Need a little extra cash for the holidays?

[Mbart]

(Ah, I thought I could draw you in with that lead!)

Well, with the economy in the tank, and my husband working on commission, so do I! I'm a stay-at-home mom with three kids, two in grade school and one at home. I've been nosing around for a part-time job, but haven't found something that wouldn't require me to get childcare. By the time you pay for that, the little bit left isn't worth it. Unfortunately, my old career doesn't lend itself to part-time work, so...now what? I'm not a sales type, so Mary Kay, Pampered Chef is not a good match. I've done art/craft fairs in the past and had mixed success, but I do enjoy making things.

Anyway, thought I'd ask this intelligent, creative, savvy group; how can I make some extra cash this Christmas?

[dixie]

Retail is always flexible and you get a discount at the store too. Most retail stores are so anxious for responsible adult part time help that they'll let you tell them when you can work....a couple of nights a week, one weekend day, or something. And then you get anywhere from 30% - 40% off at that store which helps too. I worked pt at GapKids for a while and it was great. Good Luck

[funnybone]

I was going to suggest that too. I find that most stores need the help this time of year. Many students aren't filling these jobs as they did in the past. Some stores only need extra help on the weekends. Does DH have a regular M - F job?

[lsdesign]

I am doing something I thought I would never do and had no experience or interest in doing just to make ends meet. I am waitressing 2 lunchtime shifts a week at a nice local restaurant. I know lunch wouldn't be good for you with one still at home, my youngest is in the first grade so I can do this. However you could do a couple of evenings a week, like Friday and Saturday when you'd get more people in to eat. At lunch I can make up to $80 in a five hour shift plus my hourly wage. I should say that I really don't enjoy waitressing but now that it has become wrote it doesn't bother me as much anymore.
I am doing this until my home based design biz gets going.

[GayeC]

I, too, think that retail would be your best bet for the holiday season, especially if your DH can be home a few nights a week with the kids so that you could work without getting child care.

In our community the library system sometimes hires part-time people to work in the evenings. That might be another option.

[Mbart]

I have thought of the retail suggestion, but my DH doesn't get home until 6p.m., and I just figured it wouldn't be enough time for a shift. But your advice has encouraged me; I guess it's worth a few phone calls just to find out what the shifts are. Maybe I could do one afternoon/night a week, and one weekend day or something.

I have been toying with the idea of a holiday catering thing for desserts. Make up flyers with about a dozen dessert options for holiday parties and gifts. Things like chocolate truffles, caramel pecan bites, cheesecake, chocolate caramel-coated pretzel rods, fudge, you get the idea. I was thinking I could distribute them to the ritziest neighborhoods in my city, and see what happens. However, having never done this, I'm wondering if it can be profitable? I don't have wholesale suppliers, and chocolate, nuts, liquor, etc. can make for pricey desserts, so I'm thinking the margin is very small. Could it be worth it? Or am I better off pursuing a traditional job?

Anyone else ever try to sell their creations?