How to Make Money When You Are Unemployed

Has the economic crisis left you unemployed?  Perhaps you are just getting out of school and finding the job market tougher than you imagined, or perhaps you are a stay-at-home parent just looking to make ends meet. 

Whatever the reason, just because you do not have a traditional job does not mean that you cannot make money.  Here are 10 ways you can make money when you are unemployed.

10 Money-Making Options for the Unemployed

#1 Do what you’re passionate about, or have a great skill in.  This can be anything from making crafts to babysitting, dog walking, or selling homemade food.  Find something you like and start advertising your services.

#2 Look for an online job.  This can be anything from answering surveys and entering contests, to selling things on eBay or Craigslist. 

#3 Look for odd jobs in your neighborhood.  Ask your neighbors if they need cleaning, painting, pet sitting or babysitting services.  There are always needs that people don’t have time to fill and that they would be willing to pay someone to do.

#4 Look into clinical studies.  Many hospitals and medical schools, and even some doctor’s offices, pay big money to people willing to test drugs or to try out new methods of exercise and other unique trials.

#5 Start cutting hair.  If you are handy with the clippers, why not start advertising in the neighborhood?  You’d be surprised how many people are looking to save some money on this service or get cheap haircuts without going to a hairdresser.

#6 Create.  Paint pictures, make sculptures or write poetry and sell your craft on sites such as Etsy.com.  It can be a great way to express your emotions while making a little bit of extra money at the same time.

#7 Busk.  Believe it or not, street performers can rake in a great deal of money if they are both talented and persistent.  If you play an instrument, sing, dance, or have a unique talent, such as juggling, why not take it to the streets and let people pay you to show it off?  Some famous entertainers started out this way.

#8 Play the market.  If you know a thing or two about the financial market, use your savings to invest in penny stocks or other low cost options.  Even a few shares of the right stock can boost your investment, allowing you to reinvest in something better and so on until you are making great money.

#9  Offer massage services.  If you are good with your hands, why not advertise your skills on sites like Craigslist and offer to perform home massage services.  Many people will pay a good sum for this if you know what you’re doing.

#10 Work on Cars.  If you know basic mechanics, why not offer your services for people who need a simple oil change or their brakes fixed?  You can get great money at this, and it’ll hold you over while you look for a job.

These are all excellent ways to make good money, and can help make your time spent being unemployed much more enjoyable!