The end of school is finally in sight, and your perfect summer is falling into place. Whether you scored your dream internship, got accepted to Duke Engage, or finalized awesome travel plans, summer is probably looking pretty great right about now. The only problem? These fun summer plans might not include a job. Sure, getting paid in experience can be rewarding, but it’s not particularly helpful when you’re trying to buy concert tickets or that cute dress you’ve had your eye on. Luckily, there are ways to make money in your free time even without a full-time job. Here are a few ways to keep from going broke while still having a fun summer.
1. Babysitting. Probably the most obvious option, but that doesn’t mean you should count it out. Babysitting can pay really well, plus you get to have fun playing with cute kids! If you babysat in high school, reach out to those families to see if they need any help this summer or if they know anyone else looking for a summer babysitter. You can also make flyers and put them up around your town, or use websites like Care.com and Sittercity to connect with families looking for sitters.
2. Tutoring. Put your Duke education to good use! Even though it’s the summer, there are sure to be some parents looking for a tutor to help their child prep for the SATs or get ahead on subjects they’re struggling with. If you’re an underclassmen or have younger siblings, you probably still know some local high school students, so reach out to them and see if they’re looking for a tutor or know anyone else who does. You could also talk to old high school teachers if you’re still in touch with them, and ask if they have any students who are looking for help. Also, keep in mind that academics isn’t the only thing you can teach – if you have other musical, athletic, or artistic skills, take advantage of them! You could make good money giving guitar lessons, teaching kids how to swim, or even starting your own art class.
3. Sell, sell, sell. This year, give yourself an extra incentive to do your spring-cleaning by selling the clothes you no longer wear. If you’re still at Duke, you can sell gently worn clothes on the Duke Fashion Exchange Facebook group, or look up your local consignment shop. Plus, you don’t have to stop at clothes. Textbooks, old electronics, and pretty much anything else you can think of can also be sold. Try Amazon’s trade-in service, eBay or get your whole family involved and have a good old-fashioned yard sale!
4. Get a part-time job. Okay, this one is a little more time-consuming than the other options. But if you really need the money, it’s definitely possible to find a flexible job you can work during your free time. If you have an internship, look for somewhere that will let you work nights and weekends, and if you’re traveling find a place that needs someone to fill in during the time you’re home.