Though I managed to hold a part-time job while in university, it wasn’t easy. I did it totally out of necessity, and if I could have managed without one, I would have. Don’t get me wrong I would have made money during the summers but having the responsibility of a job while studying can be challenging. Thankfully I had a very understanding boss who made sure I had the time off when I needed but not all students have that flexibility.
I would encourage any post-secondary student to be very choosy about your jobs. If it will hinder your studies in any way, it’s not worth it. There are a few non-traditional jobs that may be a good compromise though by keeping the money coming in, but on your own free time.
Tutoring
If you’re in university or college, tutoring may be a great way to make money. It could be in a specific topic or it may be guidance to help graduating students prepare what they need for their college applications. Tutoring is a great way to make a decent amount of money in a short period of time. You could easily charge $20 per hour, or more. Tutoring for just a few hours a week is a great way to make a decent amount of money in a short period of time.
Teaching Assistant
Once you get into university if you excel at a topic you may be asked, or have the option to apply to be a teaching assistant. The tasks assigned will vary but range from helping to mark papers, organize things for the professor for lectures, run tutorials or labs for the class. Though I never did this I had a few friends who did and managed to make a pretty decent amount of money too.
Mystery Shopping
I had a friend who I met during my second degree who did mystery shopping what seemed like every day. In her case it paid very little cash but majorly supported her living away from home. She would pick jobs like ‘’spend $50 at X drugstore and document your experience’’. She’d stock up on stuff she needed like toilet paper or mascara then submit the receipt for a full refund as payment for her time and report. Another favorite was dining in restaurants. She didn’t have much money to spend on socializing so this was a way she could dine out for free.
Event/Promo Staff
There are constantly events and promotions on campus and surrounding areas. Though these gigs can be inconsistent, they have the potential to pay well. A few friends of mine got on with a local beer company to promote during things like Halloween parties, FROSH week etc. They’d probably only ‘’work’’ maybe four weekends a year, they’d easily make $300 in a single weekend.
Holding a traditional job can be very demanding while pursuing intensive studying. If you look outside the traditional job route you may be surprised what is actually out there.
Have you ever done any of these jobs? Did you work in university?
Catherine is a first time momma to a rambunctious toddler. When she isn’t soaking up all that motherhood has to offer, you can find her blogging over at Plunged in Debt where she chronicles her and her husbands journey out of debt. You can also follow her on Twitter.
Leave a Reply