Ten Second-Jobs for Generation Y

This is a continuation of my article from yesterday about why Generation Y’ers need second-jobs. As promised, here are ten options that make great second-jobs:

1. Expert Columnist – Blogging to demonstrate “expert” credentials is sooo 2007, but blogging IS a good way to test your writing skills and improve your understanding of a topic, which can lead to an article or column in a media publication. Start small, build a community around your blog, and use that momentum to land a stretch job writing about a topic that relates to your career.
2. Foreign Language Tutor – The best way to put all those college foreign language credits to use is to practice the basics on a regular basis, and having a foreign language on your resume makes you a hot commodity in just about any market.
3. Small-Business Owner – These days, anyone can start a business for under $1000 on the internet. If you have an innovative idea, the internet is a good place to test the profitability of it. Minimize your risk and get a learning experience no matter what.
4. Student – Getting extra certifications can go a long way in your career if your job isn’t helping you develop the skills you need for a new position, and they are usually easier and faster than getting a graduate degree. While a CFA or PMI certification might not get you a promotion or raise within your current company, job-hoppers benefit because they know certifications help them narrow the gaps, especially for career changers or ladder-climbers who want to skip a few rungs.
5. Fitness Trainer/Instructor – If you are a health enthusiast, it’s not too difficult to take your exercise hobby to a new level. You can get certified as a Yoga or Pilates instructor for the same cost of a professional certification, and (bonus) get paid to work out regularly.
6. Contract Worker – The recession is going to cause a surge of contract jobs in every industry, and taking a contract job is a great way to expand into new projects you wouldn’t get in your current position. Companies also use contract positions to test potential employees before offering a permanent position, so it’s a great option for layoff casualties.
7. Consulting – Like contract work, part-time consulting, especially in using tools for productivity, networking, and social media marketing, will become a must as businesses try to cut costs. Generation Y is poised to use their techno-savvy skills to teach small business owners grassroots marketing and time-saving tricks.
8. Librarian Assistant – I like this option because even if you spent all your time organizing books or manning a desk and never did any research, you are still likely to increase your recreational reading. Bring books home with you and learn something that can help you in your career.
9. Teaching/Research Assistant – professors in secondary education are always looking for people to help them grade assignments and deal with general administrative duties. Plus, professors are smart and curious and live to push people to think harder. Use a teaching assistant position to gain a valuable reference or add a cool research project to your resume.
10. Online Marketing/PR – With the propagation of social media tools, many members of Generation Y have become stellar marketers and PR reps without even realizing it. There are opportunities in every industry for part-time work promoting products or services online.
11. BONUS! The Washington Post wrote an article about second-jobs and there are a ton of ideas not on this list, especially if you are looking specifically for paid part-time work.

One last thing I should point out: it’s a lot easier to get many of these part-time jobs if you use blogging and social media to get noticed. So even though blogging won’t make you an expert overnight, it can still help you promote yourself!