She Strengthens

From College to Startup: How I Padded My Savings with Unconventional Jobs

As a student at UC Berkeley, I juggled a multitude of activities, including classes, clubs, my sorority, and theater performances. But I didn’t stop there. I also took on a variety of odd jobs to build up my savings and gain valuable experience.

Teaching and Tutoring

My main source of income was tutoring with Lindamood Bell, a company specializing in teaching individuals with learning or cognitive disabilities. I worked with them for over three years, both part-time during the school year and full-time during summers. The flexibility they offered was incredible, and I had a blast playing word and math games with my students.

Scenic Design and Construction

I also dabbled in scenic design and construction, which was partly for school credit and partly for cash. The hours were intense, but it was worth it at the time. Although I no longer pursue this line of work, it was a valuable experience that taught me the importance of time management.

Birthday Magic

Who wouldn’t want to be a birthday fairy, princess, or clown? I certainly did! As a certified face painter, I could command a hefty fee for my services. Parents were willing to pay top dollar for a trustworthy, non-serial killer to entertain their kids on special days. This gig wasn’t a regular occurrence, but it provided a nice influx of cash when I needed it.

Singing Telegrams

Things took a quirky turn when I started offering singing telegrams. With a surplus of silly costumes, I began responding to Craigslist ads and eventually started advertising my services. From singing Happy Birthday at high-end sushi restaurants to belting out “A Pirate’s Life for Me” for a physics student, this job was a fun and lucrative way to use my creativity.

Psychological Studies

As a college student, I took advantage of the many psychological studies available on campus. In exchange for participating, I received free food and sometimes up to $50. These opportunities allowed me to pad my savings and enjoy some extra spending money.

The Payoff

Thanks to these unconventional jobs, I was able to save enough money to confidently take the leap into my first tech startup after graduation. It wasn’t always easy, but the experience and financial security I gained were well worth the effort.