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

→ 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.

→ 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