Any helpful tips to maximize your income while going to school full time?

2016-03-09T19:21:42-05:00

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2016 7:24 PM

2016-03-09T19:24:42-05:00

Remember you only need ONE in-school course to qualify for full BAH.
Your JST and VMET can help with credit hours.
If you run out of Post 9/11 GI Bill, you may be able to use the ~$1200 you put into the Montgomery.
Make the most of that VA compensation, if applicable.
Become knowledgeable about the Pell Grant.
Continue to save money.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Mar 9 at 2016 7:33 PM

2016-03-09T19:33:34-05:00

SSG Jose Flores - I delivered pizza. A little wear & tear on your car (plus, it'll smell like pizza). The wages sucked. But, the tips were amazing. Basically, I worked two week days and the weekends. Made enough cash to use for groceries & gas. Plus, I always had an extra $20 in my wallet. I was able to work full time and did this in the evenings. It was humbling at first. However, the cash made me just fine with it.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Mar 9 at 2016 7:34 PM

2016-03-09T19:34:03-05:00

Track your expenses. The morning latte, the dinners at restaurants with friends, and the drinks after class add up. Make your own coffee and bring your own meals and snacks.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 9 at 2016 7:39 PM

2016-03-09T19:39:43-05:00

Marry rich!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 9 at 2016 8:07 PM

2016-03-09T20:07:58-05:00

SSG Jose Flores MAJ Raúl RoviraBeside what the Major said, said, do not spend money unless you have to!
Shop in quantities, buy bottled water by the case. I always have a case of water in my car and never stop for a soda! Always order water if you are eating out! If you must eat out, learn to split meals if possible. Check w/ other people to see if they have less expensive telephone plans or anything else.
My lady friend showed me a cheaper phone plan, even w/o the military discount. Check on 'Dave Ramsey.com' for his 'everydollar' budgeting app. Saving/spending less requires discipline, patience and a desire to spend less!

Response by LTC Jay Hicks made Mar 9 at 2016 8:36 PM

2016-03-09T20:36:19-05:00

Communications cost as much as transportation anymore. Study all your communication methods and their costs extremely carefully. How can you reduce this cost? I know you would do the same for your transport, food and housing.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2016 8:37 PM

2016-03-09T20:37:30-05:00

My son is uber driving and makes more now than a part time job he had when he first got out while working less hours and it's his choice when he turns on the app. But be warned it's working contract, so save money for taxes or it will bite you in the ass.

Response by SPC David S. made Mar 9 at 2016 8:47 PM

2016-03-09T20:47:27-05:00

Create a budget by tracking your spending habits as you wont know if you're saving or spending more until you establish a baseline. From there start looking at every line item. Pay for stuff in cash as you'll be more aware of your spending. Once your spending less looks at ways to make more - one thing I found fun and a good bang for you time was reffing sports games - $20+ a game plus you get paid to more or less exercise depending on the sport.

Response by MAJ Michael Pauling made Mar 9 at 2016 8:55 PM

2016-03-09T20:55:15-05:00

seperate wants and needs, pay for the needs and sacrifice the wants

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2016 9:49 PM

2016-03-09T21:49:25-05:00

We sold plasma...a few sold baby batter as well.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 9 at 2016 9:54 PM

2016-03-09T21:54:19-05:00

If you can get entry level work anyplace that commonly employs people from the field you're studying, take it. Even if it pays less. It is a long term investment that will pay off big down the line.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2016 8:34 AM

2016-03-10T08:34:55-05:00

I sold stuff on Ebay that I would pick up at garage sales and flea markets. It was very hit or miss, but fun to do for a while. However, I think Ebay has become too commercialized for any real success there now days.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 10 at 2016 11:41 AM

2016-03-10T11:41:27-05:00

Excellent tips in these responses which will work whether military, civilian, married or single, to get along on a limited budget.

Response by PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels made Mar 10 at 2016 12:23 PM

2016-03-10T12:23:20-05:00

Create a budget and stick too it. Also check out companies like ride-share, or on-demand delivery. You can make your own schedule and be able to make a little bit extra while attending school.

Response by LTC Jay Hicks made Mar 11 at 2016 3:20 PM

2016-03-11T15:20:41-05:00

Extra money while going to school? Check out this article on getting a temp job. It may be of some assistance.

Should transitioning servicemembers go Temping?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/should-transitioning-service-members-go-temping-jay-hicks-pmp?trk=pulse_spock-articles

It is often challenging to find a job straight out of military. A friend of mine recently asked, “It seems unfair. How do I get the experience needed to apply for a job, when no one will hire me without experience?”

Everyone has their own set of employment challenges when they leave the service. It has become increasingly difficult in recent years to make an easy transition, especially for younger service members.

Therefore, you may need to consider what many guardsmen and reservist have known for years! Between active duty stints and going to school, many of these young warriors are resourcefully finding solutions to this challenge through the use of a temporary agency. As you transition from the service, do not exclude the idea of finding a temporary position while looking for the right permanent job. Here are a few reasons you may want to visit a temporary agency during your military transition.

1. Good news. A temp agency is paid by filling positions. You will have someone assisting your post military job search, the moment you walk through the door. If you are willing to accept the job and the pay, you can go to work quickly. Keep in mind, if you are not satisfied find another temporary position and agency if needed.

2. A temporary job will get you out of the house and provide activity; both leading to a sense of hope during your transition. Most veterans would agree that “A” job is better than “No” job as it improves the psyche and is far better than sitting at home trying to figure out how to make ends meet on a tight budget.

3. You gain exposure to job seekers, supervisors and other employees. This will increase your personal network outside the military. Talk to these folks about their experiences. You may gain valuable information and contacts from the knowledge they provide. This knowledge may potentially enable you to set your sites on other positions inside and out of the organization. Remember, your military friends are great, but most will not have the contacts to help you find a commercial position.

4. You will learn new job skills, increase your personal capabilities and enhance your resume. This is a great way to boost your knowledge, skills and attributes while gaining commercial job exposure if you are not quite sure where you want to work after your military experience.

5. As a transitioning service member, temping allows you to learn more about commercial companies; what you like and do not like in work environments. It gives you time to figuring out your post military direction, enabling your next career move.

6. Temporary jobs often become permanent jobs. As a service member, you know how to get the job done and work hard when the situation dictates. Taking the temporary job may land you a permanent position with the company.

7. Getting to work quickly will enable you to size up the competition. You will meet folks that are struggling, employees that are doing well and others that are facing similar challenges to your own. Talk to everyone and learn what they have going on in their lives. This will increase your knowledge of the commercial market and how to survive your military transition.

On the downside, there are often minimal benefits with a temporary position. There is no commitment by the temp agency or hiring organization. Remember, the temp agency is concerned about follow on business with the hiring organization, while the hiring organization is using a “try, before they buy” approach with their temporary employees. Due to these factors, temporary work is on the rise in the US; while temporary job duration is growing. As a transitioning service member with the right perspective, both of these dynamics may work to your advantage.

Think positively. You are not alone. Most veterans experience challenges and employment problems during their transition from the military. Like the millions of veterans that have already walked this path, you will find the right job. But while you are looking, don’t rule out temporary work. It could provide a path to a permanent and lucrative future position.

Jay
If you would like to know more or help transitioning veterans, then email [login to see] or follow in LinkedIn.

Wishing you a Fast and Lucrative Transition. - Jay

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jay Hicks is an author, instructor and consultant with over 30 years of business and government planning and leadership. He advises commercial and federal organizations on the planning, development, and leadership of Project Management Organizations, delivering viability and value. With a special kinship for military personnel, Jay provides guidance on successful civilian career transition. He is the co-founder of Gr8Transtions4U.com, where advocating the value of hiring military personnel is the key focus.

Response by SPC Harold Bustamante made Mar 12 at 2016 12:24 AM

2016-03-12T00:24:53-05:00

stocks, invest into small business, start internships