Creative ideas for part-time work

After you have checked with your sponsor about whether or not you need to get a licence from the Department of Economic Development, you may consider any of these part-time employment ideas:

Tutor children

If you live in a multi-storey building, the chances are you have some neighbours whose kids need help with their English, maths or other school subjects. This part-time work doesn't always require you to leave your apartment building and you're likely to find some parents eager to hire your services, considering the high cost of private coaching classes.

Do data entry, accounting or market research

Sandi Saksena, a financial planner, said data entry and accounting work, as well as market research, can be done from the comfort of one's home. There are small companies who need additional help from time to time, but don't have the budget to employ full-time staff. "If you have a computer or a laptop at home, you can do this stuff and small companies may be willing to pay you." she said.

Babysitting

Parents who need to run errands or take a break, would often love for someone to mind their little ones for an hour or so. If you love children, this can earn you some decent extra income. For starters, offer your services to your friends or to people you're comfortable with. "But you have to be very careful, especially when a child has special needs or suffers from allergies, because you can be held responsible should anything untoward happens," advised Saksena.

Teach musicor a language

If you know how to play the guitar, the piano or other musical instruments, or if you're fluent in a foreign languages, you're well on your way to earning extra bucks. People love to learn something new, so it won't be difficult to find eager students. Soon you'll find that sharing your talent doesn't only provide a stream of ready money, you get the added bonus of meeting new friends and honing your own skills at the same time.

Sell homemade or hand-crafted items

Do you have a passion for painting, styling clothes or creating bags and accessories by hand? You can put that creativity to good use. The good news is, there are avenues for you to legally market your creations. Theresa Tsui, an expat from the UK, recommends that you join the Artisans of the Emirates, which holds regular art and craft fairs at various locations in the UAE.