CINDY, INCIDENTALLY:

I just spent $50 to fill up my gas tank in my economy car. Ouch.

And what’s worse is I have had to start questioning how “gas worthy” going somewhere is, in an effort to save money on gas.

This is no way to live.

Getting a second job during these economic hard times is something financial guru Suze Orman would advise for the “Young, Fabulous and Broke.”

But a part-time job conjures up all kinds of post-traumatic visions of a hat and an ice cream scoop that does not bode well with me.

Yet, the beauty of living someplace where the beach is your backyard playground is that a second job doesn’t have to mean working at the mall or selling adult toys to uncomfortable co-workers at home parties.

What it does mean is one can spend a few hours a week, wearing shorts, possibly flip-flops and making — at the very least — minimum wage ($8 an hour these days.)

Curious as to what’s out there, besides being a lifeguard, I hit the streets one afternoon in search of jobs that can only be found when you live in a town called “Surf City.”

 Barista and surfer: The adorable little beach shack that is Three Dice Huntington Beach is a hybrid surf shop and coffeehouse. The coffeehouse portion will open this summer and manager Jay Marakami said it will be a great spot for tourists looking to rent a surfboard and for local surfers who need a coffee jolt.

What you need for this job: Surfing skills and a love of foaming milk.

 Bikini consultant: At Merrilee’s Swimwear, shop girls have the daunting task of helping women find their perfect swimsuit. Sometimes women hide behind the dressing room curtain, too shy to show what they look like with their suit on, while others may have to be asked to ‘please, put their clothes back on,’ says Heather Feduska, 25, manager.

What you need for this job: Retail skills and a disposition bordering between gentleness and brutal honesty.

 Pedi Cab: An eco-friendly way to get around town and make a few bucks is a pedi cab driver. Tony Saccareccia, owner of Blue Water Pedi Cabs, contracts dozens of bikers to pick up guests at the Hilton, and diners from Aloha Grill and Ruby’s. Guests get to cruise around town without having to worry about feeding the meter or driving after a few fun cocktails.

What you need for this job: Over 18, a love of bike riding and knowing your way around Huntington Beach.

 Delivery boy/girl: If you can, getting a gig as a delivery driver at a surf shop seems like an ideal part-time job. You get to drive a cool van, listen to music and drop off boxes of surf wax, T-shirts and surfboards. And that sure beats delivering pizza.

What you need for this job: A clean driving record and a Thomas Guide.

CINDY ARORA is a freelance writer for the Independent.