Find a Second Job with a Flexible Work Schedule
How Single Parents Can Make Extra Money in a Bad Economy
Jun 6, 2009
Many people are being negatively affected by the recession. A record number of homes have been foreclosed on. Millions have lost their jobs and their health insurance. Uncertainty about the future along with rising fuel and food prices have caused many to get a second job to make ends meet and provide a buffer in case of a layoff.
Second Jobs and Childcare
Getting a second job may be an ideal option for single parents who are providing for a household with only one income. However, single parents are often faced with the childcare dilemma. They may have daycare for their children during the day, or their children may be in school. But working a second job in the evenings or on weekends would require finding a babysitter. If family or friends are not available to help, they may find most of their income from the second job going towards childcare.
The solution may be to find a job in which parents can set their own hours or even bring their children with them. This is not as difficult as it may sound.
Jobs With Flexible Schedules
Instead of limiting their search to traditional part-time jobs such as retail and customer service, single parents can find other options in their communities that require little or no additional childcare.
Process Servers
These individuals work for themselves or for companies serving legal papers to people involved in divorce proceedings, evictions and other court matters. Process servers are paid per document served and can set their own hours. A reliable vehicle and insurance are needed and process servers must be certified through their local police or sheriff’s department. Single parents may be able to let their children ride in the car with them while they work.
Phone Book Delivery
Every spring and summer, ads appear in local newspapers for opportunities to deliver new phone books to homes, apartments and businesses. No fee is required to start, but a reliable vehicle and proof of insurance are needed. Delivery persons are usually paid a set amount for each completed route. Again, children can ride with their parents and even help out. Since teams of people often do this, two single parents may want to pair up and split the money.
Fitness Instructors
For parents who enjoy working out, teaching a class at a local gym or community center is a great option to earn extra cash and stay in shape at the same time. Instructors are usually paid per class and can generally set their own schedule. If the gym has a childcare area, a single parent can leave their kids there for free. Instructors usually have to be certified through a national organization such as ACE or AFAA.
Freelance Writing and Blogging
The Internet has opened up a wealth of opportunities to work at home as a freelance writer or blogger. Sites such as Suite101, Edubook, Examiner and many others offer those with knowledge about different subjects and a passion for writing a way to earn additional income. Freelance writers can work for many different sites as independent contractors, thus multiplying their earning potential.
Tutoring Services
Those who speak a foreign language, excel in academics or have talents in music or other fine arts, can translate this into extra income by offering lessons from home, at the home of students, or at public libraries.Tutors can set their own hours and fees, which are usually $15-$20 and up depending on the subject. Tutors can advertise on free websites like Craigslist or by placing flyers throughout their neighborhood. If services are offered from home or at a library, parents can keep their children with them. An alternative is to schedule sessions during times when the child is visiting their other parent or family members.
Beware of Work-at-Home Scams
Single parents trying to make ends meet can be easy prey for work-at-home scams. The Federal Trade Commission warns against common scams such as medical billing, envelope stuffing and assembly work and offers tips for consumers on its website.
Recently, Internet schemes involving Google have resorted to slick, misleading ads set up to look like legitimate newspaper articles in order to reel in unsuspecting consumers. The best way to avoid work-at-home scams is to do diligent research, read the fine print, check for complaints with the FTC or Better Business Bureau and always remember the old adage: "If it sounds to good to be true, then it probably is".
Having adequate childcare does not have to be an obstacle for single parents if they are persistent and creative when looking for a second job. For more information and resources about alternative jobs, read the article entitled How to Find Legitimate Work From Home Jobs or visit Work at Home Parents Network.
