Do not despair if you still haven't quite figured out what you can do, or what job you can get to increase your income over the summer months. These tips will help you avoid unemployment (no, not worried about GETTING EI, but gettiing NO income) while strengthening your skill set and resume.
We'll assume you have already tried the local retail stores and could not get any kind of full-time summer work. But remember, these stores often hire part-time for the summer, to ease the load on workers taking vacation. So, one solution is to take a couple of part-time jobs within the same mall or strip plaza. Most employers will work with you on a schedule that satisfies both (or more) places of employment. Age is NOT a factor here - part-time is a great solution for companies with limited resources - so most will take on any person who is willing to make a commitment. Think small stores in this instance.
Check out your local Temp Agencies as well - many often get work for one or two weeks as companies request back-up for vacationing employees. There are agencies that deal in Office/Clerical Work, and ones that deal with general labour (you'll need your own safety books though, but this is a useful expenditure).
You can also create your own business - and you might still qualify for a small start-up "loan" from your local employment office - check out the requirements to see if your business or service and/or your age fit the details. Even if you DON'T qualify - think of a service you can provide to your neighbourhood. Many of your neighbours will be going away and need someone they can trust to look after their house, animals, lawn, etc. So, you could provide house-sitting, house minding, pet sitting, or even lawn care! Many seniors can no longer do their own house maintenance, but also cannot afford higher professional costs. If you are handy, you can provide this service at a reduced cost - which benefits both parties! Even just cleaning up their yard by weeding, getting rid of extra branches, trimming trees and clearing any debris will make a great impression on them, and their neighbours, which brings in MORE work (which brings in more money).
Many people want to paint their homes, but cannot afford to do it all at once. And most painting companies do not bother to paint less than three rooms (similar to the carpet people). So again, offer your services to paint ONE room. Again, word of mouth goes great here - with the kids home, many moms cannot do all the work, but appreciate getting one room done at a time - it fits into their schedule as well as their budget.
Now think of some "projects" you can do to create your own business or service - and think how you can apply it! And remember to have a safe and happy summer.
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Copyright June 7, 2007. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.
