Congratulations graduate. You’re out in the world. Now you need to find a job. A job doesn’t necessarily mean a nine-to-five cubicle existence, but it does mean that you’re building a career, a business or a pathway to future financial strength.

More than any of the ideas listed below, this should be your priority.

While you’re beginning your journey, you’re likely to have bills to pay and expenses to meet. Here are some ideas on how to earn extra income to get you started.

1. Assess Your Strengths

Your strengths may not always be reflected in your resume or degree. What are you good at? Maybe you have a degree in the humanities and can type 100 words per minute. Maybe your degree is in engineering, but you also love to cook.

2. The Part-Time Job

There’s no shame in waiting tables, serving as a barrista, or working in retail. Ideally you want to make sure that you have enough flexibility to spend time looking for a full-time job, go on interviews, etc. So, it’s a good idea to ask about time commitments at your initial interview. Keep in mind that sometimes work is seasonally driven. The big box store job that keeps you hopping from September through December may not be needed after the first of the year. Also, keep in mind that even “low-wage” jobs might require multiple interviews, drug screenings and if you get hired, there may be a training process that requires extra time in the early weeks.

3. The Gig Economy

If you’re looking for quick cash, there are lots of ways to make money on the side. Driving for a rideshare service, delivering packages for Amazon, dog walking, random jobs in the neighborhood abound.

Looking on craigslist is a good place to start, but specialized sites like Freelancer.com, Taskrabbit.com, can also help point you in the right direction

4. Temping

One of the fastest ways into the job market is through a temp agency. Keep in mind that while these agencies genuinely want to help find you work, there is no guarantee that they will be able to place you. For this reason, it’s a good idea to research and apply to multiple agencies in your area. Before you submit an application, try to acquaint yourself with the types of roles that they fill. Use this information to craft your resume.

As an added benefit, applying to these agencies can provide you with the opportunity to practice your interviewing skills.

5. Volunteer

This won’t earn money, but volunteering can be a valuable way to make contacts, engage with your community and get valuable references that you can use in the future. Find causes that are close to your heart. Community Centers are a great place to start. Interested in politics? You don’t have to wait until the next election. Visit the office of your local representative and see what you can do to help. Sometimes they may need routine work like making phone calls or stuffing envelopes, but if you can demonstrate your added value, there may be other opportunities.

Here’s another secret about working with causes, many of these organizations have donors and sponsors, all of whom can be great future contacts.

Want to learn more? Schedule a free counseling session today or call us at 800-920-2262.