Summer work?

[shortstack51]

So I'm trying to find work over the summer, and I wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions before I resign myself to temping (or something equally soul crushing). My problem is that there aren't a lot of seasonal jobs and the ones that are seasonal are usually minimum wage and/or get snatched up by high schoolers willing to work for less. (Since I'll be starting a program in fall, I obviously can't work past summer. Most places that know you're going into a program ask specifically if you can keep working through fall because they don't want short term employees.)

I tried applying to three or four online adjunct positions but I only heard back from one that said they were unable to offer me a position. The community colleges near me have already filled up available slots for comp/lit classes. Local libraries don't have the budget to hire temporary/seasonal appointments either.

I need to make at least 250 a week to comfortably pay rent and utilities (and that's an absolute minimum--3 or 400 would be preferred), which is why I may have to temp. Unless I want to work at a camp, but been there, done that, and not interested in having to work alongside high schoolers again.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Edited April 17, 2014 by shortstack51

[YooperLucy]

What about nannying? Set up a profile on care.com. You can set your own wages and apply to job postings that are close in proximity and are of interest. Nannying jobs are nice because if you are watching really young children (like newborns) you could potentially get some of that summer reading list out of the way and go for walks. The best thing about being a nanny is that you are not be confined to a desk job. During the summer most families are in need of a nanny due to school being out of session. It all depends on your feelings pertaining to dealing with children but if the right family comes along and needs a nanny for 40 hours a week at 15 an hour you might be able to live comfortably! Hope you are able to find something soon!

[hj2012]

You could look into teaching test prep, the SAT or the GRE or, if you're in NYC, the SSAT. It pays well, though the work may be equally soul-crushing.

 

Good luck!

[bhr]

If you are in a college town check with Res Life. They usually need summer staffing, and it often comes with housing (assuming that you aren't tied to a summer lease).

[lyonessrampant]

Freelance writing?  Check out oDesk, efreelance, and elance (or something like that. . . can't remember the last one exactly).  You have to sift through them to find jobs paying decent rates, but it's a way to get some extra money.

[ArthChauc]

I'm working for the Institute for Reading Development this summer. The pay is incredible and they're just about to finish up the hiring process. Google it and see if they're doing it in your town. 

[mockingjay634]

I'm working for the Institute for Reading Development this summer. The pay is incredible and they're just about to finish up the hiring process. Google it and see if they're doing it in your town. 

Thank you for this!

[shortstack51]

Unfortunately there aren't any Institute positions in CT, but the freelance option looks pretty good. Thanks for the replies! I will try freelancing and see if I can make enough doing that, and if it doesn't work out I can temp as a back up.

Edited April 21, 2014 by shortstack51

[ComeBackZinc]

I'm working for the Institute for Reading Development this summer. The pay is incredible and they're just about to finish up the hiring process. Google it and see if they're doing it in your town. 

 

Exactly what I was going to suggest.

[toasterazzi]

I work in my campus' bookstore during breaks. It's a minimum wage job, but it covers the necessary basis, the people are cool and the discount is pretty nice .

[iExcelAtMicrosoftPuns]

I'll be working as sous chef for an upscale caterer.

[WendyWonderland]

I looked for graduate assistantship in other departments. It worked. It is not that well paid, but better than nothing. Maybe you can research your school homepage a little bit and try to find an opportunity? I would love to work in summer. But unfortunately I can not fly to the US before the semester starts.

Good Luck!