bar tend
• Deliver pizza
• Pet sit
• House sit
• Walk dogs
• Run errands
• Type
• Do desktop publishing
• Grade SATs -- check out the College Board website
• Sell stuff on eBay and other online auction sites Again, consulting makes a great second job choice -- and may pay anywhere from $35 to $300 an hour!
• Sign up for an account on racooda.com to find people who need work done.