Online or Off, These Part-Time Jobs Can Help You Beat Inflation
As 2023 gets off to a promising start, working adults in every industry are wondering whether the economy can survive another year of rampant inflation, poor employment statistics, sky-high utility bills, and economic uncertainty. For so many, the defensive position is to take on a second job. Some opt for part-time positions, whether online or not. When times get tough, many seem willing to do just about anything to bolster their financial well-being.
What are the most effective ways to offset the many economic forces that seem to lessen the buying power of your current income? Whether you want to stay close to home and work from a computer connection or venture out into the neighborhood, there are plenty of options. In addition to working part-time as a personal shopper, consider trading online for your own account, establishing a small office cleaning company, appraising homes in the local community, and operating a mobile locksmith business. Here are some pointers about how to get started.
Become a Personal Shopper
Personal shopping is a versatile job that offers workers the chance to build up a local clientele, control their own schedules, and earn a steady side income. The bulk of your initial efforts will focus on marketing via online and local advertisements. Hand out flyers and post them on free community bulletin boards. It only takes a half-dozen or so regulars to provide you with a solid part-time income.
Be careful of over-booking in a rush to acquire new customers. Successful personal shoppers begin by asking for referrals from friends and neighbors, focusing on elderly and disabled people who tend to have the most need for help with grocery shopping. Startup costs are minimal if you plan to use your current vehicle. Remember to keep accurate records for tax purposes and work hard to build a core of repeat customers.
Do Online Trading
What does it take to start an online trading business on a part-time basis? Besides having an interest in the markets and a desire to acquire essential skills for buying and selling various securities, it’s imperative to work with a broker you trust and who has plenty of experience. For independent traders, the quality of their brokerage firm can be a make-or-break factor. Together with an excellent broker is a platform that serves your needs based on the asset classes that interest you and the style of trading you prefer.
Those new to making trades can download metatrader 5 and take advantage of all its beginner-friendly features. It’s also important to realize that even with the very best broker and perfect trading platform, you won’t get far without extensive knowledge of the markets. That’s where dedication and diligence come into play. Take the time to study the areas that interest you most, like stocks, forex, precious metals, cryptocurrency, and more. There’s no substitute for knowledge.
Establish an Office Cleaning Service
The two initial expenses for small office cleaning companies are advertising and equipment. However, it’s easy enough to purchase a few basic items and acquire more as you gain new clients. In addition to online and local advertising, don’t overlook in-person efforts. While there are several huge national cleaning chains, independent entrepreneurs can undercut their prices and outsmart them by making a personal connection with potential customers.
Visit new tenants in your neighborhood’s shopping strips and malls, letting owners know that you live nearby and are willing to offer a low-cost trial cleaning for new customers. Many entrepreneurs and smaller retailers prefer to make connections with other locals for services like cleaning, security, and pest control. Check online paralegal sites for low-cost, uniform contracts you can use for all your customers.
Learn to Appraise Homes
Invest in an appraisal course at a local real estate school. Training is modestly priced and takes just a few weeks to complete. In some cases, you might need to work with or for an established appraiser for a few months before earning an independent license. Check your local city and state regulations because every area has its own unique requirements. After overcoming the education and licensing hurdles, visit local banks, savings and loan offices, real estate brokers, and other institutions that lend money to individuals who are in the home buying process.
Print business cards and use your best professional face when contacting potential clients. All it takes is one or two solid connections with lenders to support a steady part-time appraising business. From there, scheduling is flexible, and you’ll gain experience with each job. Many people who try appraising on a part-time basis end up doing it as a full-time job.
