After spending my teenage years working in retail, I decided to get a little more creative in earning extra money, either by using online platforms or finding ways to offer services. I found that the benefits of working flexible hours and the ability to work from home were especially valuable while juggling a school schedule. Here are some effective outside-the-box ways to earn some extra cash.
Sell your creative work
It’s easier than ever to market and sell your work online. If you are a painter, designer, jewelry maker, or have another creative skill you can capitalize on, think about starting an online business. Use a platform like Etsy for example, and you can set up a business with $0.20. Keep in mind that Etsy charges $0.20 per listing and takes a 3.5% cut on your sales.
Sell an Ebook
If you consider yourself a writer, you can get in on the ebook industry by self-publishing your own work. Most popular platforms are free including Amazon’s Kindle Direct publishing, Nook Press and Ibook Authors.
Become a dog walker
You can make decent part-time money looking after other people’s pets. It’s hard work but you will get paid to spend all day with furry friends. This sounds like someone’s dream job.
Become a film extra
Toronto’s film industry happens to be booming right now, and you can get in on the action. Being a background extra is something almost anyone can do, and there’s lots of work for people in the university age range. I did this for a summer and ended up getting regular work on Degrassi and also did a few Disney channel movies. Yes, I actually got paid to sit in a fake classroom and walk around school hallways. The scheduling works for students because there’s no penalties for declining work. Check out the actra website for this list of reputable agencies.
Freelance on Fiverr
People on Fiverr are selling everything from voice-over services to blog posts. If you’re willing to freelance these types of services for affordable prices, this site might be the avenue to your customers.
Sell your clothes that you never wear
We have all been guilty of mistake purchases that have never been taken out of the closet ever. You might as well get back what you can. Try out popular websites like Trend Trunk. You can also make your own website and market it through social media.
Become a tutor
Whatever your skill is, there’s likely someone out there who is willing to pay for your expertise.  Put out an ad online to get yourself a part-time job that won’t take up too much of your time and will look great on a resume. Tutor’s rates can be anywhere from $15-$30 per hour depending on what you’re teaching.
Get a job on campus
Campus employers are usually very accommodating when it comes to making your hours work with your school schedule. A lot of these work-study or jobs on campus are also program-related. Keep your eyes peeled for Ryerson’s events and opportunities emails and don’t forget to check in with Ryerson’s job board.
Where do you work? How do you fit it all in? Let us know @RUStudentLife.
