How To Make A Little Extra Cash In Chicago
by Coffee Slut - January 10, 2009
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Before you think about jumping into the Chicago River… Remember that in this city, sometimes money can be a bit tight, especially in the winter months. I have become the Queen of odd little jobs for cash! Here are a few suggestions that have given me some cash when things may be slow elsewhere. No worries, these can be fun! It's all about finding things you're interested in...
Don't Jump!
READ FIRST! I promise, Chicago isn’t such a cold city. You just have to know where to look.
Be A Babysitter
If you don’t like children, you might want to skip this one.
Children are beautiful creatures, and you can get paid to just play for a few hours! I watch a 2 year old every Friday.
I leave every week with something splattered on my shirt, or smelling like child slobber, but charging $15-20 an hour ain’t so bad and it’s fun to be a child again!
Second City the Box Office
1616 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614
There are not many serious people here. Seriously! What a fun atmosphere to work in. Check ’em out!
There are not many serious people here. Seriously! What a fun atmosphere to work in. Check ’em out!
Watch Free Shows
It’s always a good idea to work at Second City.
Especially if you love improv as much as I do!
Working the box office at Second City just once a week, or any improv venue, will get you in to the shows for free. Plus, you will be making a little bit of cash to stash.
Laughter is medicine, and who doesn’t need a good laugh? But getting paid to laugh… can’t beat that!
Second City Chicago. Go on, call ’em up!
Make Snow Angels!
This is what I do when it’s snowy in Chicago and I need a break from all of my many jobs.
Who knows, maybe someone will pay me to make the perfect snow angel one day. I’m pretty good at it!
Printers Row Wine Shop
719 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605
Check out this laid back little wine shop, in Printer’s Row. The owners are cool. If you strike up a convo, be sure to ask if they need some extra help on wine tasting nights.
Ya never know!
Check out this laid back little wine shop, in Printer’s Row. The owners are cool. If you strike up a convo, be sure to ask if they need some extra help on wine tasting nights.
Ya never know!
Temp Jobs
Try out an interesting temp job. Find something that catches your interest. For example: wine.
There are some temp jobs available where you can sell or lead wine tastings! Check this NY Times article out: Temp Jobs At The Wine Shop.
Who knows, you might even land a permanent job from this temp part-time work. You might even ENJOY doing it! There are tons of temp agencies out there! Go on… take yer pick!
Shop Mysteriously
Well, you don’t have to LOOK like you are being mysterious! However, there are organizations in Chicago that will pay you to shop! Basically, you are anonymously shopping, while checking out the store without being noticed.
Yeah, sounds like some fun cash that would make me feel like James Bond. Ok, maybe that’s just me.
Just Be A Clown
This would be a last option for me, I must say. However, did you know that clowns are still high in demand? Seriously, they are! I’m not sure why, but you could actually pocket some under the table cash with this one.
Just try not to hit up kid’s birthday parties. I don’t know, maybe there are some higher class clown gigs out there!
Shovel Your Neighbor's Sidewalk
Ever heard the saying, “Treat your neighbor as you would like to be treated?” Well, snow shoveling could be just that, helping a neighbor out.
Only if they pay you of course! I hear they pay pretty well. Pick a price!
Charging a good $20-40 bucks per yard or square sidewalk is a good deal. I mean, it’s hard work shoveling that snow!
Walk Those Dogs
This week, I decided to make a little extra cash and walk my boss’ two dogs while she was away.
Little did I know, it would be a lot harder than I anticipated. Every time I would get over to the house, one of them would leave large brown friends on the floor for me to clean up!
In the end, I told myself all of that walking in the snow, scooping, and drool wiping was worth that extra cash in my pocket.
Check out:
Chicago Dog Walkers.
Finding Your Interests:
- Look for part-time jobs that interest you. It’s important to find a job you could have fun, while making that extra cash.
- Try to find a place close to home. That way, you won’t dread getting out of bed. Just roll out, complete the task, and roll back in if you want!
- Find out how many hours you will be working and request a reasonable rate that you and your employer will be satisfied with.
- Remember that this is a part-time job! Do not work more hours than your “regular” job!
- Find a way to LOVE the small things (even the small jobs!)
Borders Books & Music
830 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Stock books all day at Borders! Yay for books!
Stock books all day at Borders! Yay for books!
Stock Some Books
Businesses such as Borders, Barnes and Noble, and the Chicago Public Library, hire book stockers. I don’t know if that is the “technical” name, but that’s what they do! Stock books all day! Not bad eh?
Kozy's Cyclery
3255 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
There are several locations in Chicago. Wherever you live, is where they might need your help!
There are several locations in Chicago. Wherever you live, is where they might need your help!
Fix Some Bikes
Bikes catch your fancy?
Bike shops are always looking for bike tuners. This could be a fun, hands-on way to make some extra cash. Plus, you can use the tools you need to fix up your own bike!
A New Leaf Inc
1645 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614
This floral shop is modern, calming, and located in the heart of Old town. Stop in, ask ’em if they need some part-time help!
Don’t forget to mention how beautiful their arrangements are!
This floral shop is modern, calming, and located in the heart of Old town. Stop in, ask ’em if they need some part-time help!
Don’t forget to mention how beautiful their arrangements are!
Play with Flowers
Working at a florist can be a nice way to escape the piercing winds of the winter weather. Many florists need some extra part-time help, and Valentines day is approaching!
Flowers are pretty!
Gift Wrapping
Gift wrapping is not just for the holidays. Some people are a natural at making gifts look like works of art. I am not one of those people, but if I were I would definitely play with paper all day!
Many boutiques hire professional gift wrappers, who are on staff part-time. Could be fun!
Get Clean!
Before I moved back to Chicago, my friend approached me with the idea that we should make soap and sell it! It has been a nice little way to be creative, yet make a little cash on the side.
It is easy to make and fairly inexpensive to purchase all of the needed ingredients. Once your soap is made, sell it to local stores and markets in your area! Chicago is full of ’em!
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as a freelance writer, I often wonder how far I’ll go to stay afloat during tight times. I told friends to tie me up if I ever mention medical experiments. Maybe I’ll forgo medical torture and resurrect my childhood dream of starting the real “Babysitter’s Club.”
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