Looking to Earn Extra Money? CCCS of Greater Atlanta Clients Offer Ideas for Second Jobs

ATLANTA, March 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Since the start of the recession in 2007 the number of unemployed Americans has nearly doubled to reach nine million people.

There is growing evidence that many unemployed people are becoming resourceful to earn income when opportunities are few in their chosen profession. Recently Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Greater Atlanta asked a cross-section of its clients for second job ideas.

"Even in this difficult economy, many of our clients are creatively identifying new sources of income to pay down debts or establish an emergency savings account," said Suzanne Boas, president of CCCS of Greater Atlanta. "People who were employed by industries hit hardest by the economic downturn are finding ways to reinvent themselves, even turning what was a hobby into income-generating employment."

Clients of CCCS of Greater Atlanta recently shared their second job stories with the agency.

U.S. Census Bureau – The most mentioned second job recommendation was participating in the 2010 U.S. Census. This month Census workers began hand delivering questionnaires, and the number of temporary workers hired will increase through the spring. Clients also said they earned extra money by participating in paid marketing surveys or focus groups.

Become a Tax Preparer – Some of the largest tax preparers in the country are hiring temporary tax preparers to help during their busy season in coming weeks. Classes are typically required to earn qualifications to prepare tax returns and are typically available nights and weekends, as well as weekdays.

Turn Your Hobby into Income – People who sew suggested creating and selling specialty outfits such as party dresses, and knitters offered ideas such as making knit caps in your local high school team's colors to sell at games. If you know your way around a kitchen you could create jams, jellies or baked goods and market them to a local food or produce market.

Turn Your Skills into Income – Are you handy with computers or another device that many people have but not many can repair themselves? Get the word out that you can make house calls to help with technology problems and are willing to work nights and weekends. If you are a subject matter expert you could become a substitute teacher for the lower grades or a college-level online tutor.

You Ought to Be in Sales – Many CCCS clients suggested trying low-key direct or online selling to generate extra income. Women could try selling beauty supplies from companies like Avon or Mary Kay Cosmetics to friends and acquaintances. Also popular is selling unused items around the house on eBay. One enterprising woman with an eye for fashion says she visits consignment stores to purchase underpriced designer clothes and then she turns around and sells them for a profit on eBay.

Shopping That Pays – Several clients said they earn extra money as either a mystery shopper or a personal shopper. Others suggested that when they looked for a second job working in retail they made sure to focus their search on shops that sold things they could use and offered employee discounts. So if you need to update your work wardrobe, it makes sense to try to land a position at a clothing store.

Work From Home – Jobs from home include data entry, transcription services, billing and telemarketing. One of our clients said she does medical coding from her home computer for a local healthcare organization and another says she works as a virtual assistant online.

Make Money, Have Fun – If you have entertainment venues in your town and enjoy sports, concerts or theater, consider becoming an usher or other attendant. One client says she started off working at an NBA arena and now works in several sports venues. Another client who likes to stay fit said he noticed an opening for a front desk assistant at his gym. He got the job and now he works out for free.

Work For Your Neighbors – You might be surprised at the response you'll get if you let your neighbors know you can babysit a child after school, or help them monitor an older relative while they run errands. One client said she started a service cleaning up the backyards of dog owners in her community.

About CCCS of Greater Atlanta

CCCS of Greater Atlanta serves clients in all 50 states and has 33 offices in four states. It is the headquarters for the CredAbility Network, a family of nonprofit agencies serving consumers in north Georgia, south and central Florida, middle Mississippi and east Tennessee as well as nationally via telephone and Internet.  

CCCS is accredited by the Council on Accreditation and is a member of the Better Business Bureau and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC).  Governed by a community-based board of directors, CCCS is funded by creditors, clients, contributors and grants from foundations, businesses and government agencies. CCCS offers around the-clock help by phone at 1-800-251-CCCS or at its Web sites, www.cccsinc.org and www.cccsenespanol.org.

SOURCE Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta