Whether you've been laid off or have never been able to land a salaried position, money doesn't come as easy as it used to. For many recent college graduates, there is a tremendous difficulty gaining stable employment after completing their degree. While this doesn't mean they're doomed to be unemployed forever, it does cause serious anxiety and complications. Once that student loan grace period ends, you're responsible for making monthly payments. With other expenses and no steady income, how are you supposed to make ends meet?
While these might not be a permanent solution, you can earn money without a job by following these tips. Some involve gig-based work while others are more about money smarts and debt management. Each has their own appeals and drawbacks, so read carefully and consider which ones might benefit you the most while you're looking for work.
Refinance Your Student Loans
If your debt is not able to be easily paid on time and you don't see your financial situation drastically improving, you may consider refinancing. Refinancing your student loans can reduce the overall cost of your monthly payments, and you may be able to strike a deal that reduces how much interest you'll owe, too. While the principal amount always stays the same, you can stay on top of bills more easily with lower payments and possibly less interest overall. In serious cases where you have no income, deferment is also an option. However, it's not permanent, and you may still be charged interest while your payments are delayed. Refinancing poses a long-term solution that accommodates a fluctuating income status.
Work Part-time
Gig work like food delivery and in-store shopping might not be glamorous, but you can make your own schedule and keep money in your pocket. If you live in a busy area, there's a chance to make over $2,000 a month as a driver. You'll need to be at least 19-21 depending on the company, hold a valid license in your state, and pass a criminal background check.
There are also part-time jobs online you could look into, with most of these positions paying around $10 to $15 an hour, so they aren't going to help you become financially independent, but working two at once could equate to a full-time job's hours and pay. Look for part-time jobs in areas that are trending right now, like social media management and virtual assistance. You can up your chances of getting hired by targeting people in niches related to your knowledge and interests, like vet offices or local bars.
Sell Your Old Clothes
It's amazing how much you can make getting rid of things just collecting dust in your closet. Set up a Tik Tok or Instagram and create look books or hauls showcasing what you have for sale; if you market your wardrobe right, you can have buyers even reselling their old clothes and being turned for a profit. If you're handy with a sewing machine or know how to embroider, consider customizing your old pieces and selling them for a higher cost as custom designs.
