7 Great Side Jobs for Extra Cash

Strapped for cash? Many people are in these trying times. With growing unemployment, salary cuts, and the rising cost of living, plenty of Americans are seeking additional avenues to increase cash flow. Check out these seven hot side jobs that can be done around your 9-to-5 and with skills you may already have.

1. Dog Walker.

Even in a recession people don't skimp on their furry loved ones. Therefore, being a dog walker can be an easy sell, especially for other people who need to work two jobs to make ends meet. The double bonus here is you can get great exercise while racking up extra bucks. You can also walk dogs before or after your full-time job.

Dog walker median salary per hour: $16.29. 

2. Handyman. 

No matter where the economy stands, things still break that must be fixed. When you are good at fixing things, word travels fast. It's possible to make a small mint fixing cars, installing water heaters, and doing home electrical and plumbing jobs. Consider how much a full-time car mechanic or a plumber charges. Even if you discount your rate, the pay is still good, and customers feel like they got a deal. From painting to fence-building, there are plenty of household jobs many people can't do or simply don't want to. 

Handyman median salary per hour: $17.33. 

3. Medical Transcription.
Are you a fast typist with excellent grammar and a medical background? If so, medical transcription may be for you. An added perk is that you can do it from home! This job often calls for at least one year's experience in a hospital or clinical setting; some ads require transcription experience. Tools you will need for this job likely include high-speed Internet and Microsoft 2000 software. You should also be prepared to take a skills test.
Medical transcriptionist median salary per hour: $13.78.

4. Wills/Medical Power of Attorney.
While planning for the inevitable can be upsetting, it provides a way for attorneys to make extra side income. Lawyers can get up to speed on formulating simple wills and living trusts without too much effort. Completing these documents is something most people agree is essential but have not checked off their 'to-do' list. Talk to friends, church members, and neighbors to generate clients. Potential clients are likely working or have other commitments just like you. Therefore, being available outside of business hours makes meeting up more convenient for everyone involved.
Attorney median salary per hour: $55.66.

5. Income Tax Preparer.
Tax season is here so why not cash in? Preparing income taxes is one of the most dreaded have-tos among Americans. There are plenty of people who would be glad to pass off their tax preparations to someone else if for no other reason than the fear of being audited. Donald Cheatham, owner of DC Tax Group, turned his side job into a small side business. He chose this off-hours gig because of the high demand and he enjoys accounting and the extra money. "I work 50 to 60 hours a week on my main job [as an accountant] and another 25 to 35 hours a week for my part-time job during tax season. So it gets a little hard at times and usually sleep is the one thing that I don't get during tax season, but it is well worth it," says Cheatham, who started up in 1995 in Chicago. While it helps your credibility if you are a certified public accountant, this certification is not required.
The median salary for an accountant per hour: $18.19; CPA median salary per hour: $26.25.

6. Teach a Hobby.
Whether it is dance, tennis, golf, computer skills, or music, teaching someone how to do something you are good at and love makes working a second job less like, well...work. You can find teacher job ads at recreational centers in your neighborhood or advertise your expertise online and in local publications. With spring in the air, more people will want to get out and try something new or improve their skills.
Dance instructor median salary per hour: $18.58; Music teacher median salary per hour: $21.28.

7. Babysitter. 
This job is convenient, especially if you have kids. After all, you can make money with them right near by. Offer to watch your friends' and neighbors' kids so they can take a breather, and they will love you for it. Another option is to help people who work nights. Finding a 24-hour daycare service is difficult to say the least. Caring for several kids on the same night can compound your earnings and get you extra cash more quickly.
Babysitter median salary per hour: $9.00.

Source: All salary data are from PayScale.com.

By Cherie L. Berkley, PayScale.com

12 Companies Hiring Part-Time - Hurry up

Hello Friends,

We know that searching for a Part-Time job these days can be quite frustrating. To help you get started, we've tracked down the following 12 companies that posted the most new part-time jobs.

1. 7-Eleven

7-Eleven is hiring sales associates nationwide. "The person who greets and helps customers in a local 7-Eleven is the most important person in the 7-Eleven corporation, bar none," says a company rep. "You are the face of our company. That's why we have never - and will never - consider a sales associate nothing more than a clerk."

* Find a job with 7-Eleven

2. Build-A-Bear Workshop

Build-A-Bear Workshop is hiring store associates, also known as "Master Bear Builders," who help customers (generally children) create customized stuffed animals. They do everything including choosing the animal, selecting its sound effect, putting together its outfit, deciding upon its name and preparing it for the trip home.

* Find a job working with toys

3. Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel is looking for servers, cashiers, cooks, dishwashers and hosts. Shifts can be as short as three hours, mornings or evenings, any day of the week. Starting pay varies but employees get discounts at all locations on meals and products.

* Find a job with Cracker Barrel

4. Sheetz

Sheetz is a chain of large convenience stores/gas stations open around the clock. They offer a made-to-order menu of specialty coffee and foods like hoagies and burgers. They are looking for cashiers and MTO (made-to-order) food preparers.

* Find a job with Sheetz

5. VIPdesk

VIPdesk provides virtual contact center and loyalty solutions for companies in the travel, auto, financial services, and retail industries. They need Home-based Concierges who handle telephone calls and emails from the customers of VIPdesk's high profile, blue-chip clients.

* Find a job with VIPdesk

6. Six Flags

Six Flags, which operates 20 parks in the U.S., is hiring in food service, games, merchandise, rides, park service and entertainment, which includes dressing up as a character.

* Find a job with Six Flags

7. New Jersey Turnpike Authority

Toll collectors for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority must be at least 18 years old and pass two pre-screening tests and a physical, including drug test. Must have a valid driver's license and pass a background check.

* Read the full story on MainStreet

8. American Greetings

American Greetings is the world's largest publicly owned creator, manufacturer and distributor of greeting cards, gift wrap and similar products. They are hiring merchandisers - people who go to retail locations and keep the card department orderly and fully stocked.

* Find a job with American Greetings

9. Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is looking to fill a variety of positions in its information systems, aerospace systems, electronic systems, technical services and shipbuilding divisions.

* Find a job with Northrop Grumman

10. Lowe's

Lowe's has 7,900 positions open companywide, ranging from seasonal employees in stores, to team members in distribution centers, to positions in the corporate office.

* Find a job with Lowe's

11. JCPenney

JCPenney is hiring hourly sales positions at retail stores. Generally, some weekends and/or nights are required and stores have expanded hours during holiday season.

* Find a job with JCPenney

12. Jamba Juice

Jamba Juice is hiring ''team members,'' which is a combination of a cashier, customer service rep and juice blender. Nights and weekends are required and pay varies depending on experience.

* Find a job with Jamba Juice