These 5 summer jobs are fun and pay well
I see you sitting there: on the couch, with your hands in your hair and your phone full of photos of friends on Greek beaches. Everyone seems to be going on vacation this summer, but you? You haven't saved up –here are some saving tips for you. I hear you thinking: how on earth do I create a bit of vacation feeling? Well. You could go camping in the garden. Or spend the whole summer stacking shelves in a cooled supermarket. But – and here comes the good news – I dove into the world of side jobs for you and gathered the five most fun (and well-paid) summer jobs. So that you, while others are spending money, can just earn some extra cash and still book that last-minute trip. Here are 5 fun summer jobs:
1. Paid calling
Calling your bestie 24/7 is fun, but what if I told you that you get paid to call strangers? As a telephone salesperson, your workplace is often just your bedroom. Sweatpants on, messy bun, and earbuds in – whose dream isn't this? And no, you're not an annoying course seller. You call people to get them excited about, for example, a new internet subscription or energy contract. That calling sounds exciting, but it's really not that bad. In fact: if you're a bit good at persuading people, you can earn seriously. Through YoungCapital you can find all sorts of options, so definitely dive into that. What do you need? A quiet space, a phone (obviously), and a smooth talk.
2. Eating cookies and a bonus grandma
Next up: It may not sound glamorous, but it's really the best job ever. I do it myself every summer for at least a week: working in home care as a cleaning assistant. You make someone's day with a clean bathroom, a nice chat, and – not unimportant – a dive into the cookie jar. You help elderly people with household chores and often get a bonus grandpa or grandma in return. Half the time you're cleaning, and the other half you're drinking tea and hearing the story about that handsome grandson for the fifth time. It pays well (between €13 and €16 per hour), you work independently, and you can often set your own hours. I work through Tzorg, but Actiefzorg is also a nice option. Bonus: vacuuming upstairs = earbuds in, podcast on (I swear by Geuze and Gorgels) and working suddenly feels like time for yourself. Tip: it can get a bit warm in the summer, so don't be afraid to ask if the air conditioning can be turned on.
3. Crafting all summer (and dancing and falling in love)
Mini-me used to always be at the front of the mini disco at the campsite. If you recognize yourself in this and were always the first to finish your craft for the animation team, working at a campsite might really be your thing. At campsite Corfwater, for example, you can earn €20 per hour through YoungOnes – yes really – while organizing crafting afternoons, sports tournaments, and colorful evenings. It's hard work, but it feels like a mini-vacation with the nicest people around you. You live with other crew members, make friends for life, and if you're lucky, you fall in love with the guy from the technical service or the snack bar. The fun part is: you can do this job with your bestie. Note: not every campsite pays that well, it depends on the size and location. But one thing is always true: you're moving all day, you're a role model for the kids, and you never have a boring day.
4. Cuddling for money
I can't even think about it, but I know enough people who swear by this side job. Pet sitting, that is. Yes, I had never heard of it either. Through platforms like Petbnb you can offer to take care of cats, walk dogs, or stay in a house for a week with fluffy four-legged friends. The nice thing? You set your own rate – and some people charge €20 per hour without hesitation. Hello Chanel bag after the summer. But be careful: it's not babysitting light. You can't return a cat 2 kilos heavier because you fed it a bit too much Felix. The owners coming back 2 kilos heavier from their vacation in Mallorca is manageable, but a cat that is 2 kilos heavier is something you don't want.
5. Festivals without a hangover
Yes, my personal favorite. Not because you get rich from it (although, around €15 per hour is really not bad), but because it's just awesome. Working at festivals. And believe me, in the summer there are mega many parties in the Netherlands. You help, for example, with setting up festivals: stages, food trucks, fences… and all that before the party starts. Through YoungOnes you can sign up for all sorts of festival jobs. You can also choose to work behind the bar – and if the bar manager isn't looking, you can definitely sneak a taste to see if that beer is really cold enough. Want a truly free festival experience? Then I really recommend working behind the bar.
Image: Knokke off|VRT
