Scenario 1: You were unhappy and resigned without securing your next job.
Scenario 2: You’ve resigned and served your notice, but your next job starts in three months.
Two scenarios with the same question: what do I do in the meantime?
If you’re not one to rest on your laurels, good on you! Another benefit to finding a part-time job while you’re looking for your next place of employment or waiting for your contract to start is better cash flow. Instead of relying on just your savings, you can keep it for an actual rainy day and live off of your earnings.
In addition to paying your bills, having a job while in between jobs would look better on your resume. This is also a better way to explain a break in your resume to a potential recruiter. To help you out, here are a few ideas for your next in-between-jobs job.
Pet or house sitting
For those who don’t like to leave their home empty while on their travels would usually get a house sitter. A house sitter can also double up as a pet and/or plant sitter. The only downside would be getting someone reliable.
Let your friends know that you’d be more than happy to take care of their homes, pets and plants for a small fee. Do your job well and your friend would recommend you to others too!
E-hailing driver
This is a little tricky in Malaysia as there are certain hoops to jump through. To be an e-hailing driver, the law requires you to take tests and have your vehicle examined by the authorities as well. For further information, check out the rules and regulations for drivers with companies such as Grab and MyCar.
Nanny or babysitter
If you love kids and enjoy their company, just like the house-sitting job mentioned before, perhaps offer to babysit your friend’s kids. This is also a great way to give your friends a much- needed break to go on a date or just spend time with each other. If your friends are alright with that, discuss with them and make it a weekly thing which allows your friends to also enjoy being a couple and go on dates!
Bartending
Depending on the bar, some might be alright with you not having any experience as long as you’re willing to learn. Bartending is a great job to have in between jobs as it’s mostly at night and won’t clash with any interviews that you might have scheduled. This is also a great way to meet new people and network.
Delivery person
If you own a vehicle and don’t mind doing deliveries, try signing up as a delivery person. For instance, food delivery would be great especially if you own a motorcycle or scooter. Requirements at Foodpanda would be a smartphone, a scooter, B2 class motorbike license, over the age of 18 and have a reliable and responsible attitude. If you own a car, you could consider companies such as Lalamove where all you need is a valid driving licence, own a motorcycle, car, van or lorry, and is Malaysian. Other delivery services to check out include pickup and delivery of goods.
If you want to take a break from working, that’s perfectly fine. However, take this time to improve your CV by learning a new skill. This can be levelling up a hobby such as calligraphy or even taking an online course in digital marketing! There are plenty of online resources where you can learn new things such as Skillshare, a learning platform with online classes taught by experts from all over the world.
References: Forbes.com; Monster
