Beer Money

Lately, I've been trying to find ways to make a few dollars in my downtime. I'm a grad student, so money is tight, and every dollar can go somewhere (usually my gas tank).

I do a few Mechanical Turks through Amazon when I can find one worth my time and the minimal effort, and can usually make a few dollars a day.

What do you do to make a few extra dollars without much time or effort? Unless they specifically apply to you, any suggestions should involve keeping clothes on, please.

 

Sell stuff on EBay. It's hit or miss, but usually works out in my favor.

 

I need a personal assistant, but then your clothes rule gets in the way.

Sorry.

 

That I might consider if you weren't on the other side of the world.

@RedSneaker, what kind of stuff do you sell? Things you already own, or do you pick up odds and ends and flip them?

 

Of course, I might only pay you in beer... But that's a win, no?

 

Duh.

 

I'm more looking for something I can do for a half hour in between experiments in the lab! Be productive with my downtime.

 

Well, what are you good at/enjoy?

 

I pick up freelance design jobs and occasional music gigs (fill-ins with local orchestra ensembles) when and wherever I can. I worked part time last summer at my favorite local bike shop, typically one weekday evening and one full day on the weekend. They told me this year they were looking for summer helpers that could work full time hours, which is unfortunately not an option, as much as I'd like it to be. They said I could keep my substantial shop discount if I do some pixel ninja work for them—great for me and my ego, not so much for my wallet.

I'd totally sell my eggs... but I'm too old.

 

*uses the Google machine to look at egg donation*

Holy shit, egg donors make a lot of money.

I mean, it's work but they're just eggs.

...

Goddamnit, my woman is too old.

 

I looked into sperm donation in University. $50 a pop for something I was going to do for free.

 

Can't you sell a kidney? Like, intentionally?

 

Check around and see if you can find out who does the SATs.
They often need folks to give the tests or work in hallways.
It's only every other month or so but its $100 for one days work.

 

Many years ago I worked at Burger King with a guy in college who sold his sperm. At the time I thought it was "totally creepy." Now I'm thinking "Why not?". But the idea of people knowing what you're doing in the private room is still a bit creepy.

My vote goes with give up some expenses. I have no idea if any of this applies to you, but do you need
all of the home entertainment for which you pay?
the latest & greatest cell phones, tablets, gaming systems, other electronic gadgets, etc?
take-out meals, fast food, etc?
going out with friends?
Please note that I did not include make-up .

 

Did it at home and delivered it within an hour or two.