Income, Any Income.....Junior Edition

This post is not about myself, but rather my 21 year old. Without revealing his private information, he's finished his associate in golf course adminstration, been looking for work since 1 January, and has found absolutely nothing-and I do mean nothing. Not even pizza delivery. Very frustrating.

He has been pursuing his bachelors degree online (there is only one school where you can actually get a business degree in golf course administration). Recently we've had a come to the Lord discussion, if you will. He only went away to the golf school because it was what his dad and I wanted him to do, he really really doesn't want to sit in an office all day and his goal is to join the army after Christmas.  This is all good. I feel fairly comfortable that he's not making this decision out of desperation and he's done his research as to training and benefits and so on. We're working on some sites to evaluate skills and using a couple books so he knows what he wants to do even within the army.

Meanwhile though, the kid needs income (and frankly, some socialization, as this is not where he grew up and he knows not a soul). Our first plan of attack is to start literally going door to door starting a week from today, which is when most college kids who go away to school are gone, and see what kind of openings there are. The second is to register with some temporary agencies.

I would also like to look at some temporary income streams. I have a pile of small business books (many of which were for ideas for myself, but that's the next post, perhaps). But since he's pretty committed to the army idea (running and working out so that he can meet the requirements-he wants to be in shape before basic training and not lagging), it would make no sense to start a small business. So far, other income stream ideas I have mainly rely on doing things for me-selling on eBay and Craigslist and making a percentage, for example. Doing the paperwork and graphics for the small crafts business three friends and I are looking to start. I've also hooked him up with a couple survey companies.

So what would you do if you needed at least part time income but couldn't commit to a long term business or job?  His lack of a job is affecting me, at this point. Since he knows no one here and also has hardly any social l life (he had many friends at school but of course all those friends are online), I am breaking up my day to find him things to do (hanging curtains ) when I really should be dividing my day between sewing so that I can sell and computer work. And of course this doesn't begin to address the fact that he is totally reliant on me and my small pension. This affects both my bottom line and his self esteem in large ways. I can say truthfully, he is not a kid who feels comfortable relying on mom's largess. His frustration level is at an all time high. Fortunately he is doing everything he can to stay positive and does realize that it's not HIM thats the problem, he's a smart, talented nice kid who just hasn't found that job.

What would you do if you needed short term, part time income, aside from selling what you had? While I have no problem with him applying for temporary work or a delivery type job, starting a small business or committing to a permanent job make no sense ethically or financially  when you are looking at about a four month availability. So we continue the search...