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Inside: Learn how to land lucrative paid house sitting gigs. From crafting a standout application to negotiating pay, our guide covers everything you need for success as a house and pet sitter. Get your first housesitting job now.
For those seeking a unique way to trim their living expenses and swell their savings account—or perhaps even add a fresh stream of income—the fascinating world of house sitting beckons.
Imagine the possibilities of a life where you not only dodge the relentless outpour of cash for rent but also have the potential to get paid for simply residing in and caring for someone else’s home. House sitting has forged a pathway for individuals from all walks of life to dramatically cut their cost of living while introducing opportunities for financial gain, tailored to a lifestyle that champions both mobility and flexibility.
This is something I cannot wait to start doing myself as an early retiree!
In the era of remote work and digital nomadism, the housesitting lifestyle dovetails perfectly with the capacity to earn money from anywhere.
Rather than a stint of In a world where the cost of living is perpetually rising, this is a simple solution. Plus it is an increasingly popular reality for savvy individuals looking to slash their living expenses and enhance their income streams.
Now, let’s dig into how to get paid to house sit.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
House sitting for income can be a practical way to earn extra money by caring for someone’s home while they’re away.
This is a simple way to make money.
This will vary from person to person.
Typically, if you have a love for adventure and live a simplistic life, this could be the perfect side hustle for you.
You can make money while not paying to travel the world and not pay rent. Plus you can work another side hustle or full time job at the same time.
Can you picture yourself waking up to a sunrise over the Tuscan hills, or enjoying a peaceful afternoon in a cozy cottage in the Cotswolds, all without the cost of accommodation eating into your budget?
This fantasy can be your reality through a unique travel approach: house sitting while exploring the globe.
House sitting opens doors to experiences far beyond those of a typical tourist. When stepping into the life of a local, you not only enjoy the comforts of a home but also immerse yourself in the local culture, customs, and way of life—something you can’t put a price tag on.
Yes, please. Sign me up!
House Sit Match
A trusted network for house sitters, pet sitters, house owners, and pet owners.
Our dedicated Free live-in house sitters ensure pets stay safe and happy at home, granting owners peace of mind while they travel.
Check It Out
Becoming a professional house sitter starts with the right mindset and preparation. To embark on this exciting venture, follow a systematic approach to gain trust, experience, and create opportunities that could lead to paid gigs.
Here’s a quick guide to set you on your path:
By taking these steps, you’re well on your way to securing your first gig as a house sitter and potentially turning it into a rewarding path to see the world.
Embarking on a journey in house sitting may feel like a daunting task at first, especially when experience seems like a prerequisite to getting started. Yet, remember every expert was once a beginner.
Follow these tips to gain experience and build a rock-solid credibility:
Remember, each home cared for and each pet pampered brings you one step closer to becoming a seasoned and sought-after house sitter.
First impressions count tremendously, and in the world of house sitting, your profile is your digital handshake.
A stellar profile not only introduces you to potential clients, but it also demonstrates your professionalism and suitability for house sitting opportunities.
House sitting as a full-time lifestyle
Whether you’re a digital nomad, in between jobs or studies, retired, or simply looking for a break from the norm, long stay house sitting could be for you.
Make money and travel the world. Sounds like a good deal, right?
Get Started
Exploring specialized housesitting directories can be your gateway to a myriad of housesitting opportunities. Here’s how you can make these directories work for you:
Build a robust profile on these directories, illustrating your experience, skills, and even why homeowners should trust you with their precious homes and pets.
House Sit Match
A trusted network for house sitters, pet sitters, house owners, and pet owners.
Our dedicated Free live-in house sitters ensure pets stay safe and happy at home, granting owners peace of mind while they travel.
Check It Out
Social media and networking are vital cogs in the wheel of modern housesitting success. Make sure to have a solid strategy in place to enhance your visibility and connect you with the right opportunities.
Remember to be genuine and helpful online. Consistency and kindness tend to yield more benefits than aggressive self-promotion.
When it comes to landing that house sitting gig, the application you submit is your golden ticket. Crafting a pitch-perfect application can set you apart from the crowd. Here’s how you can ensure your application shines:
Above all, remember that your application is a reflection of you. Make every word count, and let your dedication to being an exceptional house sitter be evident.
Negotiating payment is a nuanced art, especially in house sitting where assignments can vary widely. Here’s a cheat sheet to navigate the payment conversation gracefully and effectively:
Most importantly, remember that your time and services are valuable. A fair agreement is one where both parties feel respected and satisfied. Don’t forget you will be earning 1099 income, so account for taxes!
Embracing the role of a house sitter means stepping into a realm of varied and significant responsibilities. You’re not just occupying a space; you’re safeguarding a home and all it encompasses. Here’s what’s typically expected:
Understanding these duties is the cornerstone of professional house sitting, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners and a reputable standing for you.
Exceeding a homeowner’s expectations isn’t just about fulfilling a checklist; it’s about delivering comfort and trust through your service. Here’s how to excel in managing client expectations and providing a level of service that gets you invited back time and time again:
By managing expectations and delivering exceptional service, you build a reputation that enhances your portfolio and opens doors to new opportunities.
Determining your pay preferences and setting your rates calls for a strategic blend of self-awareness and market understanding. Here’s how to set intelligent rates that reflect your value:
Smartly set preferences and rates not only attract serious inquiries but also ensure you are adequately compensated for your commitment and services.
When stepping into someone’s home as a professional house sitter, it’s crucial to consider the layers of protection both for yourself and the property you’re responsible for.
Here’s what to keep in mind regarding insurance, professional coverage, and house sitting agreement:
Having the right cover is an investment in your business—it not only gives peace of mind but also enhances trust between you and your clients.
Every house sitting assignment is a classroom of its own. From bespoke routines to diverse pet personalities, each gig is an opportunity to grow professionally.
By treating each assignment as a learning experience, you not only become more adept at house sitting but also signal to potential clients that you’re committed to excellence.
The house sitting industry is alive with evolution, influenced by changing homeowner preferences, technological advancements, and a shifting global landscape. Staying ahead means being both informed and adaptable. Here’s how you can keep pace with the industry trends:
By embracing a commitment to continuous learning and flexibility, you position yourself at the forefront of the house sitting industry.
In conclusion, venturing into the world of house sitting can be an exceptionally rewarding endeavor, offering you the unparalleled opportunity to explore new places while ensuring homeowners’ peace of mind.
House sitting is more than just a job; it’s a lifestyle that allows for flexibility, adventure, and personal growth.
By signing up with TrustedHousesitters, you’re not only stepping into a hub of global house-sitting opportunities. You’re also choosing a platform renowned for its extensive listings and high trust level among the community.
Recognized as the world’s largest site for house sitting, TrustedHousesitters connects you with a wide array of homeowners across the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia, broadening your horizons and making the small annual membership fee a worthwhile investment in your new house-sitting career.
With your enthusiasm, thoughtful profile, and personalized approach to each application, you are setting yourself up for success. Your open availability is a prime time to make money.
So why wait? Sign up, create your profile, and get ready to embark on your house-sitting journey with TrustedHousesitters today!
House sitting as a full-time lifestyle
Whether you’re a digital nomad, in between jobs or studies, retired, or simply looking for a break from the norm, long stay house sitting could be for you.
Make money and travel the world. Sounds like a good deal, right?
Get Started
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
Source: moneybliss.org
With sand, sun and sea stretching an impressive 825 miles across the state, Florida is the clear choice for visitors who want to enjoy some time at the beach. In fact, about a third of all travelers will head to at least one of the state’s beaches while visiting.
Beaches can be found along the state’s Panhandle in the north, the Gulf of Mexico in the west and the Atlantic Ocean on its east coast. And don’t forget the dozens of islands that make up the Florida Keys along the state’s southern end.
While it may be impossible to definitively tell you what the best beach in Florida is, here are several contenders for the top spot.
Depending on where you go in Florida, you could end up swimming in one of two bodies of water. The beaches in the Panhandle and down the west side of the state border the Gulf of Mexico, while those on the eastern side of the state sit on the Atlantic Ocean.
What’s the difference? If you’re an early riser and want to watch the sun rise over the water, choose a beach on the Atlantic side, where you’ll find large waves and golden-brown sand. If you prefer catching a vibrant sunset instead, head to the Gulf, where the sand is often whiter and waves are smaller.
It’s warm enough to swim everywhere in Florida between April and October. The further south you go, the warmer the water is in the winter.
During the summer, the Gulf is warmer than the Atlantic. Its waters can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer — sometimes the water is even warmer than the air. Meanwhile, the waters of the Atlantic usually remain in the 80s. For some perspective, most people will be comfortable swimming when the water is about 75-80 degrees.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Many Florida beaches have areas where pets can run off-leash, but make sure to check the specific regulations of the beach you’re visiting before you bring your pet.
Some beaches have lifeguards on duty as well as amenities like bathrooms and snack shacks, while others are more rustic without much in the way of services.
With its Art Deco architecture, hip restaurants and bars, and lots of nightlife, Miami’s two-mile long South Beach is the place to see and be seen. Visitors and locals alike also come here to enjoy Lummus Park, a beachside spot featuring playgrounds, walking trails, a fitness area and plenty of popular events.
Hollywood Beach, a family-friendly spot just south of Fort Lauderdale, has clean beaches and a pedestrian promenade, known as the Broadwalk, that features restaurants, shopping and hotels.
If the kids tire of sandcastles and waves, they can visit Charnow Park with its playgrounds and interactive fountain. It’s a good mix of old-Florida charm and modern amenities.
Farther north on the Atlantic coast, Daytona Beach comes with hard-packed sand and a gentle slope leading to the water — ideal for learning to surf. Here, you’ll find 23 miles of coastline along with plenty of hotels, shops and restaurants.
It’s also one of the few places you can actually drive on the beach — very slowly and tide permitting — for $20 a day per vehicle.
Up in the Panhandle is Panama City Beach, known for its 27 miles of emerald green waters and sugar sand. Those who fish or dive love the area because of the many artificial reefs just offshore. Plus, the water is some of the clearest in the state.
Many of the beaches face west, meaning the sun sets directly over the water, making for spectacular views.
The Destin and Fort Walton Beach areas are called the Emerald Coast for a reason: The water off the 24-mile stretch of beach is often a vibrant green. Beyond the usual beach attractions of wharfs and piers, Crab Island is a big draw. Not actually an island but a raised sandbar, it’s a place where boaters can hang out, enjoy camaraderie and take advantage of a floating bar in the middle of it all.
Farther south along the Gulf coast, near Tampa Bay, is Clearwater Beach. Over the years, it’s been named by many as the top beach in the country. The beach sits on a barrier island and touts 35 miles of sand along with hotels, restaurants and activities including an aquarium and alligator sanctuary.
Visitors can also visit Pier 60, a 1,080-foot fishing pier that hosts a nightly sunset festival.
Many of Florida’s beaches are located in state parks. They cover 100 miles of coastline across the state, but are usually more undeveloped. Some are home to both nesting sea turtles and shorebirds. The state parks also participate in sand dune and reef conservation efforts to protect the areas from storms, filter out pollutants and serve as fish nurseries.
Located on a barrier island in the Panhandle just south of Tallahassee, St. George Island State Park is a great spot for laid-back beach goers and nature lovers.
It was named the top beach in the country in 2023 by coastal expert Stephen Leatherman (“Dr. Beach”), who releases a well-known annual U.S. beach ranking. The state park’s beach won accolades due to its nine miles of undeveloped beaches, natural beauty and clear water.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is on the southern end of Key West, where the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico meet. In addition to swimming, snorkeling and fishing, visitors can tour Fort Taylor, a national historic monument that played roles in both the Civil and Spanish-American wars.
Located near Dunedin just north of St. Petersburg, both Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island State Park consistently top the list of Florida’s best beaches.
While Caladesi Island is only accessible by boat, nearby Honeymoon Island’s four miles of beach can be reached by car. It’s also where you can catch the ferry to Caladesi Island.
In case you still haven’t found the perfect destination for your dream beach vacation, here are a handful of other beaches around the state that may hit the spot.
Located on the Gulf coast about halfway down the state is Siesta Key. The eight-mile island is connected by bridge to Sarasota and has plenty of shopping, dining and sports options. It’s loved by visitors because of its clear and calm water, powdery white sand and outdoor recreation opportunities like parasailing and volleyball.
The 72 miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Canaveral is called the Space Coast. As some of the closest beaches to Orlando, they’re a great choice for travelers wanting to combine a beach trip with some of Florida’s famous theme parks.
The most popular beach in the area is Cocoa Beach. Home to Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world’s largest surfing store, it’s a great place to ride the waves and meet fellow surfers. If surfing isn’t your thing, you can try other activities like kayaking, deep sea fishing and kiteboarding.
And visitors of all ages can enjoy a visit to the nearby Kennedy Space Center. If you time your visit to the Space Coast right, you might even be treated to a rocket launch.
Before Hurricane Ian slammed into Fort Myers Beach and nearby Sanibel and Captiva Islands in September 2022, the area consistently found itself at the top of many lists of Florida’s best beaches.
As businesses continue to rebuild, there’s still plenty of sand and sun for those willing to come. Shell collectors should head to Sanibel or Captiva Islands, where these ocean treasures can be had in spades thanks to the region’s ocean currents and coastline orientation.
Some of the northernmost beaches on Florida’s Atlantic coast are in the Jacksonville area and include St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra. Dubbed the Historic Coast, there are 42 miles of beachfront to explore, including at Fort Matanzas National Monument, which was built in 1742 by the Spanish military to defend the area.
Driving on the sand is allowed in designated areas along St. Augustine Beach for a fee. And if you need a break from the water, Ponte Vedra Beach offers many world-renowned golf courses.
If you’re in the mood for a beach vacation, heading to Florida is a great option. With hundreds of miles of coastline spanning two bodies of water, it would take years — if not a lifetime — to explore it all.
Whether you want to combine your beach trip with a visit to Walt Disney World and the Kennedy Space Center, or you prefer the low-key vibes of a state park, Florida has you covered.
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Source: nerdwallet.com
PARIS, March 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Lahome, a home decor brand renowned for its fusion of fashion aesthetics and cozy washable rugs, has made waves at Paris Fashion Week. By participating in the fashion show of INTERDEE, an affordable luxury independent fashion brand, Lahome demonstrated a harmonious fusion of stylish elegance and comfortable living.
A dog owner has come up with an ingenious way to make an essential piece of dog care equipment blend into her home decor, and in half a day.
Anja recognized the necessity for a crate to give Cookie the Australian Labradoodle her own safe space. But the pet owner, who lives in Belgium with her husband and their dog, was dissatisfied with the crate’s appearance in her living room.
“I hated the ‘black cage’ in our living room, but Cookie really needs this as it is her own safe space to rest, ever since she was a puppy. So, my husband came up with the idea to cover it up,” she told Newsweek.
And with a bit of time and some DIY skills, the owners managed to upcycle the imposing item of dog equipment into a stylish piece of furniture.
Dog crates serve multiple purposes, giving dogs a secure environment for rest, training, and transportation. However, they have been subject to controversy, with critics raising concerns about prolonged confinement and potential misuse. Despite that, many dogs, like Cookie, find their crate to be a place of comfort.
Earlier this month a Shih-Poo called Cheddar melted hearts with the way he took himself back to his crate when he was done socializing.
Anja’s project involved using strips of birch plywood, attaching it to the edges of the crate, to give it a chic Scandi-style appearance alongside the couple’s couch.
“We don’t really know [the cost] actually since we used a lot of materials we already had,” Anja said, but she added that the entire transformation only took around 12 hours.
“It really blends in now; it doesn’t bother me anymore. And it’s a fun and not-so-difficult project to do yourself,” Anja said, encouraging others to give the dog crate DIY a try.
The couple aren’t the first owners to do custom DIY for their pet, like the Montana-based dog owner who made a custom tennis-ball catapult for his dog Olive to play fetch with. Some dogs have even been caught on camera helping out their humans with a bit of DIY.
Anja shared the project on her Instagram page @cookie_the_doodle_ where people have been left impressed with the idea.
“Looks so nice!” said one user. “Amazingly beautiful.”
While another viewer wrote: “Ooh it does match better in the interior.”
“Omg how did you do this?” said another. “Our crate is such an eye sore in our living room I would love to do that.”
Do you have impressive and inspiring DIY projects you’d like to share? We’re looking for the most creative and ingenious ones! Send them in to [email protected] and they could be featured on our site.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Source: newsweek.com
Ever dream of leaving your job to pursue a project you’ve always been passionate about, like starting your own business? Or going back to school without taking out student loans? What about the option to retire at age 50 instead of 65 without having to worry about money?
Any of these opportunities could happen if you’re able to achieve financial freedom — having the money and resources to afford the lifestyle you want.
Intrigued by the idea of being financially free? Read on to find out what financial freedom means and how it works, plus 12 ways to help make it a reality.
Financial freedom is being in a financial position that allows you to afford the lifestyle you want. It’s typically achieved by having enough income, savings, or investments so you can live comfortably without the constant stress of having to earn a certain amount of money.
For instance, you might attain financial freedom by saving and investing in such a way that allows you to build wealth, or by growing your income so you’re able to save more for the future. Eventually, you may become financially independent and live off your savings and investments.
There are a number of different ways to work toward financial freedom so that you can stop living paycheck-to-paycheck, get out of debt, save and invest, and prepare for retirement.
💡 Quick Tip: Did you know that opening a brokerage account typically doesn’t come with any setup costs? Often, the only requirement to open a brokerage account — aside from providing personal details — is making an initial deposit.
The following strategies can help start you on the path to financial freedom.
A good first step toward financial freedom is figuring out what kind of lifestyle you want to have once you reach financial independence, and how much it will cost you to sustain it. Think about what will make you happy in your post-work life and then create a budget to help you get there.
As a bonus, living on — and sticking to — a budget now will allow you to meet your current expenses, pay your bills, and save for the future.
Debt can make it very hard, if not impossible, to become financially free. Debt not only reduces your overall net worth by the amount you’ve got in loans or lines of outstanding credit, but it increases your monthly expenses.
To pay off debt, you may want to focus on the avalanche method, which prioritizes the payment of high-interest debt like credit cards.
You might also try to see if you can get a lower interest rate on some of your debts. For instance, with credit card debt, it may be possible to lower your interest rate by calling your credit card company and negotiating better terms.
And be sure to pay all your other bills on time, including loan payments, to avoid going into even more debt.
Having an emergency fund in place to cover at least three to six months’ worth of expenses when something unexpected happens can help prevent you from taking on more debt.
With an emergency fund, if you lose your job, or your car breaks down and needs expensive repairs, you’ll have the funds on hand to cover it, rather than having to put it on your credit card. That emergency cushion is a type of financial freedom in itself.
If you’re not earning enough to cover your bills, you aren’t going to be able to save enough to retire early and pursue your passions. For many people, figuring out how to make more money in order to increase savings is another crucial step in the journey toward financial freedom.
There are different ways to increase your income. First, think about ways to get paid more for the job that you’re already doing.
For instance, ask for a raise at work, or have a conversation with your manager about establishing a path toward a higher salary. Earning more now can help you save more for your future needs.
Another way to increase your earnings is to take on a side hustle outside of your full-time job. For instance, you could do pet-sitting or tutoring on evenings and weekends to generate supplemental income. You could then save or invest the extra money.
You can get creative and brainstorm opportunities to create new sources of income. One idea: Any property you own, including real estate, cars, and tools, might potentially serve as money-making assets. You may sell these items, or explore opportunities to rent them out.
A savings account gives you a designated place to put your money so that it can grow as you keep adding to it. And a high-yield savings account typically allows you to earn a lot more in interest than a traditional savings account. As of February 2024, some high-yield savings accounts offered annual percentage yields (APYs) of 4.5% compared to the 0.46% APY of traditional savings accounts.
You can even automate your savings by having your paychecks directly deposited into your account. That makes it even easier to save.
At work, contribute to your 401(k) if such a plan is offered. Contribute the maximum amount to this tax-deferred retirement account if you can — in 2024, that’s $23,000, or $30,500 if you’re age 50 or older — to help build a nest egg.
If you can’t max out your 401(k), contribute at least enough to get matching funds (if applicable) from your employer. This is essentially “free” or extra money that will go toward your retirement.
💡 Quick Tip: Want to lower your taxable income? Start saving for retirement with a traditional IRA. The money you save each year is tax deductible (and you don’t owe any taxes until you withdraw the funds, usually in retirement).
After contributing to your workplace retirement plan, you may want to consider opening another retirement account, such as an IRA, or an investment account like a brokerage account. You might choose to explore different investment asset classes, such as mutual funds, stocks, bonds, or exchange-traded funds.
When you invest, the power of compounding returns may help you grow your money over time. But be aware that there is risk involved with investing.
Although the stock market has generally experienced a high historical rate of return, stocks are notoriously volatile. If you’re thinking about investing, be sure to learn about the stock market first, and do research to find what kind of investments might work best for you.
It’s also extremely important to determine your risk tolerance to help settle on an investment strategy and asset type you’re comfortable with. For instance, you may be more comfortable investing in mutual funds rather than individual stocks.
Practicing “financial literacy,” which means being knowledgeable about financial topics, can help you manage your money. Keep tabs on financial news and changes in the tax laws or requirements that might pertain to you. Reassess your investment portfolio at regular intervals to make sure it continues to be in line with your goals and priorities. And go over your budget and expenses frequently to check that they accurately reflect your current situation.
Maximize your savings by minimizing your costs. Analyze what you spend monthly and look for things to trim or cut. Bring lunch from home instead of buying it out during the work week. Cancel the gym membership you’re not using. Eat out less frequently. These things won’t impact your quality of life, and they will help you save more.
And finally, avoid lifestyle creep: Don’t buy expensive things you don’t need. A luxury car or fancy vacation may sound appealing, but these “wants” can set back your savings goals and lead to new debt if you have to finance them. Borrowing money makes sense when it advances your goals, but if it doesn’t, skip it and save your money instead.
Financial freedom can allow you to live the kind of life you’ve always wanted without the stress of having to earn a certain amount of money. To help achieve financial freedom, follow strategies like making a budget, paying your bills on time, paying down debt, living within your means, and contributing to your 401(k).
Saving and investing your money are other ways to potentially help build wealth over time. Do your research to find the best types of accounts and investments for your current situation and future aspirations.
Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).
Invest with as little as $5 with a SoFi Active Investing account.
Achieving financial freedom before age 30 is an ambitious goal that will require discipline and careful planning. To pursue it, you may want to follow strategies of the FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) movement. This approach entails setting a budget, living below your means in order to save a significant portion of your money, and establishing multiple streams of income, such as having a second job in addition to your primary job.
The most important first step to achieving financial freedom is to figure out what kind of lifestyle you want to have and how much money you will need to sustain it. Once you know what your goals are, you can create a budget to help reach them.
Financial freedom is being able to live the kind of lifestyle you want without financial strain or stress. Financial independence is having enough income, savings, or investments, to cover your needs without having to rely on a job or paycheck.
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
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Investment Risk: Diversification can help reduce some investment risk. It cannot guarantee profit, or fully protect in a down market.
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Looking for the best business ideas for kids? Finding business ideas for kids is a great way for them to learn about starting their own business, being responsible, and understanding money from a young age. They get to understand how to set goals, handle money, and feel the joy of earning their own extra income….
Looking for the best business ideas for kids?
Finding business ideas for kids is a great way for them to learn about starting their own business, being responsible, and understanding money from a young age. They get to understand how to set goals, handle money, and feel the joy of earning their own extra income.
Whether it’s in the summer, after school, or on weekends, having a small business can be a fun and educational thing to start.
I did many different things as a kid to make extra money, and they all taught me so much. There are many different ways for kids to make money, as you will learn below.
Here are the best business ideas for kids to start.
If your kid enjoys being creative and making things with their hands, selling arts and crafts can be a great business idea for them. It’s not only fun but can also help them earn some money.
Here are some crafts kids can make and sell:
Recommended reading: 16 Best Things To Sell On Etsy To Make Money
If your child is really good at a subject like math or science, they can start a tutoring business. They can help other kids who might find those subjects tough.
Tutoring is something they can do after school when they’re finished with their own homework. It’s a great way to use what they know to help others and even make some money.
Learn more at The Best Online Tutoring Jobs.
If your child loves being around kids, babysitting can be a great way to start their journey into the world of small businesses for kids. It’s not just about watching kids; it’s about creating a fun and safe environment while parents are away.
Your child’s reputation is important, and they can start with their neighbors or family friends who already know and trust them.
To decide what they should charge, you can look at what other babysitters charge in your area, but consider how much experience your kid has.
I recommend having your child learn about basic first aid and child care, and you can find classes through community centers or the Red Cross.
Babysitting is what I did the most of as a kid. It was my first full-time job, actually. Starting at the age of 14, I was working around 40 hours per week in the summer taking care of a baby in my neighborhood (I found the babysitting ad on a local bulletin board!). I earned $10 per hour. The mother was a nurse, so I was working about 13 hours per day for a few days each week.
If your kid loves animals, starting a pet care service or dog walking business could be perfect for them. It’s more than just a job; it’s a way to care for pets when their owners can’t.
In this job, you might look after pets either at your own home (called pet boarding) or take care of them at their home.
Depending on their age, your child may walk the dog for 15 to 30 minutes a day, or more.
I was recently looking at a local bulletin board, and a parent put up an ad for their 10-year-old to walk dogs. The parent would be there as well (to ensure the safety of both the child and pet, of course), but it was a small business idea that the kid wanted to start. If your child is a little older, they may be able to do this on their own as well.
Starting a lemonade stand is more than just a fun activity; it can be their first step for starting a business as a kid!
Your child will probably want to start with a simple recipe, as lemonade does not have to be hard. They can try different flavors, like strawberry, to make your stand unique.
They will need pitchers, cups, ice, and a table.
Work out how much each glass of lemonade costs to make, and then decide on a price that makes a little profit but is still affordable for customers.
Mowing lawns is a great way to start a small business as a kid. It’s simple to get going, and kids can make money during spring and summer.
They’ll need a lawn mower, fuel, and basic gardening tools.
Next, it’s time to set rates. Figure out how much to charge for each yard. A good plan is to look at what others charge and then set a competitive price.
Your kid can talk to neighbors, family, and friends to find new lawn mowing jobs.
I know many, many families who have kids who mow lawns to make money. I also know several people who have older kids who have turned this into a full-time business that has grown with them as an adult.
Raking leaves is a great business idea, especially during the fall. Trees drop their leaves and many homeowners need help gathering and disposing of them.
To get started, your kid will need to have a sturdy rake, bags for leaf collection, and a pair of gloves to keep their hands clean and protect them from blisters.
If you live in a place where snow falls, a kid can make money by shoveling snow. This job is great if they enjoy being outdoors and don’t mind the cold. Start by asking family and neighbors if they need help clearing their driveways and walkways.
They will need a few things to start:
Your kid can hand out flyers or tell friends to spread the word. Social media can be a big help too. A simple post can let everyone in your neighborhood know that your kid is ready to help clear the snow.
If your kid likes being around kids and celebrations, becoming a birthday party assistant could be a fun way for them to earn money.
They will help set up decorations (balloons, banners, and table settings), organize games (such as being ready to lead a game of musical chairs or a treasure hunt), and make sure the party runs smoothly (they might help serve cake and snacks to the little guests.).
Starting a YouTube channel can be exciting. If your child is under 13, remember, they can’t have their own account. But with a parent’s help, they can still share videos.
Your child can pick something they love, whether it’s science experiments, video game walkthroughs, or crafting tutorials.
They will want to post videos regularly – maybe post once a week to start.
Remember, it’s all about doing something fun and sharing what they love. Starting a YouTube channel takes work, but if they stick with it, they could make something really cool.
If your child is looking for a responsible way to earn some extra cash, becoming a lifeguard could be a way to make money.
Not only does this gig teach important life-saving skills but it also teaches them responsibility and discipline. Many local pools or community centers offer lifeguard certification courses, giving them an excellent opportunity for young entrepreneurs to get valuable training.
Running a small lifeguard business can be a win-win situation for kids and the community. They can sell their services to local events, pool parties, or even provide private swimming lessons.
Note: In most states, you need to be at least 15-years-old to become a lifeguard.
Starting a greeting card business is something your kid can have fun with and get their creative juices flowing! They can make cards for birthdays, holidays, thank you, congratulations, or just to say hello.
They will need:
They could start by selling to family and friends or at school events. As they grow, they could try selling them at local markets or even online.
As a neighborhood helper, they can sell their services to people around your community. This is a great way to help others and earn some money.
Your child can sell services such as:
To get started, your kid should make a list of what they’re good at and what they might enjoy doing. Then, let neighbors know about their services with flyers or tell them directly.
If you have many kids, they could even involve multiple family members so that each kid has their own specialty or niche as a neighborhood helper.
Starting a small business as a reseller means buying products at a lower price and selling them for a profit. They don’t need to make their own things; instead, they can find good deals on items, then sell them to others for more than they paid.
They can get items from yard sales, thrift stores, or their own home.
They can sell online on places like Etsy or eBay, or at school events and local fairs.
Recommended reading: 16 Best Selling Apps For Selling Stuff Online And Locally
Becoming a voice artist can be an exciting way for kids to explore and share their talent. If they enjoy speaking and have a unique voice, this could be a fun business idea for them.
They can sell services for character voices for cartoons and animations, narration for audiobooks or educational videos, commercial voice-overs for ads and marketing materials, and more.
They will need to start with a good microphone and recording software on a computer. They can practice by reading out loud and recording their voice.
To find work, they can join online platforms like Fiverr, where people look for young voice talent.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Voice Over Actor
If your child is interested in acting, the first step is to take acting classes, which can help them learn the skills they need to act in plays, movies, or TV. These can be found online or at a business near you.
Once they have some skills, they can try out for local theater productions and school plays, and join their school’s drama club. Being part of a production gives them practical experience and shows them what it’s like to work with a director and other actors.
Starting a candy business can be both fun and rewarding. With a love for sweets and a little creativity, your child can turn their passion into profit.
Candy is something that I see children selling all the time, and it completely makes sense – everyone loves candy! So, it is an easy item to sell.
They can sell homemade treats like chocolate-covered pretzels or gummy bears. Or, if you prefer, you can buy popular brands in bulk and sell them individually.
Next, consider where they will sell the candy. They may be able to sell at school, neighborhood, or local community events, and you should always ask for permission when selling in public areas or on someone else’s property.
Pricing the candy is important. You’ll want to make sure your kid covers the cost of what was spent and adds a little extra for their profit. Selling candy for $2 or $3 can make it easy for customers to buy without thinking twice.
If your kid is interested in working online, then they may want to try starting a blog. It doesn’t take a lot of money to get started, and it can teach a kid a lot about how to run a website.
I have met many teens over the years who have started a blog, and I think it’s a great small business idea!
Whether they want to share their hobbies, interests, or personal experiences, a blog gives them a platform to be creative and communicate.
Other business ideas for kids related to this include starting accounts on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, and starting a podcast.
Recommended reading: How To Start A Blog Free Course
Newspaper delivery is a classic way for children to earn some money. It’s a job that can fit well into their schedule before or after school. Plus, they can get good exercise at the same time!
It’s usually pretty simple: they take newspapers and deliver them to people’s homes.
When I was younger, I had a friend who had a delivery route. Once, I went along with her and helped her deliver some newspapers. It was hard work but she ran it smoothly!
If your kid is interested in this job, start by checking with local newspapers. Call them and ask if they’re looking for delivery helpers. Some things they might need:
They will learn responsibility by making sure the newspapers are delivered on time.
Sometimes there may be age limits, so if your child is younger, they might need to get a work permit. But often, kids as young as 11 or 12 can start with a bit of paperwork.
Recently, I was on Facebook, and a parent was helping their child host a garage sale. They were letting their child take control of most of the sale, but the parent was posting about it in the group to get more traffic to their yard sale.
They were selling the kid’s used toys to help them declutter and make some extra money. I thought this was a great idea!
Kids can learn the basics of entrepreneurship by organizing and pricing their toys for sale. This activity not only teaches them about value assessment but also introduces the concept of supply and demand as they observe which toys are more popular among buyers.
People pay good money for used toys all the time, so this can be a great side hustle to get into.
Face painting can be a fun and profitable small business venture for kids who love art and painting. They can start by setting up a face painting booth at local events or birthday parties.
Running a face painting business encourages kids to develop their entrepreneurial skills, from marketing their services to managing customer interactions.
Kids who care about the environment can turn it into a business by collecting recyclables. With a passion for keeping things green, they can offer to gather recyclables from neighbors, schools, or local businesses.
This not only helps the environment but also teaches kids about reducing waste and recycling.
I have been seeing more and more parents starting vending machine businesses for their children.
Getting kids into the entrepreneurial world by running vending machines can be an interesting and educational small business idea. Whether they decide to place machines in school common areas or local community spaces, managing a vending business can help teach children valuable lessons in supply and demand, handling inventory, and understanding customer preferences.
Running vending machines also gives kids a chance to learn about financial responsibility as they handle income, expenses, and profit calculations.
Recommended reading: How To Start A Vending Machine Business
In this section, you’ll find answers to common questions about starting a business as a kid.
Starting a business that fits into their hobbies and interests makes a good choice. For instance, if they like technology, they might try starting a blog or YouTube channel. If they love the outdoors, then a lawn mowing or gardening business might be a better fit.
A kid can make $100 fast by selling their old toys or clothing items that they already have. You, the parent, can help them organize a yard sale or gather their items to sell in a Facebook buy/sell group.
Kids can sell a lot of different things to make money, such as jewelry, paintings, greeting cards, homemade cookies, lemonade, used toys, and more.
They can start businesses at school like a pencil and eraser store, a book swap service, or a snack bar (if the school allows it). Just remember to check in with the school’s rules to make sure their business idea is allowed on the school campus.
Here are steps a child can take to start their own small business:
Throughout this process, parental involvement is so important. Parents can guide, supervise, and provide a supportive environment for the child’s business, making sure it is a positive and educational experience (and safe!).
At around 9 years old, they can start businesses that use creativity and simple skills. For example, making greeting cards or friendship bracelets.
There are many things that a 10-year-old can do to make extra money. A 10-year-old can start a lemonade stand, sell crafts, do yard work, and more.
There are many things that an 11-year-old can do to make extra money. An 11-year-old can rake leaves, walk dogs, sell baked goods like cupcakes, and more.
Younger kids can think about businesses like lemonade stands, which are simple to set up and manage. They also might create and sell craft items or start a pet sitting service for neighbors if they enjoy spending time with animals.
A teen can make money online by blogging, offering online tutoring services, selling printables on Etsy, reselling items online, and more. I recommend reading 17 Online Jobs For Teens To Make Money to learn more.
When starting a small business as a kid, it’s important to think about safety and the rules they need to follow. For safety, always make sure they have an adult they trust to help watch over their business. If they’re selling something like food or crafts, make sure everything they use is safe and won’t hurt anyone.
For legal aspects, different places have different rules for businesses. They might need to ask for permission from someone (like you, the parent) or maybe need a permit.
They also need to make sure they have supervision, which means having an adult around to help them out and make sure everything’s going right. Monitoring what they are doing online, if they are dealing with customers, can be very smart because you never know who they are selling to or talking with.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post about small business ideas for kids.
From traditional ways to make extra money like running a lemonade stand or mowing lawns to more modern business ideas like making and selling crafts or starting a YouTube channel, the possibilities for kid-run businesses are plentiful.
Starting a business as a kid can teach children valuable problem-solving and life skills. With the proper guidance and help, there are many different good business ideas that a kid can start.
I have been earning my own money from a young age, and it has taught me so much. I highly recommend helping your kids do the same!
What are your favorite kid business ideas?
Source: makingsenseofcents.com
Looking for the best summer jobs for teachers? Teachers, just like students, really enjoy the summer break. It’s a great time for them to relax and feel refreshed. But, this break can also be a chance for teachers to make extra money and even start a new business. I know many, many teachers who have…
Looking for the best summer jobs for teachers?
Teachers, just like students, really enjoy the summer break. It’s a great time for them to relax and feel refreshed. But, this break can also be a chance for teachers to make extra money and even start a new business.
I know many, many teachers who have side hustles in the summer. From part-time gigs to full-time summer businesses, there are many side jobs for teachers that you may want to try out.
There are many summer jobs for teachers listed below. If you want to skip the list, here are some jobs that you may want to start learning more about first:
One clear way for teachers to earn extra money in the summer is by teaching summer school.
It’s a good way to use your teaching abilities and make some additional income. The best part is that summer school happens during your summer break (big surprise, right?!), so it fits well with your schedule when you’re already off from regular school.
To start, check with your local school districts. A lot of them have summer school programs, and they usually share job opportunities on their websites or local education job boards.
Selling educational printables is a way for teachers to earn extra money. It’s especially good for those who want to make passive income as a teacher.
Your materials, like worksheets, lesson plans, and activities, are helpful to other teachers and parents looking for high-quality educational content.
Some places to sell your educational printables include:
Educational printables include things like math problems, vocabulary cards, and science experiments. They’re useful for different grades, age groups, and learning goals, making it simple to improve regular teaching or homeschooling. You can share these resources online or print them for in-person classes too.
Recommended reading: How I Make $400,000 Per Year Selling Educational Printables.
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
Trying your hand at flipping items from flea markets and thrift shops can be a fun and money-making summer job for you as a teacher.
Flippers are people who find items at flea markets, yard sales, and thrift stores that are priced lower than their actual value. They then sell these items for a profit.
The summer is a great time to do this because there are typically a lot of yard sales, flea markets, and people just in general decluttering more (so you may find more things that people are giving away), where you can find items to resell.
Some items that you can buy and resell include clothing, antique furniture, collectible toys, sports equipment, electronics, rare books, jewelry, and more.
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This free workshop will teach you how to get into the flipping business. It will teach you how to resell furniture, electronics, appliances, and anything else you can find.
During the summer, your teaching skills are still needed. Tutoring can be a flexible and fulfilling summer job that lets you work with students one-on-one either online or in person.
You may be able to tutor on subjects like math, foreign language, science, and more. You also may be tutoring kids, teenagers, or even adults.
To begin, you can look for tutoring jobs on online tutoring sites like Tutor.com. You can also sell in-person local tutoring sessions by reaching out to tutoring companies nearby or advertising your services on social media or in local Facebook parent groups for your area.
Becoming a camp counselor could be a rewarding experience for you in the summer. In this job, you’d guide groups of children through indoor and outdoor activities, as well as educational programs at summer camps.
Your daily tasks would include keeping campers safe, organizing games, and giving both educational and emotional support.
Summer camps come in different types, ranging from general adventure camps to specialized ones focusing on sports, arts, or science.
If you like numbers and you’re a teacher, online bookkeeping can be a way to spend your summer.
A bookkeeper is someone who assists in managing and tracking the financial aspects of a business. They usually keep records of sales, track expenses, and generate financial reports.
People with virtual bookkeeping jobs work from home, handling their responsibilities remotely. Virtual bookkeeping is a great choice for remote work as all tasks can be completed online or with computer software, eliminating the need to go into an office physically.
Recommended reading: How To Find Online Bookkeeping Jobs
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This free training will teach you what you need to know to become a virtual bookkeeper and make money from home.
If you’re a teacher who loves the water, becoming a swim instructor for the summer could be the perfect seasonal job for you. Your educational background gives you the ability to communicate and manage classes, which are important skills for teaching swimming.
To find swim instructor jobs:
Another job similar to this would be to become a lifeguard at a local pool.
As a teacher, your ability to tell stories and lead can be very useful for a summer job as a tour guide. Your skill in explaining things well makes you a great choice to share history and local stories with visitors.
Check out jobs at museums, historical places, or become an ambassador for your city by guiding people to discover hidden treasures.
If you’re a teacher who loves animals, you may want to look into summer jobs in pet care, like being a dog walker or pet sitter. Your caring skills can easily transition to taking good care of furry friends while students are on break.
Rover is a website that connects pet owners with pet sitters and dog walkers. You can choose to do this job on weekends throughout the year or only open your schedule during the summer months – it’s your choice.
Starting on Rover is simple – you create a profile sharing your experience with pets and the services you can offer, such as dog walking, pet sitting, and house sitting.
After that, customers will send you requests, and you can discuss pricing. Rover handles the payment process, and you’ll get paid directly into your account.
Recommended reading: 7 Best Dog Walking Apps To Make Extra Money
As a teacher, your knowledge of academic subjects is very helpful, especially in the summer. Becoming a test prep instructor can be a great chance to help students in getting ready for their exams and earn extra money.
Test prep instructor jobs include subjects like math and English, and they cater to different education levels, from elementary school to college.
Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) is a website made just for educators to buy and sell educational items, and it’s a well-liked side hustle for teachers. If you’ve created lesson plans, worksheets, or other teaching tools for your class, you can share them on TPT and make some extra income.
The school year may be over for you, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t create and sell lesson plans – these are bought year-round!
You can sell:
On Teachers Pay Teachers, the typical teacher can earn around an extra $300 to $500. However, some teachers make hundreds of thousands of dollars extra each year.
If you love sports and you’re a teacher, coaching a school sport during the summer might be a great match for your skills and interests.
Coaching a school sport is a great option within your own school district, as many schools need help with their sports teams. You can try coaching sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track and field. Additionally, there are opportunities with after-school clubs such as yearbook, chess, choir, and more that can be a teacher’s side hustle.
Beginning a dog bakery can be an enjoyable side job for teachers who adore both dogs and baking. By creating treats for dogs such as cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and more, you can earn an additional $500 to $1,000, or even more, each month.
Recommended reading: How I Make $4,000 Per Month Baking Dog Treats (With Zero Baking Experience!).
Etsy is a popular online marketplace that connects makers and shoppers looking for unique handmade goods. If you’re a teacher with a creative side, this could be a great site for you to showcase and sell your crafts during the summer months.
Some examples of what you can sell on Etsy that are related to school include:
But, you don’t have to only sell teaching-related items. You can sell many other things such as furniture, clothing, jewelry, soap, home decor, and more.
Many teachers work part-time or full-time at a restaurant during the summer as servers, hosts, bartenders, and kitchen staff.
Working in restaurants can fit teachers well since they have flexible hours that can match your open summer schedule, and you can leave the job easily once school resumes in the fall.
I know many, many people who have done this, and I would say this is one of the top summer jobs for teachers.
As a teacher, you likely excel at proofreading and can easily catch mistakes. Using these skills, proofreading can be a fantastic side job. By proofreading, you can help authors, website owners, students, and others in their writing while earning extra income.
Even the best writers can overlook errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. That’s why having a proofreader can be helpful for nearly everyone.
You can usually set your own hours, which is perfect for the irregular schedules you might have.
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
House sitting is a good option for teachers looking to make extra income during the summer months because a lot of people take vacations in the summer. As a house sitter, you are typically responsible for maintaining someone’s home while they are away. This can include watering plants, collecting mail, and making sure the house remains secure.
People hire house sitters to make sure their homes aren’t left empty, as a visible presence can discourage potential thefts.
To begin house sitting, you can join house-sitting websites to find gigs in your area or ask for referrals from friends and family. Starting with people you know for house-sitting and then using their references can expand your job search.
Blogging can be an enjoyable way for you, as a teacher, to earn extra money from home. Many teachers run blogs, and it makes sense – you can blog when you have free time, without sticking to a strict schedule.
To start your blog, first, pick a topic you’re passionate about, maybe something related to your teaching field or a hobby you enjoy. There are plenty of different niche ideas such as personal finance, travel, food, home, pets, and so much more.
You can earn money as a blogger through ways like:
Learn more at How To Start A Blog FREE Course.
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Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog?
In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
If you’re looking for remote summer jobs for teachers, then becoming a freelance writer can be a great option.
Freelance writers create content for blogs, websites, magazines, newspapers, advertising companies, and more. You can find writing jobs on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Also, you can find clients independently by reaching out to websites you are interested in writing for.
I have been a freelance writer for years, and it all started as a side hustle. This is a great side hustle because you can choose to work as much or as little as you want, such as if you are only looking to do freelance writing in the summer months when you are not teaching at a school.
Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Beginner Freelance Writing Jobs
An online transcriptionist’s role involves listening to video or audio files and typing out the content they hear. Various types of transcriptionists exist, including legal, general, and medical transcriptionists.
This job demands solid typing and listening skills, and the flexibility to work from home on your schedule. Transcriptionists typically earn an average of $15 to $30 per hour.
This is another great side hustle because you can choose to work as much or as little as you want, such as if you are only looking to make extra money during the summer months.
I recommend signing up for FREE Workshop: Is a Career in Transcription Right for You? You’ll learn how to get started as a transcriptionist, how you can find transcription work, and more.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Beginner Online Transcription Jobs To Make $2,000 Monthly
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In this free training, you will learn what transcription is, why it’s a highly in-demand skill, who hires transcriptionists, how to become a transcriptionist, and more.
If you have a spare room in your house, you might want to try renting it out over the summer. Platforms such as Airbnb or Vrbo make it easy for you.
I have rented out rooms to others in the past, and it has been a great way to make extra money. If you live in a touristy area, this could even be a gig that you only do in the summers and earn enough to cover your bills or at least pay for some of them.
If you have available storage space like a garage, driveway, closet, basement, or attic, you might consider renting it out to make extra money. This can be a profitable side hustle without requiring much of your spare time.
Neighbor is a platform where you can list your extra space for rent and potentially earn up to $15,000 per year.
This is a gig that may take up more than just your summer because typically people may store their stuff more long-term. But, you may find some people who only need to store things a few months at a time or perhaps you can also try to turn this into a year-round side hustle.
Recommended reading: Neighbor Review: Make Money Renting Your Storage Space
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You can use this website to list your unused space for rent and make up to $15,000 per year by doing so. With Neighbor, you can rent out your garage, driveway, basement, parking lot, shed, warehouse, carport, attic, street parking, or even a closet.
If you’re a teacher looking for a seasonal opportunity, teaching English as a second language (ESL) during the summer can be a rewarding experience.
Many institutions are looking to hire for ESL teaching jobs, ranging from local schools to international language camps and online platforms. Here’s how you can get started and what you might expect:
Typically, ESL teachers need a bachelor’s degree and a teaching credential like TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) certification. Some positions abroad might have additional requirements.
If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn extra cash during the summer, answering online surveys could be a great fit. Companies are always in search of genuine feedback to improve their products or services, and your opinions are valuable.
Now, this won’t be a full-time job, but you share your thoughts and can make extra money or free gift cards on your own schedule.
The survey companies I recommend are:
Recommended reading: 18 Best Paid Survey Sites To Make $100+ Per Month
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User Interviews pays very well for market research studies and these are some of the highest paying online surveys, with each paying $50 to $100 or more. The average pays over $60.
Companies hire mystery shoppers to gain insights into their customers’ experiences. They seek genuine opinions on products, feedback on customer treatment, evaluations of phone call interactions, and more. Mystery shoppers play a key role in providing valuable feedback to companies.
This is a great summer side hustle for teachers because you can simply pick up mystery shopping jobs when you need them. So, it’s completely okay and normal to only accept jobs during the summer.
Here’s what mystery shoppers do:
I have done many secret shopping jobs over the years, and I often got mystery shops that provided me with $100 to cover a free dinner.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Mystery Shopper
Craigslist can be a goldmine for finding great summer jobs for teachers. It’s a site where individuals and businesses post quick jobs to make extra money.
You can find these gigs by going to the Craigslist website for your city or area. Right on the home page, you’ll spot a section labeled “Gigs.” This is where short-term job offers are posted, ranging from labor-intensive tasks to more skill-specific roles.
Here are some jobs I have found in the past on Craigslist:
If you’re a teacher looking for flexible summer jobs for teachers, try delivering groceries with Instacart.
Grocery delivery services, like Instacart, are in demand as more people prefer having someone else do their grocery shopping.
Becoming a personal grocery shopper with services like Instacart can earn you an average of $15 to $20 per hour for delivering groceries. You’re paid per order, and you get to keep 100% of your tips. The flexibility allows teachers to choose their schedules, working in the evenings, on weekends, or even exclusively during the summer.
Recommended reading: Instacart Shopper Review: How much do Instacart Shoppers earn?
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Instacart is a popular website for people looking to earn extra money shopping for and delivering groceries. Instacart gives you the option to turn your free time into a chance to make some extra money.
If you’re a teacher looking for a productive way to spend your summer months, you may consider becoming a real estate agent.
Some teachers work as real estate agents alongside their full-time teaching jobs. This is possible because you can list and sell homes during weekends, breaks, evenings, and over the summer.
However, selling homes may have some challenges, as clients may occasionally require your full attention during the day, and you might be occupied with teaching. This is something to consider before getting into real estate as a side job.
If you’re a teacher looking for a flexible summer job that pays well, becoming a virtual assistant (VA) could be a perfect fit. As a VA, you can use your organizational skills and attention to detail to help businesses and entrepreneurs from the comfort of your home.
Some examples of what a VA does include:
Recommended reading: Best Ways To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs
Driving for Uber or Lyft can give you a flexible way to earn money during your summer break.
You get to set your own hours and work as much or as little as you desire, meaning you can align this job with your summer plans.
As a teacher, your skills are a natural fit for a summer position as a library assistant. Libraries often seek additional staff during the summer months, providing a great opportunity for you to engage in a role that supports literacy and learning in a calm environment.
Your job may include doing things such as:
You can simply contact libraries near you to see if they are hiring.
Teaching driving lessons to teenagers and adults is a popular side hustle for teachers. If you’re interested, you can check if the high school near you needs a teacher for this subject. Alternatively, reach out to a local driving school to inquire about potential teaching opportunities.
Driving instructors make around $20 an hour more or less, depending on where you live.
Back when I was in high school, I actually took my driver’s ed course at my high school in the summer. It was an easy summer credit, and I also got a discount on my car insurance. One of the teachers taught this course and it seemed fairly easy (other than having to deal with a bunch of us high school students over the summer who were wanting to learn how to drive, ha!).
Babysitting can be a side job for teachers, and depending on your location, you might earn around $15 to $25 per hour. Parents tend to prefer hiring teachers as babysitters due to their extensive experience with children.
Becoming a babysitter can be a great way to make extra money in the summer as well, as you can choose to sign up for babysitting jobs that are only during this time.
Plus, many families need extra help during the summer because school is not in session, but the parents still have to work. That is where you come in!
Another job similar to this would be elderly companion care.
Below are answers to common questions about finding summer jobs for teachers.
Yes, many teachers do receive income during the summer, especially if their annual salary is distributed over 12 months. However, if you’re paid only for the months you work, looking for summer employment can supplement your income during this period. Not all teachers have summer gigs, but those who want to make income in addition to their teacher salaries may try to find something in the summer.
The best summer job for a teacher often capitalizes on their skill set. Positions like tutoring, educational program coordination, or teaching summer school are highly relevant options. Teachers might also consider roles in curriculum development or educational content creation.
Substitute teachers can find summer jobs in other educational roles, such as tutoring, mentoring, or working in summer camps. Many community centers and educational institutions also look for qualified professionals to lead summer workshops or help with childcare programs.
Teachers looking for summer jobs from home can find opportunities such as online tutoring or virtual summer school teaching. Other side gig ideas include writing content for websites, blogging, transcribing, and more.
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best summer jobs for teachers.
As you can see, there are many ways to make extra money over your summer vacation.
Teachers have lots of options during the summer. They can stick with education by teaching summer school or tutoring. Or, they can try something new like being a camp counselor or giving local tours.
Teachers who like trying out new things might sell educational printables, sell things for profit, or sell services like pet care or freelance writing.
What do you think are the best jobs for teachers in the summer?
Source: makingsenseofcents.com
Most cats are perfect companions for apartment living. They sleep an average of 15 hours a day and can easily be left alone with food, water and a litter box. However, your indoor kitty does need some form of activity each day to keep them entertained. If left alone for too many hours, your cat may misbehave by scratching furniture, chewing on plants or engaging in some other unwanted behavior.
It’s a good idea to buy some cat toys to keep your feline friend entertained and well adjusted. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to set up a pet-friendly apartment.
Cat behavior experts suggest that a playful cat is confident, affectionate and alert. Besides providing an outlet for physical energy, playing with your cat for just 20 minutes a day can reduce stress and help you bond with one another. In general, movement stimulates cats and they like to chase things. Here’s a selection of some of the best cat toys for your apartment.
Every cat needs a scratching post to stretch and scratch on daily. This sturdy cat tree gives your cat a cozy spot to call its own. It comes fully assembled and has quality materials like solid wood posts, thick household-grade carpet and sisal rope. It includes a hanging ball to play with. Place it next to a window, and your cat will love to nap here while soaking up the sun.
Catnip is a perennial herb that stimulates special receptors in cats giving them a sense of euphoria or overwhelming happiness. Inexpensive catnip cat toys provide hours of playtime. These lightweight stuffed toys are chemical and pesticide-free and the perfect unobtrusive cat toy for your apartment. Take these catnip toys out anytime your pet needs a boost of energy, and you’ll quickly find her chewing, batting and running around.
This interactive toy encourages your kitty to play with spinning balls on a track. It’s self-contained so she’ll never lose the balls. It’s great for single or multiple-cats. You’ll love watching your cat bat at the balls as they spin round and round. The tower tracks cat toy has non-skid pads so it won’t move as your kitty plays.
This is an inexpensive and fun toy for both you and your cat. Light and movement intrigue cats. Turn the lights out and point the laser at the floor or wall, and your cat is sure to chase the image and attempt to capture it. The LED light is safe for use indoors or outdoors. Playing together also helps strengthen the bond between you and your cat.
This compact interactive electronic toy brings out the hunting instinct in your cat and offers the perfect way to stimulate her in a small space. A colorful feather randomly pops out from one of the six holes, using LED color lighting and motion. Your cat will pounce and paw at the feather in try to catch it. The anti-skid feet keeps the toy from moving throughout the game. When your cat wins the battle, the feather is easy to remove and replace.
Wave the feather teaser around and the colorful feathers and sudden movement will entice your bored kitty to jump and play. By stimulating her natural curiosity, it’s the perfect way to give your cat the daily exercise she needs. This colorful bird teaser has catnip to make playtime even more enticing, stimulating your cat’s natural hunting instincts.
This 10-pack of fuzzy play mice provides hours of feline fun. Drive your cat wild with the sights, sounds and feels they love. Toss them to get your kitty to chase them around your apartment.
They’re great for a single kitty or multi-cat households, too. They’re inexpensive and the perfect cat toy to have on hand whenever your cat seems to be bored.
Get in the holiday spirit with this festive holiday collar. Your kitty will be adorable thanks to the jingly bells and classic holiday colors. The collar can be worn on top of your everyday collar for short durations and is perfect for holiday pictures.
Have some holiday fun with your kitty and dress her up in a Santa suit. The two-piece design is super cute and includes a body piece and separate headpiece with elastic ear and chinstraps, along with a hook-and-loop fastener at the neck. Adjust it for a comfortable fit and let your furry friend spread cheer during the holiday season.
No matter what type of activities you decide to do with your kitty, they’ll get bored with the same toys after a while. Try to provide your fur baby with the best cat toys and rotate them every few days. Old toys can become new again if you put them away for a little while!
Playing with your cat is fun and will help you transform your home into the purr-fect home.
Source: rent.com
Cats are simple creatures. They only require that you love them unconditionally (when they are ready for love), always give in to their (sometimes frivolous) demands and have a full bowl of kibble ready at any hour of the day.
In exchange, you’ll get a feline friend who is mostly indifferent to everything around them, has energy bursts and sleeps a lot. The last point is important, as cats can snooze for up to 16 hours daily. And naturally, the king of your urban jungle needs a comfortable bed, and the more elegant it is, the better.
In this article: Furhaven Mid-Century Modern Elevated Pet Bed, Gavenia Fluffy Self-Warming Cat Bed and Pickle & Polly A-Frame Tent for Cats.
Pet owners naturally want to provide their furry friends with some comfortable furniture, but too often cat scratchers and loungers look ghastly. Most of the designs don’t seem to take into consideration that only a few people’s aesthetic is cardboard chic or sisal serene.
But cats don’t need to scratch and sleep in the same location. Having a scratcher is fine when it’s in a busy, high-traffic area, but for other quieter areas, felines feel most at home in a comfortable bed.
However, not just any bed will do. Apart from getting cat furniture that fits in with your decor, there are a few things to consider. If your cat prefers a space off the ground, consider an elevated bed that gives them a vantage point.
Also, take your cat’s weight into consideration. The thickness of a mattress might seem sufficient, but heavier cats will naturally need a bit more support and the frame should be able to handle it. Related to the mattress, consider the material that it’s made from, as some are better suited for colder months while others are more lightweight for summer.
Furhaven Mid-Century Modern Elevated Pet Bed
There is no better cat bed than this piece inspired by mid-century modern design. It looks good in any room, and at first glance, it doesn’t even seem like a bed for pets. It is 32 inches long and 22 inches wide and stands 9.8 inches tall. The wooden bed frame comes with pre-drilled partitions to make assembly easier, and it fits 20-inch by 30-inch mattresses.
Sold by Amazon
Gavenia Fluffy Self-Warming Cat Bed
This ultra-fluffy doughnut-shaped cat bed fits in with any clean decor or carpeted room. It has a water- and dirt-resistant base that won’t slide around on the floor. There are three sizes, and the smallest bed measures 20 inches in diameter and is 7.5 inches thick. The filling is polypropylene cotton, which is warm and cozy.
Sold by Amazon
Pickle & Polly A-Frame Tent for Cats
This adorable cat bed is perfect for a home with a rustic decor scheme or a vintage aesthetic. The simple frame is made from sturdy wood and held together at the top with a dowl rod. The fabric tent neatly attaches to the frame through elegant bows and provides a comfortable space for any cat to catch some shut-eye.
Sold by Amazon
PawHut Weaved Banana Leaf Elevated Cat Bed
This cat bed can easily be mistaken for a plant holder or an elaborate storage space. The weaved banana leaf cat bed gives off a tropical or rustic vibe, yet also looks elegant. The entrance into the ball-shaped area where cats sleep is 15 inches in diameter, and it stands on a 6.7 inch base. The fluffy cushion is 1 inch thick and 19.7 inches in diameter.
Sold by Amazon
The Refined Feline Faux Rattan Elevated Ball Cat Bed
Similar to the banana leaf bed, this elevated ball cat bed stand 28 inches tall on a 17 inch base and the ball is 11 inches off the ground. The opening on the ball is 17 inches in diameter, which is large enough for most cats. It is made from faux rattan, which is durable and elegant.
Sold by Amazon
Petmate Aspen Pet Sofa Bed with Pillow
This adorable cat couch is perfect for making your feline feel right at home while fitting in with the room’s decor. It is 20 inches long and 9 inches wide, with a plush ridge around the back edge. The sleeping area is covered in a synthetic lambswool and it even comes with a little pillow for comfort.
Sold by Amazon
Wall-Mounted Hammock for Cats
If your cat prefers to gaze upon the world from above, then this wall-mounted hammock is the perfect option. The cream and brown color scheme complements any decor choice and provides a functional sleeping spot. The sturdy backing has a scratch pad and the hammock can easily support cats up to 22 pounds.
Sold by Amazon
Free-Standing Cat Hammock
This free-standing hammock resembles an ottoman, which is great if you want it to seem like it’s part of the furniture. The simplistic metal frame is 19 inches wide and the hammock is 9.5 inches off the ground. The sleeping area is made from durable fabric is detaches from the frame for machine washing.
Sold by Amazon
Lazy Lush Orthopedic Pet Bed
If humans can have a comfortable couch, then why can’t cats? This bed isn’t elevated off the floor, but it has a 3-inch mattress for comfort. Measuring 30 inches by 20 inches, there is a 3.5-inch shredded foam wall around three sides, which doubles up as a pillow. The mattress comprises a waterproof lining, orthopedic foam and soft fur on top.
Sold by Amazon
Asrug Soft Faux Fur Pet Bed
If a fur rug is part of your decor choices, then this cat bed will be hardly noticeable. Approximately 26 inches by 37 inches, it has a 2.5 inch thick fake fur pile that provides a luxurious space for daytime napping. It has a soft, ivory-colored suede backing to prevent slipping and is machine-washable.
Sold by Amazon
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Source: wvnstv.com
Now that we’ve been working from home for a while, everyone has more or less figured out what works. But there are still a few basic pieces of Zoom etiquette that people need to master.
Whether you’re hosting a video call or attending one, here are some Zoom etiquette tips to keep you from being “that guy” on your calls.
Be mindful of the background noise on your end. Things you might have grown accustomed to and don’t notice are noisy and distracting for those on a Zoom call with you.
Think about appliances that are running, like the dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, and fans and HVAC units can make noticeable noise. Consider either turning them off or moving well away from them during your call.
And one of the most obvious, yet overlooked, pieces of advice is to close the door while on a call. If you’re working where other people live or work, a closed door is a respectful signal to not bother you and keep noises from outside the room from being heard.
What’s going on behind you during calls? Can others see cars passing by the street through your front window or the sink full of dirty dishes in your kitchen? Your visible background can say a lot about you and leaves an impression on Zoom calls. Try to keep a neutral background when possible and keep it clean so you don’t show off your messes.
Zoom does offer virtual background options, but unless you’re desperate, try not to use it all the time. Virtual backgrounds are fun and quirky at times, but they can create distrust or seem improper if overused. It’s alright to use them in an emergency when you’ve got a couch full of laundry behind you, but if it’s not necessary, it’s best to let everyone see you in your work environment at home.
As a word of warning, it’s appropriate to show everyone where you’re working in your home, but do it with caution! Yes, your bed is comfortable, but do you really want people seeing your bedroom? Instead, try setting up your camera in such a way that it doesn’t look like you’re lounging in your bedroom, like positioning yourself so only a wall is visible.
Especially when working in a small space, lighting is challenging. An overhead light can create harsh or awkward shadows on your face. Natural light always shows up best through your webcam, but if you don’t have natural light that adequately highlights your face, you might want to consider alternative options like a ring light.
It’s important to have a specific office area in your home in general, but it’s especially helpful for taking calls. It can help you minimize distractions and avoid potential mishaps.
If you’re always taking calls from the same spot, you’ll know what parts of your house show in the background, how to minimize noise and adjust lighting and keep messes and distracting items out of the way. Or, if you have a pet, consider having a bed next to your Zoom location, so they know there’s a place for them and won’t jump into your lap mid-call.
When you’re at home and have your closet only steps away, it’s tempting to change into comfortable clothes for work. When on camera, it’s best to have slightly more professional attire. This doesn’t mean you need to wear a suit and tie or a dress, but it’s best to put on something other than your sweats and an old hoodie. Try setting timers a few minutes before calls so you know when to change.
And just because people are only seeing the top half of your body doesn’t mean you should skip the pants — we all know that some Zoomers are flying fast and loose with pants, which is a dangerous game to play. If for some reason you do need to stand up or move during your meeting, you don’t want everyone seeing your unmentionables in a professional environment.
Zoom’s chat function is a great tool for sending comments while other people are speaking and for sharing links. Sometimes, these comments are important or someone is sharing a link to a document you need to view. Check the chat throughout your meeting so you aren’t completely lost and others don’t think you weren’t paying attention.
Even if there’s no background noise where you’re working, mute yourself when you’re not speaking. Unexpected things happen, like a doorbell ringing or noise you’re unaware of.
While it’s nice to show everyone your face, turning off your camera is sometimes appropriate. If you’re getting up from your desk to grab something from another room, turn off your video. Seeing someone get up and leave for a minute may cause others to wonder what’s going on, and it can distract from the actual meeting at hand.
Or, if you’re moving yourself during the call from one room to another, you should also turn off your video. Your coworkers don’t need to feel like they’re on a roller coaster or traveling through hyperspace while you’re walking through your home.
Finally, turn off the camera if you’re eating, even if it’s just a quick snack. It’s poor Zoom etiquette and, frankly, gross to others if you’re eating while on a call.
We’ve all had someone inadvertently show a confidential or personal message in a Zoom meeting, whether it was via notifications or poor planning when sharing their screen.
If you’re showing your screen to others on a call, make sure the screen you share is free from messaging platforms or other irrelevant windows. It’s also smart to mute your notifications while screen sharing, too. If you have difficulty remembering to turn off your notifications, try installing something like Muzzle that will silence your notifications for you when you share a screen.
Many of us are using more than one monitor and are on a zoom call while viewing other documents on different screens. Even if what you’re viewing on another screen is relevant to the meeting, it’s better to look into the camera so people know you’re actively present in the meeting and not distracted.
Do a quick test of your audio and video before your meeting starts. It only takes a minute or two and can help you avoid awkward moments of realizing you have a mess behind you or wasting time at the beginning of the call to figure out why the sound isn’t working.
Zoom has a few reactions you can use when you don’t want to unmute yourself or make too much noise. These are emojis that you can click that will show on your video window for a few seconds. It’s much easier when you have a large meeting to show you understand something by giving a visual “thumbs up,” rather than verbally saying “I got it” and everyone wondering who said what.
In your Zoom settings, you can set it to display on two windows. This is especially helpful for meetings where people are sharing a screen because you can see the gallery view for people’s faces, as well as a screen share. That means no more scrolling through everyone on the top or side of the screen during calls!
One of the greatest benefits of using Zoom for meetings is that you can record entire meetings and refer back to them later or send them to people who couldn’t attend. But, before you hit the button to record, make sure you’ve asked those in the meeting if it’s OK. Chances are, everyone will be fine with it, but it’s still good Zoom etiquette to ask so that others are aware.
When the weather is good, it’s nice to take calls from outside. When you’re working from your balcony or patio, be aware of your noise level as neighbors might have opened windows to let fresh air in and they can hear you. This is bothersome to the neighbors who are trying to work or take calls themselves, and it could give away information about your company that shouldn’t be shared.
You should also monitor the noise in your background. It’s relaxing to hear birds chirping or feel a breeze, but it’s annoying to everyone else on your Zoom call.
Whether you’re in a conference room, business center or other shared common space, take precautions and be considerate of those around you. That means practicing social distancing, wearing a mask and being as quiet as possible — including when using the printer and coffee machine. No one wants to be interrupted in their meeting by someone printing out a 100-page document nearby.
Most of us have had something unexpected happen during a Zoom call — and that’s OK! The great part about this pandemic is that it has shown us we’re all human. Even the CEO of the big company is dealing with pets, unexpected doorbells or visits from their little ones while they’re working. Life happens.
That being said, it’s still a work environment and we want to avoid being too unprofessional. Be conscious of Zoom etiquette and you’ll (hopefully) avoid being the distraction during calls!
Source: rent.com