Working in education can be highly fulfilling and rewarding, but when it comes to summer break, many teachers find they need to take up a temporary job to stay financially comfortable. It’s often a daunting task to find something that’s not only flexible but enjoyable, as many educators are ready to spend some time outside after a long school year.
However, there are several jobs available that offer the ability to work outside and earn extra money while enjoying fresh air and sunshine, and many of them offer varying hours for those who need to keep their schedules flexible:
First off, when you’re not working, consider donating your time
Volunteering may not benefit you financially, but its spiritual and mental rewards make it a wonderful way to spend your free time in the summer. With no papers to grade or tests to write, you can spend your weekend building a house with Habitat for Humanity, taking your mentee from Big Brothers Big Sisters to the park, or working with a neighborhood beautification organization planting peace gardens around your community. Not sure where to start? VolunteerMatch can help you find volunteer opportunities in your area.
Coach a local sports team
If you have a love for sports, pair it with your experience in working with kids and check out some local youth teams to see if they have a need for a coach or assistant. This can be a highly rewarding job that allows you to work outside, help young athletes learn and grow, and keep a fairly open schedule, depending on game and practice times.
Enjoy the great outdoors as camp counselor
When many of us think of “summer camp,” a little woodsy retreat springs to mind, complete with mosquitoes and lake-swimming. And while some teachers might be lucky enough to live near such a place, there are other camps that need responsible counselors during summer months, as well. You can check with daycare centers and local children’s museums to see what their needs are; some may need art teachers, while others may require someone to oversee outdoor playtime.
Walk other people’s dogs
Working with animals can be a calming, stress-free experience, and you can earn quite a bit of money. There may be dozens of pet owners near you who need someone to come over during their work hours and take care of a beloved animal, which will give you some freedom and allow you to get in some exercise outside. If you’re looking for even more time with your new furry friend, you can also look into to being a pet sitter.
Catch some rays as a lifeguard
You already have experience working with several kids at once; why not pair that with a little zinc oxide and a certification in lifesaving and sit by the pool all summer? Check with your local Red Cross or university to see what courses they offer. This could be your chance to earn money while grabbing some rays, and while it’s not exactly a stress-free job, it will likely be flexible for your schedule.
Be a tour guide at a local attraction
Depending on where you live, you may be able to find summertime employment with a museum, historical site, hotel, or even a craft beer company that gives tours of their facilities. Many of these establishments need a knowledgeable guide to lead customers, and some of them allow for some outdoor time. If you live near a lake or river, you might even be able to find a boat that gives tours.
Finding work during school breaks can be a bit daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be! If you know where to look, there are plenty of jobs available that will offer some degree of flexibility and allow you to head outside and enjoy the summer.