Get Through College Debt-Free With a Side Job
Hey there! So, here’s a fun fact: you can go to college and not come out drowning in debt. Surprise, surprise! It’s a commonly held belief that university education leaves you with a massive debt. But guess what? It’s not a given, it’s just a common, but avoidable, outcome.
Sure, college tuition can burn a hole in your pocket, no doubt about that. But with a well-planned side job, or as we like to call it, a college ‘side-hustle,’ you can pay your way through school without owing a dime.
Horrified by those tales of fresh graduates saddled with thousands of dollars in debt? Well, that’s not a rule set in stone. It’s just what happens when folks go with the flow without looking for smarter paths. The reality is that you can potentially leave college nearly debt-free.
Here’s the math to get you going. Say, in a year, you rack up a debt of $20,000 in college fees. In four years, which is the average length of a degree, your overall debt would be $80,000. Break it down further, and it means you need to pull in about $76.80 a day on weekdays, or even less if you work weekends. Sounds doable, right?
There’s a catch, though. You’re a full-time student, meaning a full-time job is off the table. So, your solution? Find a profitable side-hustle that fits within your schedule. Here are few ideas.
Capitalize on Your Passion
Whether it’s your hobby or majors, you can make money from your passion. For instance, if you’re an English major, why not freelance as a copywriter? And it’s not just for English majors. You might be studying business studies, for instance, and offer your value as a consultant. With the right skills, there’s always a way to make some money aside.
Start an Etsy Shop
Got any creative prowess? Starting an Etsy shop could be your golden ticket. Whether it’s jewelry crafting, painting, woodworking, or any other handmade objects, you can turn your passion into a source of income.
Turn the Ordinary into Extraordinary
Here’s an exciting one: selling shoelaces. Yes, you read that right. All it takes is setting up a booth at college football games and selling shoelaces in your college football team’s colors. It’s a simple and effective way to tap into your college community’s excitement around game days.
Make Money with Videos
Video content is the digital gold of today’s world. Voicing your opinions, giving lessons, sharing ideas, or simply entertaining your audience can potentially bring in some significant cash. What works to your advantage is that you don’t always have to show skin to make money. In today’s world, people are often looking for companionship and conversation.
Become a Virtual Assistant
In the new age of remote jobs, becoming a virtual assistant (VA) is a flexible and lucrative option. As a VA, there’s a whole host of services you can offer, depending on your skills and interests. Plus, you get to choose when and how much you work — a win-win for every college student.
Tutor Other Students
If you’ve aced a course or two, why not share your knowledge by tutoring others? It’s an opportunity to give back, keep your knowledge fresh, and, of course, earn some extra bucks. A single session could pay anywhere from $25 to $75.
Stick to the Classics
Good old part-time jobs like dog-walking, house cleaning, babysitting, waitressing, catering, and house-sitting can also be great ways to earn extra cash.
To sum up, there are plenty of ways to make some extra money during your college days. And remember, your goal is not just to graduate with a degree, but also to graduate as debt-free as possible. Happy hustling!