If you are looking to make a serious dent in your debts, or to clear them entirely, then one option is to increase your income. If you cannot convince your employer to give you a pay rise (!) then the most practical alternative is to take a second job.
If you do this, it is important to ensure that the extra work is compatible with your primary job. There is little point earning some extra cash only to end up in difficulties with your main job. Equally some employers may have rules about what other jobs you can and cannot do – so check your contract before taking on anything too visible.
Conventional alternative jobs include working in supermarkets, bar work, waiting etc. All these have the advantage of needing staff outside of conventional working hours in the evenings and at the weekends. However, none of these industries are famous for their high wages so you will find yourself putting in a lot of hours for only limited additional cash – but it might just be worth it.
If you have a PC and reasonable internet access you could also make money by entering competitions, taking paid surveys, freelance writing and other similar options. If you are looking at home working be extremely careful about any opportunity that expects you to pay up front. These are rarely what they claim and are probably best avoided
By Ken Mappa
