Alright, so last weekend I really needed some extra cash. Bills stacked up, you know how it is. Decided to hunt for a weekend job. Figured I’d share how it went, what worked, what kinda sucked.
First Thing First
Sat down at my kitchen table Sunday morning, coffee in hand, and just thought, “Where do I even start?” Didn’t wanna get stuck in some sketchy thing or waste hours signing up for nothing.
Started Easy: Task Apps
Remembered hearing about apps where you do little jobs for cash. Downloaded a couple popular ones. Signed up was pretty quick, just phone number and email stuff. First one had things like:
- Answer a survey about soda brands
- Take a picture of a receipt from the grocery store
- Download some game app and play it for 5 minutes
Felt kinda tedious, honestly. Did maybe 15 minutes worth. Earned a whopping… like $0.80. Some tasks paid a bit more, maybe $2-$3 for installing another app. Cashout was only possible after hitting $2 on one app. Weird, but okay. Not exactly getting rich quick here. Another app felt similar, maybe paid slightly better per task but still… pocket change for small efforts. Easy to do while watching TV, but slow.
Figured I Needed Something Bigger
Thought, maybe stuff using what I know? I can write okay and I’m decent with Photoshop stuff from my old blog graphics. Checked out places people hire freelancers for quick gigs. Wasn’t sure what to expect.
- Looked for “weekend content writer” and “quick design jobs”.
- Found listings wanting someone to write short product descriptions.
- Saw stuff like “Design a simple Facebook banner” or “Fix my blog image sizes”.
Applied to a few writing ones. Said I could bang out descriptions quick on a Saturday. Also messaged about a couple small graphics jobs. Felt kinda funny putting myself out there like that. Haven’t heard back yet on those… keeping fingers crossed. Need portfolio samples, which I gotta get organized.
Tried Looking Locally Too
Weren’t all apps and websites. Felt like getting out of the house. Walked around my neighborhood:
- Checked out coffee shops: One busy-looking spot had a “Hiring” sign! Walked in and asked about weekend barista shifts. Manager said they prefer people who can train during the week, but took my name.
- Bookstore: Asked the guy shelving books. He said weekend shifts for stocking or cashier work do pop up, but gotta apply online on their official site. Took down the website name.
- Event Space: Passed a place that hosts weddings and parties. Went in and asked if they needed weekend help – setup, cleanup, that kinda thing. Person at the front gave me an email address for the manager, said to send availability.
Felt more active, talking to real people. Cafe smelled like burnt toast though. Might have better luck if I drive out to busier parts of town next weekend.
What About Stuff Online But Bigger?
Kept digging online. Saw some platforms mentioned for weekend jobs involving writing reports or basic data stuff. Seemed more serious than the simple task apps.
- Signed up on a couple freelancer sites again, specifically hunting for weekend-only gigs. Some listings actually mention “quick weekend project”!
- Looked into data entry stuff people hire out. Found listings for transcribing audio files or organizing spreadsheets on Saturday/Sunday. Sounds boring but straightforward?
Still figuring out the best way to stand out there. Profile definitely needs work.
Where I’m At Now
Made a tiny $3.50 off the task apps. Not life-changing, but proven I guess? Got a few feelers out for writing and design work online. Threw my name in the hat at the coffee shop and bookstore. Sent that email to the event space.
Honestly? The task apps are easiest for quick cash if you don’t mind pennies slowly adding up. The skills stuff (writing, design) could pay way better per hour if I land something, but feels harder to start. Local stuff is a mystery, gotta put in legwork. Definitely gonna keep trying the online design/writing gigs – that feels like the best potential pay-off for weekend hours. Maybe try another cafe in a busier area. We’ll see what next weekend brings!
