By: Chaz Kyser

No one wants to have to do it. Working one job can be taxing enough. But if you find yourself having to borrow money from your parents every month, or going without real groceries for weeks at a time, you might want to look at taking on another job—part-time. I recommend taking on a part-time job (as opposed to just getting a better paying full-time one) when the chance for advancement and more money in the future is high at your present job, or you sincerely love your job but it just doesn’t pay too well. If you do decide to spend some extra hours in work mode, then search for a job that:

1. Doesn’t conflict with your other work schedule.
2. Is close to your place of residence and in a safe location (because you will most likely be working at night).
3. Pays a decent wage, not minimum wage.
4. Is interesting and can enhance your skill set in some way.
5. Won’t wear you down and have you missing work in the morning.

You can always find want ads for typical part-time jobs like telemarketers, cashiers, customer service reps and waitresses, but there are other alternatives. Call up a company in your field that interests you and ask them if they have any part-time, freelance or temporary positions that will fit your schedule.

If you can’t stand busting your butt on two different jobs don’t despair, you may still have other options. One alternative is using some skill or talent you have to make some extra money on the side. Can you design web sites, brochures, business cards, flyers or logos? Would you make a good tutor? Ever thought of teaching others how to play an instrument or learn a style of dance? Are your friends and family always asking you to do their hair or nails for free? It might be time to start charging them for your services. Working part-time for yourself will allow you to bring in some extra money on your own time, and could possibly be the beginning of your own business.

Chaz Kyser is the author of “Embracing the Real World: The Black Woman’s Guide to Life After College” ($14.99, Seshet Press). Purchase the book online at www.embracingtherealworld.com.