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By Margaret Hansen
If necessity is the mother of invention, then an odd job could be your successful career's long lost cousin, who happens to be in town for a few months.
Unplanned Job
You may not have planned a hiatus from your on-track career, but if one is upon you, consider the possible benefits of an odd job:
- Collecting a paycheck
- Staying productive
- Learning something new
- Helping others
- Meeting/talking with other people (networking)
Job Seeker Poll
According to a JobsIntheUS.com poll, 94 percent said they would consider an odd job, if they needed work and couldn't find it. Some of our Facebook followers had this to say:
- "I've been doing [odd jobs] for a while. I can't afford to be choosey," said Tom Luca Sr. of Rhode Island.
- "At this point, anything to bring in some income," said Alicia Browne of New Hampshire.
- "Anything is better than nothing," said Dana Lord of Maine.
In light of a lay-off and many months of unemployment, an odd job could be an ideal, in-between solution.
Odd Jobs of Note
Here are nine interesting odd jobs I found in New England this month. A keyword search for these titles could net you similar results.
1. Barn Yard Area Team Member (ME)
What's to Like: You can apply your 4H skills in the great outdoors, entertaining and educating families while helping animals.
Related Careers: Anything in veterinary science or agriculture.
2. Corporate Mascot (ME)
What's to Like: It shows that you don't take yourself too seriously, that you have a sense of fun and adventure, and that you possess courage.
Related Careers: Acting, sales, stand-up/improvisational comedy, public relations, public speaking.
3. Substitute Teacher (RI) or Substitute Teacher Assistant (ME)
What's to Like: A substitute teacher meets an important need in a classroom, and it gives you a glimpse of what it's like to be a teacher.
Related Careers: A more focused teaching career: public versus private school and selecting a specialty: a particular grade or subject, special education, guidance, physical education, etc.
4. Lawn Mower (NH)
What's to Like: It's outdoors and offers some decent exercise along with the instant gratification of seeing your beautiful work result - a nicely manicured lawn.
Related Careers: Landscaping/gardening entrepreneur
5. Pizza Maker/Prep Cook (VT)
What's to Like: Pizza making is a fun, creative endeavor that teaches you a life-long�skill.
Related Careers: Anything culinary and/or hospitality-oriented.
6. Care Giver and Home Helper (VT)
What's to Like: For the right, caring person, it would be a rewarding job that involves many different odd jobs in one and offers a variety of schedules and some surprising employee benefits for part-time work.
Related Careers: Nursing, Social Work.
7. On-call General Laborer (NH)
What's to Like: Getting a bit of exercise a couple of mornings per week is a good start for afternoon job interviews or classes/training.
Related Careers: Warehouse/shipping management.
8. Driver / Cleaning Person for Construction Company (RI)
What's to Like: The work is light and ongoing.
Related Careers: Owning your own cleaning/errand service company.
9. Secret Shopper (NH)
What's to Like: If you enjoy shopping, this won't feel like work and the schedule is flexible. Being a stickler for quality would serve you well.
Related Careers: Retail management, customer service.
Whatever your goals, a series of odd side jobs could turn into whatever you make of it.
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