

You’re Home: Now What?
The first few days and even weeks at home after a gap experience can be delightful – you get to see friends and family (and pets!) and enjoy the comforts of home.
After a little while, however, the sheen of being back home wears off, leaving you with a lot of free time. This break between opportunities offers you a chance to make some extra money, pursue a personal project or squeeze in some mini adventures. It also allows you to practice being the master of your own time – an important skill for college and life!
Below you’ll find ideas to inspire the “in-between” time of your gap year to help you build a routine until the next adventure begins!
JOB HUNT BRAINSTORMING
IF YOU LIKE KIDS…

→ Babysit
→ Tutor
→ Private Coaching or Training
TIPS FOR YOUR HUSTLE:
Put the word out:
- Parents are ALWAYS looking for help. Use your parents’ network, community bulletin boards, local newspapers, and social media to advertise your services. Create eye-catching flyers to distribute in local businesses.
Online Platforms:
- Explore online community platforms like NextDoor or Facebook. This can expand your reach beyond your local contacts
Network in Your Community:
- Attend local events or join community groups where parents might be looking for reliable babysitters, tutors or coaches.
IF YOU LIKE ANIMALS…

→ Dogwalk
→ Housesit
→ Work at a vet clinic, doggie daycare or shelter
TIPS FOR YOUR HUSTLE:
Put the word out:
- If you will be home for the holidays let everyone know! Activate the parents’ network, community bulletin boards, local newspapers, and social media to advertise your services. Create eye-catching flyers to distribute in local businesses.
Create a Flexible Schedule:
- Be open to working during evenings, weekends, and holidays, as pet owners may need services at various times.
- Offer flexible scheduling to accommodate the needs of your clients.
Stay Informed about Pet Health:
- Keep yourself informed about common health issues in pets and know the basics of first aid.
- Have contact information for local veterinarians in case of emergencies.
IF YOU LIKE PEOPLE…

→ Work Retail Over the Holidays
→ Become a Server or Host
→ Visitor/Guest services at hotels, museums or attractions
TIPS FOR YOUR HUSTLE:
Hit the street:
- Print out some resumes and physically go to restauarnts, cafes or other places that are hiring to hand them to a manager in person.
Local spots can be easier than chains:
- Corporations can have a lengthy hiring process through a web protal. Local businesses tend to hire more quickly.
Pick up where you left off:
- If you had a job you liked over the summer, see if you can resume working there during your time at home.
IF YOU ARE ENTREPRENEURIAL…

→ Sell Your Art on Etsy
→ Be a Holiday Helper (see below)
→ Visitor/Guest services at hotels, museums or attractions
TIPS FOR YOUR HUSTLE:
For Artists/Photographers:
- Offer to take family portraits for local families over the holidays
- Create custom holiday cards for your town or area; or bespoke orders
- Create and sell digital products
Holiday Helper Tasks:
- Create a gift wrapping service for busy people
- Holiday Home Cleaning (clean homes before guests arrive or prior to home rental)
- Holiday party helper (background support during a party to maintain food/drink trays, clean and help things run smoothly)
Physical Tasks:
- Snow shoveler or Landscaper
- Moving help
GIVING BACK:
CONTINUING TO LEARN:
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE WHILE AT HOME
STAY ACTIVE: