How To Make More Money
April 12, 2010 | Filed under Money, Uni/Work
If you don’t think you’re earning enough, or if you find you’re struggling to make ends meet, there’s a number of options to help correct the situation:
- Find a higher paying job.
- Find alternate sources of income – sell things on eBay, walk the neighbour’s dog, whatever.
- Work more. Do as many hours as possible at your current job, or find another job for weekends and nights.
I’m actively pursuing number one, and always keep an eye on the employment market (almost obsessively, I check job listings every day). I believe I’m worth more than I’m currently being paid – so I’m negotiating for a higher salary. If I don’t get it, I’m finding somewhere who can afford to pay me what I’m worth.
I’ve done number two in the past, and intend on picking it up again – as soon as I get time to buy stock to sell on eBay! I’ve also re-registered as a weekend and weeknight babysitter on findababysitter.com.au – I’ve never had luck with it in the past, but every little bit of promotion helps.
As for number three, I pick up extra hours at work whenever I can (even if this means working twelve hour days). I’m also applying for whatever weekend jobs I can find – reception work, administrative work. The only thing I refuse to do is hospitality, retail, or call centre work. Been there, done that, don’t want to do it again. The problem is of course, if there’s a job available on weekends, I’m likely to be much too overqualified for it – most weekend jobs generally suit unqualified high school and university students, not a working professional.
Both my family and my boyfriend are against me looking for additional work on weekends. My boyfriend thinks that working seven days a week will make me miserable, especially considering I already become a grumpy hermit once I start working ten hour days during the week. My family thinks that working seven days a week won’t leave me enough time to concentrate on my studies. They’re both right of course, but I do want to earn more money to pay my mortgage off quicker so I stop stressing about the amount of debt I’m in. It’s not unreasonable of me to want to be financially responsible is it?
11 Responses to How To Make More Money
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It’s not unreasonable to want to be out of debt, but it’s definitely unreasonable to spend every waking minute at work to achieve the goal sooner.
All work and no play makes Amanda a basketcase.
Don’t forget to take time out for yourself, okay?
Nellie on April 12, 2010 #
Have you thought about doing something like tutoring out of your regular work hours? It can pay really well. There might be people you know looking for some help, or there might be sites you could sign up to – I recently did that and have had a few bites already.
eemusings on April 12, 2010 #
I do number three, as in, I always agree to do extra shifts at my first job (second job generally doesn’t require this). Even though I may only be rostered on for three hours a week, there’s usually occasions where someone calls in sick. Since I’m way reliable and have only declined an extra shift twice since I started, I’ve ended up being the first or second point of contact. Further, our manager is away at the moment, so I’ve been given more hours this week (17) than any other casual, which is ace.
I admire that you can do so much (because I’m a total layabout and can’t), but I agree that you need to take time out!
Adam on April 12, 2010 #
There is a huge difference between financial responsibility and what you are trying to do. You can’t pay off that mortgage fast, even if you work twelve hours a day seven days a week. You are truly setting yourself up for a breakdown and resentment towards your investment.
It’s cheesy but if you knew you would die tomorrow you wouldn’t work today. You never know how long you have so you need to enjoy and balance the time you have.
If you find yourself growing unhappy ( as Dylan said ) and you can’t get everything done ( schoolwork ), you’re going to eventually have a breakdown. You need to set your limits for mental health. You’re not wonder woman so don’t hold yourself to those standards!
Heather on April 12, 2010 #
Its not unreasonable to want to be financially responsible but unfortunately being in debt is apart of growing up (few people can afford to purchase a home without a mortgage). Its how you handle that debt that makes you responsible. Working out a financial plan that pays it off within a reasonable time, at a reasonable interest rate, is smart.
Dylan and your family is right. I know from first hand experience. I currently work a full time job and a part time job, 6 days a week, and take a university course. I require 2 jobs as I dont make enough with the full-time job but had a breakdown so i cut my hours from 55+ down to 48-50ish.
2 jobs is fine for awhile but it takes its toll.
Amy on April 13, 2010 #
Working more is a great way to save! its spending more time earning money and having less time to spend money! win + win!
I spose the only other thing is to great a job with a boss who is understanding that you may need a day off every now and then to catch up on studies.
Ebay is always a winner!
Adam m on April 13, 2010 #
While it is perfectly reasonable to want to get out of debt ASAP, I don’t think the cost of your sanity (and to a lesser extent, the sanity of those around you for having to deal with a stressed-out Amanda) is a high enough price to pay for that lofty goal! I hope you manage to fit in some “me time” around all those working hours.
Manda on April 13, 2010 #
I think it’s admirable that you have such determination and focus on getting the things that you want. However I worry that you’re the embodiment of burning the candle at both ends. I worked 7 days a week for 8 months, and in the end I thought I was gonna die. Make sure that if you do start working more that you take extra care to make time for yourself as well.
Veronica on April 13, 2010 #
It’s not unreasonable to want to be financially responsible, but that doesn’t mean working 24/7 and never doing anything fun. Being financially responsible when you have a mortgage means being able to pay whatever it is that you pay per month, on time, every month.
It doesn’t mean to go crazy.
I mean, looking back at how you started this entry, do you really think you’re struggling to make ends meet? I mean, can you afford your home, utilities, food, gas, etc? If you can, and still have money left over to put into a retirement fund, I think you’re doing pretty good!
Michelle on April 14, 2010 #
I’m with Michelle on this. It’s better to be happy than to make money. I’ve always felt that no-money can lead to unhappiness, but of course money can’t lead to happiness. I can’t work more hours as I’m salaried and don’t get paid overtime ever (so I actually avoid working long hours when possible because it reduces my hourly wage). And actually, I really don’t want to, either. I’m happy coming home and having evenings to myself to pursue my hobbies, blob around, and chill with friends.
But yeah, I can definitely understand feeling like you’re not being paid enough for what you do, even if you are making ends meet. Chris makes a really good salary but he’s also doing a bit of job hunting and realizing he should be making almost twice as much for what he does. Yikes.
Good luck with the negotiations and job searching stuff.
Becky on April 18, 2010 #
What Heather said. Also, you work too hard. Don’t worry, as time goes by you’ll find more opportunities to increase your wage ‘naturally’, through promotions etc. You’re going to have a debt for a while, whether you like it or not. The only thing to really worry about is if you’re suddenly *not* making ends meet.
Also, hi!
Stephanie on April 21, 2010 #