photo: vintagevogue.com
The winning commenter, E.C. asked me to write a bit more about my alternative income. So I want to talk about my ideas for a patchwork full-time job.
If you’re not quite familiar with my reasoning for job decisions, you should probably check out these two posts for some specifics. Or just know that I’m giving this a shot and we have money in savings so that if I can’t make up my full income for a few months we have a cushion. And if it doesn’t work, then I’ll go back to a full-time job. My current boss even offered me a position with the company if I want to come back (which was really cool).
Ingredients:
1. The job checking newborns’ ears. This should be between 9 and 12 hours a week at $11/hour. There’s always the chance to get in more hours if people take off sick. There’s always the downside of not many babies being born and not even being able to get in the 9 hours.
I have this job and will be starting it full-time at the beginning of December!
2. I applied for a job at our local library, at 12 hours a week, $10.50/hour. Again, the chance of getting more hours if people can’t come in. My permanent schedule for the baby job works ok with the permanent schedule they posted. I’m very qualified for the job, so let’s just hope they think so.
I love working at libraries, I find it very meaningful to participate with getting people books and other materials–whether they’re seeking enlightenment, information, or entertainment.
3. Freelance writing and editing. I’m still working on this ingredient. I should be making some money from my blog (once I get the blogherad network running–they have to give me a code). And I make some from Associated Content. (I need to get more going on that.)
I have various sites lined up for finding gigs, I just don’t have time to apply for many now, what with the sewing, blogging, and 40 hours a week for work.
4. Sewing. This includes quilting, curtains, iPod cases, and other commissions. I started up a new little blog (madeby.financefreelancelife.com) for posting about this, networking with other people, and such. I’m trying to post more pictures over there too, since I don’t want to flood this blog with every little project I do, but I posting about them could be good for business.
I’m currently working on a really pretty purse and revitalizing a quilt. Together that should bring in a bit over $100. 🙂
5. Who knows what?
I’m open to possibilities. Tutoring at a local college? Giving music or sewing lessons? So many possibilities! They keep becoming more and more apparent. So here’s to a few months of trying things out and seeing what works!
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That is incredibly gorgeous, that photo thing — and I was disappointed to see that it wasn’t some beautiful thing you were creating 🙂
In other news, both your feeds are working for me. Huzzarp.
It’s great you are finding jobs that make you happy. And I like the fact you are pursuing your creative talents more fully. Personal creative fulfillment sounds like something that would be very good for you! It’ll work … just keep the faith 🙂
I’m glad to hear that you’re not settling in a postion just because of the money. It’s great that you’re diversifying your income. Good luck with all of your endeavors!
Well, you shouldn’t have to worry about the number of babies; I think the whole country is in a baby boom (so says my friend Chuck) and not just my church. 🙂
Also, if you’d like to give Nathan piano lessons in a few years, that’d be great! (Although the commute might be difficult….)
Hope you and Mr. Micah are doing well!
I worked at a library throughout high school. I only got paid $5.50 an hour but I liked the library, plus I never had to pay any overdue fine 🙂 I don’t think I would’ve read as much as I did if I didn’t work there.
I’m glad you have a detailed game plan. The library job sounds like a good deal with its hours, job, and pay. I hope you get it.
Thanks everyone! 🙂
Sorry Christine, though it’s a really cool piece. It’d make a nice journal cover. Herm…
Thanks, Dawn. I’m hoping that the balance of creativity and work will help get the bills paid and make life better.
If you’d pay for my plane tickets, Mananda, then I’d be happy to give the fwuffy lessons. He’d be so cute! (I don’t think I could teach piano here, though, since we don’t have one. I could teach violin, however.)
I didn’t get overdue fines at my old job either, dong. I hope it’s the same here. 😉
Thanks, SD and Laura. The woman I interviewed with for the screening job was impressed by my idea (I shared it since she asked whether I was planning to leave for a full-time position or stay there for a while). So it’s actually had a positive effect on my employment so far. 🙂
I love your plans for working full-time by adding together a bunch of different jobs. I’ve been working part-time at a library and part time at our insurance agency for three years, and I love having two different things to focus on. Keeps life interesting. Good luck to you!!
Since the holiday season is approaching have you thought about working as a part time “fake shopper”. I’ve seen many ads in the Express and the Washington Post for hired shoppers during the holidays. Their job is to wander around certain stores to help the store keep up the appearance of being filled with shoppers, to encourage other shoppers to enter.
I’m not joking about this…it’s true! The pay is pretty good too…like $25 per hour or something
That’s an interesting idea, Raymond. I’ll have to figure out whether I can spend that much time in a store without wanting to buy something (probably yes) and then whether I think it’s ok to be attracting people to stores—or just making them look like they’re doing well. 🙂 And pick up a copy of the Express to look for the ad. 😉
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