The market is picking up. That's the common refrain I've been hearing from recruiters for the last four months or so. Well, I, for one, do not think it is really picking up because it hasn't translated into more interviews, let alone job offers, for me.

I am sure I am not the only one who feels this way. As such, here are a few suggestions to keep you occupied (and make some money) while scouring those job sites, writing numerous cover letters, and meeting up with recruiters:

1. Do a spring clean of your cupboards and closets, and set aside anything you haven't worn or used in the last 12 months. Sell them off at a garage sale or a weekend market. To keep your costs low, find like-minded friends and share a stall. Some local papers or websites also provide for free classifieds advertising. This will not only bring in a few bucks but will declutter your living space and your life.
2. Sign up to be a participant at a focus group. You'll get paid for a couple of hours of voicing your opinions and providing feedback - things which you would do for free anyway. You might get to explain just why you hate about that particular advertisement that comes on during your favourite primetime TV show, or how that food packaging doesn't appeal to you at all and no, you wouldn't buy it in a million years.
3. If you are creative and make things like pottery, furniture, scrapbooks, jewellery, bags or other accessories as a hobby, this could be the opportunity for you to turn that hobby into a money-making venture. You can start a relatively low-cost online business and sell on sites like eBay or Etsy. Alternatively, you could host a party (think Tupperware party only cooler) and invite friends and friends of friends and have a little sale at home. Throw in promises of tea, cake and crisps as an incentive.

There is only so much job hunting one can do. You need to have other activities for distraction and destressing from the frustrations and futility that often come with job hunting. And if they bring in some money instead of costing you some, all the better.

Here Is The Writer : bobo-gal

bobo-gal is a Sydney-based bourgeoisie-bohemian masquerading as a corporate suit in financial services for the last 12 years. She has been constantly dreaming of having a flea market stall selling crafts and baked goods, and trawling auction houses for vintage furniture to re-sell to city workers with too much money and too little time. However, with her imminent departure from her job in the city, she might soon be just bo-gal, having to drop the bourgeoisie portion of her name as she dabbles in reupholstering chairs.

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