A job for a day?!

[ArnoldGottlieb]

I don't know anything about chicago except that I loved playing there!! That said, I'd put up an ad on Craigslist, you might make a bit of money moving somebody, driving somebody, who knows?
Good Luck.
Peace.
ASG

[MartyNeilan]

Speaking of which, substitute teaching is an excellent source of "immediate" (meaning you can work nearly right away and just about any day that you choose).

Many districts now go through a lengthy application process for the subs, including a fingerprint and background check. Which YOU must pay for. Then you have to wait 6 weeks, attend a mandatory orientation meeting, blah blah blah. All for the joy of making $60 a day.
I spent $$$ in one large urban district last year, jumped through all their hoops, and was never called once during the 3 months I was finally on their list.

[tubatooter1940]

During my days in the Marine Corps, we used to go on a "vampire weekend" when funds had run out. We would sell a pint of blood for $25 and since two drinks would have us on our butts we could party all weekend on that much money. They insisted we only do this once every six weeks. We did it as often as necessary. A buddy of mine had to have a transfusion.

[LoyalTubist]

In California, the background check takes a couple of days. You also must pass a teacher exam and possess an accredited bachelor's degree (I had a friend who went to Bob Jones University who wasn't allowed to sub.) Depending on where you work, subs earn between $95 and $155 a day--the higher pay is for schools not run by local school boards, which are for either special education or independent study. Special Ed is fine. Independent Study is a buzz phrase referring to students who couldn't cut it in a regular high school and must study alone (not at home, but in a special class).

[LoyalTubist]

I remember when I once tried to sell my plasma. It was 1978 and I was days away from completely dropping out from college. I walked to the Alpha Plasma Donations Center. I was wearing a blue denim workshirt, jeans, motorcycle boots, and a chain belt around my waist. My hair went way past my shoulders, down my back. When I went to the center, the receptionist looked at me as if I were going to rob the place.

"Sir, we can't accept your plasma here. You are a drug addict."

"Drug addict? You can't see my arms!"

"Why else would you cover them?"

"Well, this is November and it's a little chilly out."

"OK. Let me see your arms."

"What are those scars?"

"Scars?"

"They look like needle marks. I know you are a drug addict!"

"I have never taken any illegal drugs! Isn't there a urine or blood test you can give me that would prove that I'm not."

"Oh, yes. But it costs the same as the money you get for selling plasma."

"I don't think you really want to buy anyone's plasma."

"You're welcome. NEXT!"

[LoyalTubist]

I wasn't like Wade when I started to college. I really should have joined the Army. Instead, I went to the local community college. Then I transfered to a major university in the Southeastern United States. I was there until pressure from my family forced me to return to California, where I hated what I was doing. I think I tried to get forced out of college. After that, I joined the Army. I spent seven years as a tuba player in the band. None of the places I was stationed after my training exist as a post for a band anymore (Berlin, Fort Ord, Fort Dix). I married and two weeks after my discharge I was a full-time student at a small university in my home town (which has changed a lot since I graduated from it!) I worked three jobs, one of which was gigging on the tuba. But I was a dedicated student who always made good grades after my honorable discharge from the service. After earning my bachelor's degree, I earned a master's degree. I have been debating it over the past 15 years (when I graduated from grad school), but I think I am now ready to go back and work on a doctoral degree. I will not abandon what I am doing in Vietnam. Basically, I will stick my head in the door for a few months and come back here, doing most of my work by correspondence.

Good luck with whatever you do!

Bill