If you're strapped for cash this holiday season, here's how to earn extra money just by using the skills you already have.
While most people associate the holiday season with celebrations, for many it can be a financial burden. The good news: The holiday season can also provide you with numerous opportunities to earn some extra cash. If you are willing to sacrifice some of your free time, you could go through the holidays making money and alleviating the burden on your wallet.
Below are five ways you can put more cash in your pocket this holiday season:
1. Premium services
The holidays are, for lack of a better word, busy. Between work, life, gatherings, parties, and all sorts of commitments, most people have very little time to get everything done. That's where you come in. Shopping, cooking, cleanup — these are services you can provide and charge for. If you help out on the actual holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve), you can charge extra.
2. Online sales
Look around — do you see things you hardly touch? We'd bet you'll be surprised at all the things you've been keeping, but don't use. If you didn't remember that you had it, you probably don't need it. Sell it instead! Check out the best sites to sell your things online according to HuffPost, and don't forget to take good photos and to be very clear about the state of the merchandise. This could be the beginning of a profitable side-hustle.
3. Personal services
Are your gift-wrapping abilities so good that people feel sad tearing off the wrapping paper? Put together a resume that shows off how good you are at boosting the gift-giving experience and approach local gift shops. Do you love cooking? Offer catering services for friends, family, and organizations. Good with tools and following instructions? Your new job title is Toy Assembler! Use your imagination, scout your neighborhood, start networking, and create packages and ideas that will benefit both you, businesses, and clients.
4. Pet sitting
Many people like going away for the holidays, and most of them can't or don't want to take their pets along. If you're not going anywhere, need some extra cash, and love animals, this is your opportunity. Post flyers around your neighborhood and create a LinkedIn account (or update your existing one) to tell the world you're willing to take care of their pets. Use all means available to spread the word about your services.
5. Freelancing
Businesses and individuals are consistently looking for professional services for small or one-time projects over the holidays. That could be logo design, computer repairs, house/office repairs, copywriting, marketing, e-commerce, etc. A strong resume, targeted LinkedIn profile, and solid portfolio will help you find, or even create, those opportunities.
Whatever you decide to do to make more money, it is key that you spread the word. Tell everybody you know that you are offering your services this holiday season. A true entrepreneurial mind is one that never stops producing ideas and sees opportunities where others abide by tradition. It doesn't necessarily mean that you will abandon your family and friends during the festivities. Just think what works best for you in terms of your personal and financial goals, decide your money-making strategy, and go for it!
Is your resume ready for the post-holiday job search? Check with our free resume review today!