As a teacher who works hard during the school year, you probably look forward to summer and the chance to get a much-deserved extended break. But often, not working for two months means missing out on paychecks for two months, and if that's not something you can afford, you'll need to find some way to earn money during that stretch.
The good news? There are plenty of great summertime opportunities available for teachers. If you're looking for work, here are a few side hustles to explore.
1. Tutoring
Many parents use the summer to catch their children up academically. If you're willing to become a tutor, you might get paid a pretty decent chunk of cash to extend your teaching stint on a one-on-one basis. And depending on the subject matter, you may not need to do any prep work, thereby leaving you with more free time to enjoy during the summer months.
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2. Music lessons
Being a teacher means you clearly have the patience to show others how to learn. If you're skilled at an instrument, why not offer your services as a summertime music teacher? You can choose to do several lessons a day, or just one or two if your need for income isn't as great.
3. Babysitting
If you teach for a living, you're probably pretty great with kids, so if you have the patience for babysitting, it's a good way to score some extra cash. Many parents are desperate for summertime child care, and might pay a pretty penny for it.
4. Freelance writing or editing
You may not have the time to produce website content or blog posts during the school year, when you're up to your ears in lesson plans and report cards. But if you're off for the summer, why not earn extra money by busting out your laptop and hammering out articles from the comfort of home? Similarly, you can try your hand at editing, especially if you're eager to do a job that doesn't require you to leave the house.
5. Dog-walking
When you spend the bulk of the year engaging with children (and parents, for that matter), sometimes, you want a summer gig that offers a mental break. That's why dog-walking is a good way to go -- you can spend time outdoors and get exercise without having to make conversation or do much in the way of deep thought.
6. Driving for a ridesharing service
If you have a vehicle, you have an opportunity to earn some serious cash this summer. All you need to do is sign up to work for a ridesharing company, and you'll have the flexibility to choose your own schedule -- you can work evenings, weekdays, or every other Monday if that's what suits you.
If you're a teacher who's off for the next couple of months, there's no need to stress about absent paychecks. Even if you do get paid over the summer, which some teachers do, working could help you boost your savings or help fund the fabulous vacation you've been planning. And that's reason enough to take on a side gig when school's not in session.
