As the national economy has weakened and jobs are lost at an alarming rate, some Brooklyn residents are picking up side jobs to weather the storm.

Some residents have taken on part-time jobs as couriers. Others have turned to employment as bike messengers.

Prospective bike messengers are reminded they'll need warm gear, a waterproof jacket, boots, a lock - and a few hundred dollars for a bike if they don't have one. For those working as couriers, pay is normally between minimum wage and $20 an hour depending on the task.

Employment specialists also recommend seasonal work such as camp counseling or mowing lawns for the summer.