Unlicensed Job Ideas Before Postdoc Begins

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BendDontBreak

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I’ve already completed my internship and plan to defend my dissertation in March 2025, but my postdoc doesn’t start until October 2025. In the meantime, I’d like to study for the EPPP and earn some income. Does anyone have suggestions for part-time, temporary, and/or relatively well-paying jobs that don’t require a license? I’m based in the NYC area but am also open to remote opportunities.
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Dependent on your skills and connections, you can usually find some quick work as a psychometrist. But more importantly, enjoy your time. Study at your own rate. Go on a nice vacation. Pick up a fun new hobby. Invest in some "you" time, if you are able. Once post-doc and work starts, it becomes quite rare to get so much time off.
 
oliversacks4thewin said:
Dependent on your skills and connections, you can usually find some quick work as a psychometrist. But more importantly, enjoy your time. Study at your own rate. Go on a nice vacation. Pick up a fun new hobby. Invest in some "you" time, if you are able. Once post-doc and work starts, it becomes quite rare to get so much time off.
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Given the time involved in training procedures and getting people checked out on batteries, could be a tough one. Personally, most wouldn't find it helpful to hire anyone for a term less than a year for a tester position.
 
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WisNeuro said:
Given the time involved in training procedures and getting people checked out on batteries, could be a tough one. Personally, most wouldn't find it helpful to hire anyone for a term less than a year for a tester position.
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Completely agree with you. I offered it as a suggestion, as I did something akin to this with an old supervisor who had previously observed my body of work and trusted my skillset. I should have added the part to check in with a previous supervisor to see if they have the flexibility/means to explore hiring on someone in this prediciment. Ultimately, I still recommend just taking the time to relax and study.
 
oliversacks4thewin said:
Completely agree with you. I offered it as a suggestion, as I did something akin to this with an old supervisor who had previously observed my body of work and trusted my skillset. I should have added the part to check in with a previous supervisor to see if they have the flexibility/means to explore hiring on someone in this prediciment. Ultimately, I still recommend just taking the time to relax and study.
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Thanks for the insights! Food for thought.
 
WisNeuro said:
Given the time involved in training procedures and getting people checked out on batteries, could be a tough one. Personally, most wouldn't find it helpful to hire anyone for a term less than a year for a tester position.
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A helpful point! I appreciate the reality check re: psychometrist positions.
 
You could always try and check out what contractor/part-time positions are open at community agencies, international orgs (I know the UN is hiring for emerging contractors right now for 4-6 months), possibly an adjunct professor position for some summer courses...it might be that you have to work several little jobs vs. one well-paying job. I have friends who took 3 months off prior to starting post-doc and loved their time off, though, so take that for what it's worth!
 
PsychPsychBaby said:
You could always try and check out what contractor/part-time positions are open at community agencies, international orgs (I know the UN is hiring for emerging contractors right now for 4-6 months), possibly an adjunct professor position for some summer courses...it might be that you have to work several little jobs vs. one well-paying job. I have friends who took 3 months off prior to starting post-doc and loved their time off, though, so take that for what it's worth!
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Thanks for the UN recommendation! I'll look into that. Though, I think I've come to a similar conclusion re: one vs. mutiple jobs. I've been looking into different positions that I could cobble together. Most likely, I'll end up tutoring, babysitting, dog walking, and/or adjuncting. And, hopefully, I will also savor the time off with some travel and recalibration!
 
Not well paying, but have you ever thought of being an extra for a movie or TV show? I did some of that along with some temping while waiting for post-doc to start. I still get some emails. I think they were paying $188 for being an audience member on Beat Bobby Flay. Seems like a fun thing to do and you get enough money for a decent meal.
 
Sanman said:
Not well paying, but have you ever thought of being an extra for a movie or TV show? I did some of that along with some temping while waiting for post-doc to start. I still get some emails. I think they were paying $188 for being an audience member on Beat Bobby Flay. Seems like a fun thing to do and you get enough money for a decent meal.
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Ooh! That's a fun idea! Although it wouldn't be well-paying, it would certainly be an interesting life experience. Thanks for the suggestion. 🙂
 
R. Matey said:
Become a psychology influencer on social media. Say a bunch of psuedoscientific s*** just to stir the pot and then sell trainings on your methods.
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Job description also includes:
 
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BendDontBreak said:
Job description also includes:
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I can see it. A frowning psychologist next to a still chip of Harrison Ford grumbling his way through an intervention.
 
Update! I brainstormed with a friend about some ideas, and thought I'd share them on here in case they are of interest to anyone who happens to be in a similar position and stumbles upon this thread:
  • Proofreader
  • Translator/interpreter (I speak Portuguese and Spanish)
  • Medical courier
 
I'm about 20 years post-PhD, so this advice is even older than that, because it dates back to the summer before I started grad school...

But I had about 1.5 months between my postbac job and the start of school, and I worked at a temp agency. With a college degree, in 1999, I was making $15/hour. Not sure what the hourly rate would be today (but I would imagine higher?!), or how it stacks up against some of your other ideas, but it was a great way to stash away some cash at a time when I really needed it.
 
100% facts.

Roofing in the dead of summer is what cured any passing thought that I could do it for a career. Nope, give me A/C, beverages w ice, and carpal tunnel from typing instead of dealing w the weather and the aches & pains of manual work. I respect the heck out of trades ppl, but it’s not for me.
 
Sanman said:
I can think of few jobs that are worse. On the bright side, you will appreciate being in an office after that.
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Therapist4Chnge said:
100% facts.

Roofing in the dead of summer is what cured any passing thought that I could do it for a career. Nope, give me A/C, beverages w ice, and carpal tunnel from typing instead of dealing w the weather and the aches & pains of manual work. I respect the heck out of trades ppl, but it’s not for me.
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I used to roof over the summer with my dad's contractor, Ernest. His idea of a lunch break was hammering with a hamburger in his hand - no stopping for that guy! Even after getting my master's degree, I went back to the ranch and painted for spending money that summer. Low key, I actually enjoyed it. There's something satisfying about listening to an interesting audiobook while seeing your progress so literally.

But I chose to take school more seriously after some eye-opening work experiences. In high school, I was a terrible employee at Burger King - I'd let my friends have free cheesecake or just leave my shift early. As punishment, my manager once made me wash the baseboards of the entire building (which wasn't too bad, I don't mind cleaning).

My epiphany came when he made me scoop french fries all day. Walking out to my truck after my shift, I realized my right arm was all red and irritated - sunburnt from the heat lamp and irritated from the "salt me right" procedure to ensure proper salting. That's when I decided cultivating some "options" might be smart.
 
borne_before said:
I used to roof over the summer with my dad's contractor, Ernest. His idea of a lunch break was hammering with a hamburger in his hand - no stopping for that guy! Even after getting my master's degree, I went back to the ranch and painted for spending money that summer. Low key, I actually enjoyed it. There's something satisfying about listening to an interesting audiobook while seeing your progress so literally.

But I chose to take school more seriously after some eye-opening work experiences. In high school, I was a terrible employee at Burger King - I'd let my friends have free cheesecake or just leave my shift early. As punishment, my manager once made me wash the baseboards of the entire building (which wasn't too bad, I don't mind cleaning).

My epiphany came when he made me scoop french fries all day. Walking out to my truck after my shift, I realized my right arm was all red and irritated - sunburnt from the heat lamp and irritated from the "salt me right" procedure to ensure proper salting. That's when I decided cultivating some "options" might be smart.
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I skipped those fast food experiences altogether thanks. Started fixing computers, local network systems, building websites, and related tech since age 14 as an intern making minimum wage. Continued to do this for several professors/research labs throughout college on a contract basis (got paid up $50/hr) . Took a hit in income when I went to grad school actually.
 
Sanman said:
I skipped those fast food experiences altogether thanks. Started fixing computers, local network systems, building websites, and related tech since age 14 as an intern making minimum wage. Continued to do this for several professors/research labs throughout college on a contract basis (got paid up $50/hr) . Took a hit in income when I went to grad school actually.
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I love hearing about hustles.
 
WisNeuro said:
How does one become a lesser Burger noble, such as a Burger Baron?
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I'd prefer to be a Burger Peasant.

As for unlicensed work ideas: folks have probably mentioned being a testing assistant/psychometrist. If you're a good writer, maybe freelance proofreading/editing, which you've already mentioned. The translation could be a good idea as well, although I imagine some/many things may require some type of certification.
 
BuckeyeLove said:
Is it true that the lines on the burgers aren't actually from the grille?
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IRRC Burger King they use a broiler system. The patties go through a conveyor belt under gas flames or heated elements, which gives them those grill marks and a bit of that flame-broiled flavor. A super engineered process, but superior to the double flat top system mcdonald uses (they press them between to heated flat tops).

I’m lowkey fascinated by fast food — like, from a process perspective, it’s crazy impressive. The systems, the logistics, how they balance flavor, consistency, speed, and scale — it’s wild. There’s this former corporate chef from McDonald’s who shares behind-the-scenes stuff, and The Founder (with Michael Keaton — the Birdman guy!) has that whole scene showing how they choreographed the kitchen for max efficiency. Honestly, the Whopper is amazing — it really hits that backyard burger vibe. But McDonald’s totally owns the fry game.

I mess with bbq, and consistently with a brisket is so hard...
 
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