That may be true in terms of hours in the work week, but many part-time jobs pay just as well as a traditional 40-hour week ones and a number of positions come with health insurance coverage, paid vacation days and employee discounts.
Here is our list of some of the best part-time jobs:
1. Tax Preparer
Thousands of people need help every year to file their
returns. Part-time tax preparers are often accountants who know
their way around deductions and forms, and who want extra income.
Though the job typically peaks in the spring, many clients choose
to retain their tax professional as a year-round personal
accountant and
adviser.
Salary: Set your own fee. H&R Block typically
charges anywhere from $100 to $200 for their services, so you can
probably charge up to $80 and still offer a bargain.
2. Substitute Teacher
Many states offer substitute teaching positions without requiring a
teaching degree. Often, anyone with a bachelor’s
degree is eligible, provided they pass a background check and
interview. The length of
employment varies and you should be flexible for days when you
get a frantic last-minute call at 6 a.m., but it’s a good way to
put your education to use while aiding in the education of
others.
Salary: Varies depending on the state. In Oregon,
for example, substitutes get about $150 a day.
3. Private Tutor
Jeremiah LeBrash started tutoring in college as a way to make some
extra income. He’s now making enough money for it to be his
full-time job. “I started out teaching SAT prep for Kaplan, but I
was only making $20 an hour,” he says. “I realized I could do it on
my own, give my students one-on-one attention, and
charge twice as much.” LeBrash now charges $80 an hour for test
preparation and $60 for general math and science help.
Salary: Companies like Kaplan and The
Princeton Review pay tutors anywhere from $20 to $60
an hour, depending on the test they teach and the size of the
class. Private tutors, like LeBrash, can set their own fee.
4. Part-Time Receptionist
Answering telephones and receiving packages may not be the most
glamorous job, but according to career counselor Judith Gerberg,
it’s a great opportunity to network. Gerberg, president of the
Career Counselors Consortium, knew a laid off radio DJ who ended up
working as a receptionist for a law firm. She soon became
acquainted with a filmmaker client who loved her music knowledge so
much, he hired her as an associate producer. “Lawyers and small
businesses always need administrative help,” says Gerberg. “You
might be making minimum wage, but keep your ego under wraps. You
never know who will walk through the door.”
Salary: Varies, but can be in the $20,000-a-year
range.
5. Computer Technician
Gerberg says there is an increased need for tech support, as more
people move their businesses home. Computer technicians make basic
repairs, set up wi-fi and perform other jobs.
Companies are also looking for individuals who can build websites,
which makes this a no-brainer for anyone with a little creativity
and HTML experience.
Salary: Set your own fee. Tech support rates vary
according to the job, rates can be around $30 an hour or more.
6. Copy Editor
“Copy editing is proofreading,” says Rachel Goldman, who took her
skills honed in her day job as an online news producer and used
them to score part-time work as well. In addition to checking texts
for spelling, punctuation, grammar and formatting errors, "I
also help the person brainstorm and flesh out their work,” says
Goldman. Although she started out editing essays for college
students, Goldman is now working on documents such as patent
applications and television scripts as well.
Salary: Goldman’s fees vary based on length and
subject matter, but she estimates that she makes about $100 per
document.
7. Direct Seller
Companies such as Amway and Avon allow people to make money on
their own time, while offering incentive programs like discounted
insurance. And while the recession may have curbed consumer
spending, Avon recently reported earnings that were
above expectations. “Our products are selling well because it’s
affordable luxury,” says Lindsay Blaker, an Avon spokesperson.
Salary: Blaker says she’s seen reps make anywhere
from a few hundred dollars a month to six-figure annual salaries.
“I met someone who went from a corporate setting to becoming a
full-time seller because she was making just as much
money staying at home,” she says. “People love the flexibility of
the job.”
