Summer's Approaching

Photo provided by Satori, a fotolia stock provider.

Depending on where you are, summer is either approaching or already in full swing. You know what that means? Yep, time to make plans to catch up on some much needed R&R and TLC.

Do keep scholarships in mind while you're on break. Not of the 24/7 sense but just around 10-15 minutes a day or every other day should do. Spring and Summer are usually the times where a great proportion of scholarships are launched if not due.

Let's not forget about those opportunities for earning a little extra cash on the side. Even though you're on break from course work, you can still balance fun time with earn some cash time. The option of earning from sharing your vacay experiences via blog, vlog, podcasts and even creating comic strips is still an option.

Also keep an eye out for special events around town where you can help out participants with getting the word out to current and future customers. Outside of PR you can also assist in documenting the events by writing about what's taking place along with photographing top attractions. You can even go as far as helping with the setup; be honest in what you are and are not capable of doing.

Seasonal Work Opportunities

 

Working with Companies

 

Some businesses will post their need for seasonal assistance either year round or 1 to 2 months prior to the busy season. So if you're looking to work during the summer or to add on a second job for the summer then you need to check in and apply early to these positions. They will either be labeled as temp jobs or seasonal work.

If you want something that doesn't require you to be on location so that you can work when you want and spend the remainder of the time relaxing, then look into remote work options. Some job boards will have a list of these opportunities along with the hosting company. Read these remote work posts carefully as some require you live in a specific region or even speak a certain language.

This may sound like a downer but this can work in your favor especially if you speak more than one language. In fact it's a major plus as expanding enterprises are looking for workers that will assist them in bridging the gap in communicating with others internationally.

Working with Yourself

Outside of working with companies you also have the option of working with yourself...for yourself on a seasonal basis. At the mere mention of working for yourself many will cite online work platforms as the way to go. Depending on your discipline you will either be referred to a freelance platform or a stock provider platform.

Examples of freelance platforms include but aren't limited to:

• Fiverr
• Upwork
• Freelancer
• People Per Hour
• Click Worker
• 99 Designs
• crowdSPRING
• Toptal
• iWriter

Examples of stock provider platforms include but aren't limited to:

• fotolia
• Adobe Stock
• Vector Stock
• Envato Market
• Creative Market
• Shutter Stock
• iStock

Another go to outside of the above are selling things you create online via an online selling platform. These things can either be crafts or professional services. Whichever you choose be sure to do your homework in advance prior to diving in head first.

Where to?

Photo provided by Death to Stock.

Yes it's important to plan ahead to ensure you have stable safety nets in place but it's also important to take time out for yourself. The importance of applying for scholarships and going after any and all opportunities in gaining work experience has been stressed a lot over the years. So much so that it comes off as a lecture rather than a conversation.

While you're on break from school, take some time to catch up on some much needed rest. Still keep tabs on the scholarship front even if you have to do it once a week. If you're opting for the work and play approach - where you're working during break and relaxing while not working - try not to over do it.

Whatever your plans for the upcoming break, make the most of everything.