Have you ever wondered why college students are typically assumed to be broke? Well, it’s usually because they are. As a college student myself, I long for graduation day simply in hopes of finding a “real job” and making “real money.” In the meantime, I wait tables, which happens to be one of the most common and best-paying jobs a college student can have.
Although I find myself encountering interesting — and by interesting, I mean weird and unusual — customers during every shift, my job is considered to be a pretty ordinary way to work your way through college. In this post, however, we will explore some of the not-so-ordinary ways to work your way through college…
1. Play Dress Up
We all did it as a kid, so why not get paid for it now? A clown, a Disney princess, a Teletubby.. you name it and I guarantee you can be it. Parents are always looking for characters to make an appearance at their child’s birthday party, so put on a costume and go for it.
2. Designated Driver
Let’s face it: the college years are the party years. But have you ever thought about making a profit off of living above the influence? I’m sure your peers would rather get a ride home from you than that creepy cab driver, so stay sober, play chauffeur for the night, and collect a few fares along the way for your time.
3. Take Surveys
College students are always complaining they’re broke, yet they ignore the moneymaking opportunities right in front of them. If you have a college e-mail address, chances are you are constantly being bombarded with e-mails to take part in surveys, often entering you in the running to win a cash prize. Take a minute, answer some questions, and pray it’s your lucky day. After all, it’s like the Lotto — “you never know!”
4. Jack (or Jill) of All Trades
Why do one thing when you can do it all? Get a newspaper or get on the Internet, and answer some ads. People look for help all time in all different areas. Mow a lawn, walk a dog, build a tree house, you can do it all (just stay away from the personal ads!).
5. Start a YouTube Channel
We all talk to ourselves, so why not get paid and receive a little fame while doing so? The YouTube community is huge, from beauty channels and health and fitness channels, to even prank channels. Truly, there’s something out there for everyone. If you get a lot of subscribers, you can become a YouTube partner, and that’s where the money starts rolling in thanks to ads YouTube will place on your videos. So if you have a big personality, make a video. After all, it could go viral!
6. Donate Plasma
No, I’m not talking about your big screen TV. Plasma is the liquid component of blood, and you can get paid to give yours up. Blood plasma donors can make anywhere from $9-$20 per donation. So if needles don’t scare you, this could be a quick cash fix for you.
So, there you have it — six jobs I bet you wouldn’t think to do, but can! Take your pick and earn some money, while you earn an education.
