Teachers and other school staff often have extended time off from school during the summer months. While some choose to use that time to vacation, recharge, spend time with family, or pursue additional educational courses, others look to supplement their school income with a summer job. Now is the time to search for that summer position even though summer is still a few months away. For many teachers, the obvious choice is to teach summer school. For those who would like to get out of the classroom, here are five suggestions for other types of summer jobs.
Tutor
No matter what your expertise, becoming a tutor can help you earn extra funds, fine tune your teaching skills, and help your students. Tutoring can be accomplished in person or through online services such as Skype. Using Skype allows you to teach from the comfort of your home while reaching out to students outside of your area. If this is the route you would like to take, start marketing your services early.
Scientific Research
If your specialty is in one of the scientific fields, working on research over the summer could increase your understanding of your teaching subject and broaden your exposure to other cultures and subjects. Many times, the best learning happens outside of books. In addition, this experience will help your current and future students who may be interested in scientific research.
Summer Camp
A summer camp experience could be a day camp where you have a more regular teaching schedule and are home every night or it could be an overnight camp where you live at the camp for much of the summer. Teachers and other school staff could work as counselors or teach classes at the camp. Those with music and arts backgrounds are especially desired at summer camps. The extra benefit if you work at a specialized music or art camp is the opportunity to network with other musicians and artists. Creating your own summer day camp would allow you to base the camp on your own talents and interests. This may require some upfront time investment to create the program and advertise your camp.
Tourist Attraction
Museums, sports venues, amusement parks, state and national parks become very busy during the summer months and need extra seasonal help. You could work as a tour guide, in a gift shop, in guest services or run a concession stand.
Food Truck
With nice weather and people spending more time outdoors, food trucks provide a great service and a nice income for the owner. If you enjoy making fast food, you could start your own food truck or work for someone who already has a truck. Being mobile allows the business to go where the action is whether it is state fairs, amusement parks, sports venues or other hot spots for tourists. Check out the local ordinances to see if there are any licenses or permits required.
Teachers and school staff members can easily supplement their income during the summer months by taking on a part time job. However, it’s important to remember that, even if you are working part-time during the summer, you should still take plenty of time for yourself to rejuvenate and recharge for the next school year.
Judith Ackland has more than 26 years of experience in accountancy and financial planning, including seventeen years as a CFO of a diverse business. She started Crystal Financial in 2010 to help a wide array of individuals, families, and business owners better understand their finances and how good financial management could help them achieve their goals. Judith has an MA in Professional Accountancy from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln as well as a Certified Public Accountant Certificate and a Certified Financial Planner designation.
