Today’s tip is making money by babysitting! Sure, you haven’t done it since you were 15, and you might not want think that it screams “adult job”, but it’s a great way to make extra money as a side job! The only problem you might have is that you will have to compete against 15 year olds who can cut their rate and don’t have any other responsibilities. If you run into that, you will have to make the decision as to whether or not you are willing to cut rates etc., because if you do it once, you might have to do it from then on. One point though…you should not babysit if you have not been (or do not think you are) a competent caregiver in the past.
Some tips that might make you more valuable as a babysitter:
- It might benefit you to be CPR certified. To find a class near you, check out this website.
- Advertising on Craigslist or in your local newspaper might be a good way to attract clients. Or, just put up fliers in your neighborhood.
- Be willing to do things that your average teenager can’t/won’t do, like take care of infants or keep the child/children overnight.
- It’s a job, just like any other. That means you need references. People who can attest that you are responsible, especially with children (if you know someone who can vouch for that sort of thing).
- Check around for well-to-do families that need a nanny for vacation. If you can go with them (unlike a teenager, who is in school, or too young, generally) you make yourself more valuable to them. And yes, it is their responsibility to pay your way.
I know a person who babysits a lot, and has a job working with children, and all they do is complain about them. I question why they want a job in that field, if they hate it and get so frustrated with the children. Therefore, there is one other thing I feel compelled to say-if you don’t necessarily like children, or if , after being around children, all you can do is complain about them or what they did, you should probably steer clear of babysitting. Not only does a parent not want a babysitter that doesn’t like children, but you probably won’t do as well as as someone who does.
Tags: Making money, saving money
