These 5 Summer Jobs Are Fun and Pay Well

I can picture it already: you on the couch, head in your hands, phone full of pictures of your friends lounging on Greek beaches. It seems like everyone’s going on holiday this summer—except you. You didn’t save up (here are some saving tips for next time). I hear you thinking: *How the heck am I supposed to get that holiday feeling now?* Well, you could pitch a tent in your backyard. Or spend the summer stocking shelves in an air-conditioned supermarket. But—here comes the good news—I dove into the world of side gigs and rounded up five fun (and well-paid) summer jobs. So while others are spending money, you can be raking it in—and maybe even book a last-minute trip after all. Here are 5 great summer jobs:

1. Getting paid to talk on the phone

Chatting with your bestie 24/7 is fun, but what if I told you that you could get paid to talk to total strangers? As a telephone sales rep, your workplace is often just your bedroom. Sweatpants on, messy bun, earbuds in—who wouldn’t want that? And no, you’re not selling sketchy courses. You’re calling people to get them excited about things like a new internet plan or energy contract. Sounds scary? It’s really not. In fact, if you’re good at persuasion, you can make serious money. Check out YoungCapital for tons of options. What you need: a quiet space, a phone (obviously), and a silver tongue.

2. Cookies and a bonus grandma

This one may not sound glamorous, but it’s genuinely one of the most heartwarming jobs out there. I do it myself for at least a week every summer: working in home care as a cleaning assistant. You make someone’s day with a sparkling bathroom, a friendly chat, and—just as important—a dip in the cookie jar. You help elderly people with chores and often end up with a bonus grandparent. Half the time you’re cleaning, the other half you’re sipping tea and hearing about that handsome grandson for the fifth time. Pay is decent (€13 to €16/hour), you work independently, and you can usually set your own schedule. I work through Tzorg, but Actiefzorg is great too. Pro tip: it can get warm in summer, so don’t be afraid to ask for the AC.

3. Crafting, dancing, and maybe even falling in love

Little me used to be front row at every camping minidisco. If that sounds like you—and you were always the first one done with your arts and crafts—working at a campsite might be your dream gig. At Corfwater Campsite, for example, you can earn up to €20/hour via YoungOnes (yes, really) organizing arts & crafts, sports tournaments, and talent shows. It’s hard work, but feels like a mini vacation with the best crew around. You’ll live with fellow staffers, make lifelong friends, and who knows—maybe fall for the guy from tech support or the snack bar. You can even work with your bestie. Heads up: not every campsite pays that well, it depends on size and location. But it’s always dynamic, you’re a role model for kids, and no two days are the same.

4. Cuddling for cash

Personally, not my thing—but I know plenty of people who swear by it: pet sitting. Yep, I hadn’t heard of it either. On platforms like Petbnb, you can offer to care for cats, walk dogs, or even house-sit with furry companions. The best part? You set your own rates—some people charge €20/hour. Hello, Chanel bag by the end of summer. But be warned: this isn’t a light gig. You can’t return a cat 2 kilos heavier just because you overdid it on the Felix. Sure, if the *owners* come back 2 kilos heavier from their Mallorca trip, no big deal—but a chunky cat? Not okay.

5. Festival life, minus the hangover

Yes, my personal favorite. Not because you get filthy rich (though €15/hour is pretty sweet), but because it’s just awesome. Festival jobs. Trust me, there are tons of festivals in the Netherlands during summer. You could help set up stages, food trucks, fencing—all before the party even starts. Through YoungOnes, you can sign up for all kinds of festival gigs. You can even work behind the bar—and if the bar manager’s not looking, you might sneak a sip to check if the beer’s cold enough. Want the full free festival experience? Then bar work is where it’s at.

Image: Knokke Off | VRT