Get yourself a babysitting gig

Although this may sound exhausting, having a babysitting gig can generate an income and you might be lucky enough to even get regular gigs.

Babysitting isn’t just for teenagers anymore, as new college graduates and recent retirees have taken to watching people’s children for money. I got myself babysitting gigs while growing up and it was easy for me because being the oldest at home meant I had to learn how to take care of my younger siblings. Taking care of my siblings trained me for babysitting, where screams and making food ten times a day came with the package deal.

I started the gig at home. My parents would leave me with my siblings for a day or two, where I had to make sure they’ve eaten, bathed and tucked in properly. For rendering these services, I would charge my parents R250 and after a while of doing this, I decided to render my services beyond the confines of my home.

I found that this was a great way to make money and with technology on our side, creating an online profile on platforms like Olx and Gumtree made my marketing that much easier. Word-of-mouth referrals from friends and family are also a great form of marketing.

On your profile, note any specialized skills and experience, such as care for special needs children. This will make you stand out against the rest and heighten your chances of getting gigs.

Phumie