Just finished school? Here are creative ways to make money

Jubilation and ecstatic moments await thousands of students who will complete their Form Four examinations this week. Some may have planned so called 'leavers parties' in which they will celebrate in all sorts of ways.

The partying and celebrations are understandable. After all, they have spent a gruesome three weeks writing examinations and this is not all, they have had to wait for four years to be able to sit for these examinations.

However, for Kelvin Macharia, the story is different. To him, he has nothing to celebrate as the end of his secondary school life marks the beginning of an uncertain future.

His parents have already made it clear to him that they will no longer be giving him any financial support as the available resources are for taking care of his other siblings.

For Jecinta Kerubo, who lives in the city's Eastlands neighbourhood, the story is no different. Her mother has made it clear to her that from now on, she will have to forego some privileges. Actually, she will have to work and provide for herself.

The situation in which Macharia and Kerubo find themselves in is not unfamiliar to school leavers who will complete their examinations this week.

Most of them will find themselves in an environment where financial support will be cut down drastically and they will be expected to fend for themselves.

However, with the taps about to run dry, they need not worry as there are easy and creative ways in which they can make money to help them meet most of their basic needs as they plan the next line of action.

So which are some of the creative ways you they use to make an extra shilling? One innovative way to make extra cash as you wait for the next opening is to look for a product you can sell.

Many medium sized companies and importers are always looking for people who can sell their products for a salary or commission.

As we approach the December holiday, there are many trendy outlets that hire young people to work  part time selling varied merchandise. During peak season, you can make a lot of money that can last you for some time.

Network with friend and relatives to know when such openings arise. You can also regularly check advertisements in the local media or on public notice boards.

Do not ignore the social media like Facebook and Twitter, among others, where you will find vacancy announcements.

Another option is to try volunteering. Talk to a manager of a company, school or any organisation that you can access easily and ask whether they have room for volunteers. Initially, it may be expensive but later, it may turn out to be rewarding.

You may also look for an organisation or institution near you where you can stand in for employees who are on leave, absent or unwilling to work overtime.

In this case, you must be prepared to work late or during odd hours.

ONLINE JOBS

Do menial jobs. Undertake tasks like gardening, trimming, cleaning vehicles or even selling newspapers. Although most of them can be uninspiring and tedious, they can keep you busy and in the end earn you some cash.

With most young people being tech-savvy, there are many opportunities available online where you can make money.

Did you know that just being online can earn you money? Some sites will reward you for searching on Google or Yahoo.

All you need to do is install a simple add-on to your browser and when you conduct a search, there may be some sponsored results that have cash rewards.

Writing can also be rewarding. There are many websites that contract people to write articles or features for pay.

Locally, newspapers and magazines are always looking for writers with fresh ideas and are they always willing to pay.

Another way is to form a group to manage domestic waste in your neighbourhood at a fee. Sort out items that can be recycled and sell them to those who can re-use them.

Other innovative ideas may be to visit a nearby school and ask for a chance to teach a subject you excelled in.

You can also try recycling old phones, selling second-hand items like books and clothes or participating in surveys.