If you are currently going to college, affording to live is a balancing act. Sure, there are loans and scholarships, but many students need to get a job to help them pay for things like rent and groceries. You might be thinking you'll be stuck working minimum wage at a local fast food place, but there are actually some more reward (and better paying) jobs out there for students like you. Look for more lucrative opportunities before applying at the food court. 

Call Center Jobs

Many call centers are always recruiting, and they often require little to no previous experience. Unlike retail, call centers pay well over minimum wage, with some employees averaging up to $14 an hour.

You may be thinking, "But I don't want to bug people or sell stuff!" This, however, is a common misconception about call centers. Most call center jobs are not for selling, but for helping customers. You'll be the person that people talk to after being on hold, when calling about their broken computer or why they can't get into their online account. Any company that offers nationwide service, such as online marketplaces and cell phone companies, need people to work in their call centers. 

You can excel and move up the line in these jobs. The people who have the most success at sites like http://www.onetouchdirect.com are quick thinkers, have great communication skills, and have a calm demeanor that can't be ruffled easily by angry customers. 

However, some call center jobs are for marketing-- if you have a great phone presence and don't get discouraged easily, this is also a great way to make money. Not only will you have your base pay, but you'll likely make commission on the things you successfully sell.  

Landscape Jobs

Another job that offers flexible hours and rewarding work is landscaping. Your university or college has extensive grounds, and may hire students to take care of them-- usually for a dollar or more above minimum wage. However, don't just look at your college. Cities also have multiple landscape crews, especially during the summer, and private landscape companies always need a few grunt workers to move things along.

You'll do best at this job if you have attention to detail, your own transportation, and don't mind physically challenging work. 

Working From Home

Depending on what you're good at, you can also do well for yourself without a "brick and mortar" job. Some students can have success working from home as:

  • freelance writers. Online magazines and content mills for websites pay by the word or by the piece. If you're a quick, talented writer, you'll find that you make more money per hour than any shift-type job.
  • English teachers. Online teaching is becoming more and more popular, especially for people who live abroad. If you're a native English speaking with some experience in tutoring, you can apply and post a profile online to teach English as a second language.
  • website designers and coders. If you're tech savvy, use that to help you get ahead. You can actually reach out to clients, like dentist offices or vet hospitals, in your area and offer to revamp their online presence with a better website. You can set your own price.

Work Within Your Field

Another great job solution for students are jobs that actually help you to get ahead. Example include teaching assistant positions, working an entry-level job at a local law firm, or as a medical assistant at a hospital. These may not pay as much, but they pad your resume with experience, meaning you graduate with a few credentials your fellow grads may not have.

You don't have to flip burgers or operate a cash register to get by in college. Look for jobs that pay well or jobs that will help you succeed later on. 

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