Pin Money

Money is always a thorny matter for students. There are too many things to do and too many places to go, so the best way to have your finger in every pie is to utilise that extra time to fill your wallet... 

Student life is generally a life of imposed frugality. Only a select few belonging to the ultra-rich category don’t have to learn a lesson in economics.  And you belong to the coin-counting, penny-pinching group. But that’s alright. You don’t have to deprive yourself of the pleasures of student life. You can add some money to your kitty and also gain valuable experience.

Here are the top ways of earning that extra cash you need for those special occasions:

• Tuitions: This is perhaps the best way of earning some extra pocket money in India.  There is no dearth of children who require personal attention on their studies. What are your areas of strength? Whether you are good at science or English literature is your forte, you can make some very good money by tutoring students. You could even try online tutoring which is an upcoming profession in India. All you need for this is a broadband internet connection. Research online for portals which hire e-tutors for students in India and abroad.
• Part time jobs:  Part time jobs are a good way to balance studies and work. Companies are eager to hire college students for miscellaneous or seasonal jobs. Weekends and summer/winter holidays are a good time to generate some extra cash. You could actually join a McDonald’s or Pizza Hut for the summer or get some kind of an online job. The possibilities are vast. All you need is zero in on a job whose experience you can count on in near future.
• Freelance: Probably the most flexible option considering you have assignments, exams and presentations piled up on your desk.  Freelancing is great for those who cannot make commitments. As a student your priorities should definitely be studies. Money is important but not at the cost of your primary goals in life. Freelancing therefore becomes a very attractive option. You can work as a developer, designer, writer, illustrator and even musician and there are numerous companies looking for freelancers. The pay is substantial and working hours are flexible. You can work from your home or at the office.
• Use your resources: You can sell the stuff you don’t use or the space you don’t need. Use the junk you never use to your advantage. Old cd players, scratched ipods and other ‘valuables’ may be sold off. If your room can accommodate more than one person, then try and get roommates and share the rent. This will salvage some part of the big hole that the landlady digs into your pockets.
• Entrepreneurial ventures: Starting your own business might not be such a big deal. If you are the enterprising kind, think of something that you are good at and get your own business going. If you are good at crafts then you could sell your papier-mâché decorative items. Or how about party planning? You could start out by being an apprentice first and slowly inch your way towards self-employment. Placing ads on the internet and the local newspapers can earn you business.
• Save: The hardest but easiest way to have the required finances.  Save money by going second hand. Phones, books, laptops, and furniture can all be bought second hand. Second hand does not always mean poor quality. For instance, embassies world over sell their laptops every now and then, not because these are obsolete but the employees tend to get rid of everything before leaving a country. Every city has a market where second hand books are sold at throwaway prices. Your seniors may be glad to get rid of their furniture instead of lugging it to the other corner of the country. Get a roommate. Split the rent, the food, the gas, the electricity. Walk to as many places as you can. Photocopy books instead of procuring brand new ones.

Either one of these options or more should work out for you. if you want to be monetarily self-dependent. Be confident and promise to pay equal attention to your academic and professional work. If you are committed to both your obligations then you will inevitably learn to prioritise, lead a healthy life and perhaps even learn to save. Welcome to adulthood!