Part-Time Jobs that Make Work Seem Like Play :

Short on time and money? Whether you're a busy parent with a 2-year-old, a college student or an older adult, a part-time job can be the ideal solution.

Too often, the phrase “part-time job” is associated with one word: boring! But stuffing envelopes, answering phones and entering data aren’t the only ways to enhance your bank account.

For a part-time job that makes work seem like play, see if one of these opportunities matches your talents and interests:

Personal Chef: Clever cooks may enjoy the opportunities offered to personal chefs. Various organizations offer personal chef certification (time required to earn a certificate ranges from as little as two weeks to six months), and some certifications are even available online. You typically meet with a client, create a menu or series of meals based on that person's needs and tastes, and prepare the food in the person's home. Expect your clients to vary from seniors to wealthy singles to busy families.A Personal Chef can earn between $15 to $50 per hour, depending on your location and experience. If your client asks you to take on additional food shopping tasks, be sure to charge for that work as well.

Gift Basket Specialist: If you're creative and often receive comments such as, "Oh, how wonderful!" in response to your gift choices, you might make an ideal gift basket specialist. Get a computer-savvy friend to help you create brochures and flyers to advertise your services. Your customers may range from corporations seeking gifts for clients to consumers seeking a unique gift for someone special.

A Gift Basket Specialist can earn between $15 to $30 per basket, plus the cost of the materials. Track your materials charges carefully, and keep all receipts.

Dog Scooper: If you're fond of dogs, and don't mind using a "pooper scooper," post your services at local pet stores, senior centers and other areas. Offer to combine it with dog walking, and you can charge an additional $10 to $15 per home.

Dog Scoopers can request $15 to $30 per yard that you clean up, depending on the size and number of dogs.

Home Decorator: Advertise your home-decorating skills for the holidays and special events, such as birthdays and anniversary parties. Flower-arranging talents and a knack for choosing seasonal decorations will come in handy here. Live in a small town plentiful with "mom and pop" stores and restaurants? Combine with decorating shops and cafes for holidays and special celebrations.

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