Beyond the Cubicle: How I Landed 7 Side Gigs in One Month

Originally published September 2017.

So I usually start a new project every season to keep my life spicy❤

I’ve been on a MBA tour, worked as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), danced around the world, experienced life on different sets, and challenged myself to become a writer by writing 500 words a day.

But there’s something I’ve never done.

Prior to 2015, I never had a job outside of corporate America.

Never. Well, I did take on customer service and paid leadership roles in college but that doesn’t count. I had a business internship at 17 at an engineering firm and was working for one of the big four accounting firms by the age of 19.

Sounds good, right? Maybe. But I wonder what life is like “Beyond the Cubicle™”.

So in August 2017, I decided to test the waters.

I embarked upon a 30-day challenge that changed my tax bracket.

I explored different jobs and opportunities that I could write about for readers of the Career Goddess Academy! I wanted people to know the different ways to acquire extra cash and get the juicy details about fun (and legal!) side gigs that exist!!

Raise your hand if you think this is a bad idea because you think the economy absolutely sucks.

It’s only going downhill for those working on the other side of the fence – those loyal employees who are relying on a boss and one source of income to supply their every need.

Risky, risky, risky.

You have to position yourself to create endless opportunities.

Stay woke and you’ll never starve a day in your life.

Check out these side gigs that I explored during my 30-day making money “Beyond the Cubicle™” challenge. If you want to earn more passive income from your investments, check out my latest book, Dividends Are a Queen’s Best Friend, available on Amazon!

1. Street Team Promotions

I must admit I was a bit skeptical about this challenge.

Seriously, what the heck was I getting myself into?

Lesson 1: Those who are willing to go beyond their comfort zone are those that are able to reap the beautiful benefits that exist around us. Just do it!

So I created a new resume (I own a resume consulting business so making an irresistible resume was a piece of cake!) and applied for my first independent side gig.

In less than 48 hours, I received an email stating that I was booked to do Street Team promotions for K-Mart. Just. Like. That.

The requirements were khaki pants, red top, and arrive at the location at 5:45 AM. Yikes!!

I was so excited about this new gig that I was the first person there (yep, the early bird gets the worm!)!

So I took on two shifts: I worked from 6AM – 10AM and 4PM – 8PM.

I passed out flyers to support K-Mart’s Back to School sale. I worked with two other women who showed me the ropes of street team promotions. We met hundreds of people who were seeking some Friday news beyond their weekly work obligations.

Did I tell you how fun it was? It was second nature. I promote events and opportunities all the time.

I approached people who were getting on the train to work and getting off the train going home.

Did I face rejections? I sure did.

Some people just didn’t want to talk after a long day of work and could care less about the latest retail sale.

But I didn’t take it personal. I just kept enjoying the moment and learning about the two ladies I was working with.

Guess what? I gained a new client…unexpectedly! One person wants to get financial coaching and learn how to invest and the other person needs Quickbooks online services. Woohoo! A win-win situation.

What I Learned: Each opportunity that you take on will introduce you to new skills and talents that exist within you. Being able to approach people and market yourself and a product/service/event will serve you well as an entrepreneur and make you a hot commodity for other opportunities in the marketplace.

2. Represented Monaco Cocktail at Binny’s

Pop Quiz: What does it take to land a gig representing a popular drink?

Answer: TIPS Certification!

Within 72 hours, I took my training and exam to become TIPS certified. I passed!

Now I had no idea what a TIPS certification was until I received an inquiry from someone asking if I was available to do a demo.

I sent my brand ambassador resume to a couple of places and people started emailing me about other opportunities that weren’t listed anywhere else.

I accepted the assignment just to explore this opportunity.

Eight hours before the event, I had to purchase a table cloth, demo table, ice bucket, and ice.

After buying all the necessities for the sampling, I realized I had 5 minutes left to learn about the product. Wowzers!

I did get nervous but I didn’t let it stop my flow. I just created a quick list of buzz words and key ingredients.

The results: the company was satisfied with my sales for the day!

It was only a 2-hour event but it’s another skill and certification that I can add to my career portfolio.

3. Whole Foods Demos for a Healthy Food Brand

I was on a roll!

The next day I had the chance to exercise my love for health and wellness in a different way.

I was hired as an independent contractor to promote an emerging healthy foods brand!

I share information about a super delicious healthy smart cracker that comes in three vitamin-filled flavors.

I am in LOVE with this product and am so happy that I had the chance to speak about it in different Whole Foods locations in Illinois.

My responsibilities included setting up demo table, interacting with customers, creating brand awareness, and completing reports about the event.

And I got a chance to do this 10 times in August!! So fun!

Another awesome resume booster and energy builder.

Speaking is one of my passions and I get to speak about a healthy food snack that I absolutely love.

Join my next public speaking session by contacting me at hello@ceounlimitedfirm.com.

4. Freelance Writer

You don’t always have to leave your home to make extra money.

I was asked to contribute my services to an online health and wellness magazine for the month of August.

Being a Certified Fitness Professional and a previous Ambassador for the American Heart Association made it a lot easier to sell my expertise as a health professional.

I contributed weekly articles about planks, Tabata, food, accountability partners, and workout intensity. I’m so happy that I get to combine my passion for health and writing from the comfort of my own home.

5. Nurse on Chicago Med

BOOKED!

Since I couldn’t get a real job as a nurse within 30 days, I landed a gig on the set of Chicago Med!

I worked 6 days as a Nurse on Chicago Med. I got the chance to explore what happens on the other side of the emergency room.

Action packed and non-stop movement, I got a taste of what it was like to take care of a patient in the trauma room and learn about the protocol from real-life nurses. It was really cool.

And on Day 6, I got bumped up to be a stand-in for one of the patients that were featured on Chicago Med!

6. Core EMPIRE Employee & Stand-In

BOOKED…..Again!

I got a chance to roam the office corridors of EMPIRE as a Core Employee.

How did this happen?

I’ve very professional, reliable, and observant. These are qualities that pay off in the world of show business. You never know who is watching you.

But here is something that always holds true: when you do good work and exude great energy, people gravitate towards you and offer you bigger opportunities.

It all started when I applied to attend an EMPIRE concert and a few months later I received an email stating that I would be a Core Employee.

The icing on the cake was being selected as a Stand-In for one of the characters on EMPIRE!

Keep putting good energy out there and the world will respond with abundant opportunities that will blow you away.

7. QuickBooks Certification Leads to Accounting Opportunity

I finally did it.

I pushed everything aside so that I could get my QuickBooks certifications.

After hours of training and exams, I passed!

Here’s how I became a QuickBooks Pro Advisor in Less Than 72 Hours.

Less than a week later, I landed an opportunity working with one of the largest talent agencies in Chicago!

I also had the chance to expand my QuickBooks knowledge so that I can offer more training and consultations to budding entrepreneurs!

So what do I do full-time?

I am the managing director of CEO Unlimited LLC, Founder of the Career Goddess Academy and Dividend Queen at www.wealthywomendaily.com.

Through CEO Unlimited, I help individuals develop compelling content (Resume + LinkedIn + Blog Posts) and enhance their verbal communication skills. I provide workshops, certification training, keynote speeches, educational articles, public speaking strategy sessions, and Resume and LinkedIn consulting to help others achieve this goal.

I truly believe that no one should ever be stuck or feel limited. I’ve noticed that women become insecure about EVERYTHING. Looks, jobs, skills, abilities ….you name it.

What happens when a woman unlocks her career potential?

She becomes unstoppable. She will never have to worry about finances or career opportunities again. That’s why I gave birth to the Career Goddess Academy.

Mission Accomplished: 30-Day Challenge Completed!

If you want a career strategy session so you can create career success and a lifestyle you love, send me an email at charlene@charlenerhinehart.com! Let’s make this your winning season so you can attract the opportunities you desire.

Bio: After becoming the first Certified Public Accountant to win the title of Ms. Corporate America 2015 in a pageant held in Orlando, Fl, Charlene created the Career Goddess Academy. She shares her money, health, travel, and career advice all over the web as a contributor for the Huffington Post, Black Enterprise, The Path Mag, Women on Business, Ms. Career Girl, and other sites. In 2015, she was recognized as the Illinois CPA Young Professional Leader of the Year.

Charlene is now the best selling author of Dividends Are a Queen’s Best Friend available on Amazon! Grab your copy today.

Do you need a guest speaker? Contact Charlene at charlene@charlenerhinehart.com.