I want to boost my income.

Martynb_

I want to boost my income. I work 21 hours as a support worker and I've asked my employer for more hours and the answer was an emphatic No. So I've been looking for weekend jobs, because I work through the week except Fridays. I cannot find any suitable weekend jobs and it is getting to the point where I'm going to have to do something.

So,

I thought that I would advertise myself as a) an unqualified dog walker. b) personal trainer (I have a qualification but not level 3) c) child minder (no experience).

I would charge £5 an hour. I have spoken with several local personal trainers and they told me to forget it; not possible.

I spoke to my neighbour who has a dog and she said she would not want just anyone walk their dog.

I asked someone I knew a few doors down who has two children, and she said that although her oldest son can babysit whilst she is out, she would not trust anyone else to do whether qualified or not.

So, I'm literally at a loss at what to do now. Now for those saying "look for a full time job and then leave your current job when you have got one" - that I do not want to do because I enjoy my current job. It just doesn't pay enough.

I have walked into various shops and supermarkets asking for a few shifts, either one day or two, and they've either said No or have said that they get an influx of students and they would come first before me.

I feel like giving up.

Flyonthewall

Dog walker doesn't require any qualifications, but you would need to be fully insured. For a child minder, you would need qualifications and insurance. With both you should think very carefully before doing them.

You are responsible for another life.

It's not just a case of throwing a dog lead on, walking around and taking it back or sitting watching TV with a kid for a couple of hours. Accidents can happen, big dogs can pull a lot, they may not like other dogs, you may have to feed the kid etc.

Both should be done because you like dogs/kids and not just to get extra cash. People want to know you care and will do a good job.

Also, you would need to register as self employed and declare any income.

First of all, make sure your CV is up to date and looks good.

Second, keep checking job websites. You can often set up alerts too for specific searches. Also be sure to do general searches for all types of jobs, you may find something you never considered before.

Third, if you're going into shops make sure to have your CV with you and look presentable. Don't just walk up, say "got any jobs?" and walk out when they say no. Hand them your CV and ask them to consider you for any future vacancies. Make yourself stand out a bit and show you're positive and willing. A better choice than a student.

Fourth, this board is full of ways to get a bit extra. Survey sites, review sites, mystery shopping and so on.

Finally, look at where you can cut down on costs and save a bit of money. You might be surprised.

SailorSam

Read through the old 'boost your income' threads on here, see if you can earn any extra using the computer at home.

Martynb_

SailorSam wrote: »

Read through the old 'boost your income' threads on here, see if you can earn any extra using the computer at home.

That's not a viable solution. I know several people, myself included, who have signed up with these websites to get extra money and so forth. I tried for a month doing it. I do not intend to continue with it because the returns are rubbish. It pays so little £20 per month is not worth it (I earned £2.20 last month); I need at least £10 per week.

Flyonthewall

Martynb_ wrote: »

That's not a viable solution. I know several people, myself included, who have signed up with these websites to get extra money and so forth. I tried for a month doing it. I do not intend to continue with it because the returns are rubbish. It pays so little £20 per month is not worth it (I earned £2.20 last month); I need at least £10 per week.

That all depends on what site(s) you use, how much you use them and what surveys/offers they have. They're meant to be a way to get a little extra, not as a job or way to get rich quick.

You may get more from writing reviews, but you need to keep doing it. Again, it's just a way to get a bit extra not a job so you can't expect to make loads.

There are many different sites you can use though and some will offer more than others.

If you really need more money though and no other suggestions are working then getting a new job with better pay may be your own option. Changing jobs doesn't mean you have to go full time, nor does it mean you will end up in a job you dislike. You may find a job you enjoy just as much or even more than the one you have now.

Mojisola

Martynb_ wrote: »

I need at least £10 per week.

A couple of hours cleaning someone's house will earn you more than that.

Flyonthewall

Mojisola wrote: »

A couple of hours cleaning someone's house will earn you more than that.

You may have travel costs and you will be taxed on them earnings, plus if self employed then you have possible insurance costs too. So you'd need to make sure that after all costs it actually makes it worthwhile.

SailorSam

Instead of cleaning houses, do you drive ?
Buy yourself a decent lawnmower and see can you build up a small round keeping peoples gardens tidy. Many people, particularly older people can't manage.

Flyonthewall

SailorSam wrote: »

Instead of cleaning houses, do you drive ?
Buy yourself a decent lawnmower and see can you build up a small round keeping peoples gardens tidy. Many people, particularly older people can't manage.

Just to add, research first. Silly buying a lawnmower and then finding no one wants it done. Also double check first that they don't have a lawnmower you can use as that'll save you buying one and the hassle of getting it to the house.

You could see if they want any other odd jobs doing as well.

Also, again, you need to become self employed and declare any earnings.

SailorSam

There was a guy who started to do the garden for the little old lady next door, when he first started he only had an old escort van, then as other people asked could he do theirs and he bought a trailer, then a transit but he only started by putting cards in shop windows or adds in the 'free' paper.

silverwhistle

I see you are in Wigan, so that does make a difference, but round here (Hampshire) cleaners get £8+. Never underprice yourself as it smacks of desperation: you can always give a discount for n number of cleans/babysits/whatever. Gardening is a reasonable one although a bit seasonal, but there are other things at Christmas anyway (bars/shops/events/Christmas post).

What sort of support worker are you: are there any o[pportunities for agency and cover work with other organisations? If you can cover weekends and bank holidays etc. even better.