Finding a job can be tough. If you've been laid off, are looking for a part-time primary or second job, or are returning to the workforce after being a stay-at-home parent, it can feel as if there aren't any jobs out there.
One thing to consider is that many jobs don't seem appealing at first glance. For example, maybe the pay is far less than you're hoping for, but there might be perks that make the job worth taking. Some companies such as Starbucks, Kroger and United Parcel Service offer healthcare benefits to part-time staff. You can ask whether the position has any extra perks, such as free or discounted cell phone, gas or parking allowance, flexible spending accounts, adoption or tuition assistance, fitness incentives, community discounts, restaurants, etc.
What jobs have you done that had useful perks? Here are a few additional jobs with budget-friendly perks.
CARE PROVIDER: If you're working at a child-care center, you might get discounted child care for your kids. This can be a great advantage. There isn't any extra transportation, and you can check in on your children to see how they're doing. You wouldn't think an adult care-provider position would have many perks. Kita in New Jersey shares: "My part-time job is taking care of mentally handicapped adults. We take them out into the community. Fairs, restaurant meals and movies are all free for staff. They also pay for me to take the defensive-driving course, which reduces my insurance. And flu shots, too."
MOVIE-THEATER EMPLOYEE: Work at a local movie theater, and many companies will let you see new releases and/or provide free concession food. Along the same lines, video-rental stores will often let you rent free movies and games.
MUSEUM EMPLOYEE: Employees often are given free passes to exhibits and discounts for the gift shop.
UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE: Many universities offer free tuition for their employees. Some even extend it to immediate family members of the employee, too. That's a huge perk that can really pay off. Some universities offer season passes to athletic events, local gardens and the planetarium.
RETAIL CLOTHING: There are generous discounts (10 percent to 50 percent) given at many retail-clothing stores. Plus, you're first to see when items are clearanced, too.
FLORISTS: Many florists will let you take home older flowers and plants or provide a discount on merchandise, such as balloons, gift baskets or giftware. Because holidays are so busy, some florists will buy food for their employees, too.
BAKERIES: Work in a bakery, and there's a chance you can get many bakery goods free or discounted. This can be especially nice for special occasions. Another reader, Jill in New Jersey, shares: "I used to work at a bakery and could take home as much bread/muffins/bagels as I wanted when I was closing. (Food we didn't take got donated to a soup kitchen.) Tuesdays, we got to take home cakes that didn't sell. Holidays, we could take home unsold pies. Believe me, my family and friends did not go hungry. I'm talking big black garbage bags full of stuff."
COMMUNITY CENTER OR GYM: Some have on-site child care. A great way to stay fit. Often, family members are given deep discounts, too.
SALON: While not every salon gives free haircuts, nails or waxing, some do offer these perks. Most offer a discount on products and services. Often, stylists simply swap their time and service.
HOTEL WORKER: Work at a hotel, and get free or discounted rooms. This often will include hotels in the chain. This can be a wonderful perk when planning a vacation or getaway.
Sara Noel is the owner of Frugal Village (www.frugalvillage.com), a Web site that offers practical, money-saving strategies for everyday living. To send tips, comments or questions, write to Sara Noel, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, or e-mail sara@frugalvillage.com.
