Oh, absolutely. Volunteer work is a great thing to add as what one did with their time. Even better if you can find something in your field. I had a gap of time once, and I volunteered as Treasurer for a community association. I self-employed with small bookkeeping jobs. Anything to show you're not spending your days high, gazing slack-mouthed at the TV.
As for that $12/hour electrician job above, I don't know about other states, but in New York, Workers Compensation is so astronomically high that this would just never be possible. Just had roof work done, and the charge on those guys was $31.25/hour. Even if it's just a one-man shop, you won't get any license or permit or anything else unless you've purchased the WC at costs that would make your hair curl. The Craigslist homeowner is delusional.