Out of Work Due to COVID-19? These Solutions Will Help If You’re Feeling a Financial Pinch
By Craig Brown
With the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing, it’s fair to say that all of our lives have been turned upside down. And while the health risk of COVID-19 is at the forefront of everyone’s mind, there’s also the economic fallout. The number of jobs lost in the U.S. due to the coronavirus has already topped 33 million, and even more people are worried about job security. If you fall in this group, the good news is that there are options out there to help you get by while you look for employment.
Alternative Job Opportunities
The obvious solution for making ends meet is to find a way to keep working, even if that means working part-time, short-term, or from home.
Remote Work
One of the most popular solutions for remote workers is to consider freelance solutions through sites like Upwork. All you have to do is create a profile, and then you can search for freelance jobs doing whatever fits your skill set, whether your talents are in web design, marketing, customer service, or any number of other professions.
Similar to freelance work, another option that’s ideal for this time is to look for remote jobs within your profession, such as telemedicine or remote legal work. Those with experience teaching could work as an online tutor, or someone with administrative skills could work as a virtual assistant or transcriptionist. Whatever type of remote work you do, just make sure you verify that you’ve found a legitimate opportunity and not a scam.
Short-Term Jobs
If your field doesn’t have as many remote options, consider branching out and trying something entirely new. Many short-term job opportunities are still in demand, especially in the type of roles that tend to be rewarding. For example, if you’re an animal lover, becoming a pet sitter is a perfect way to earn an income while enjoying the company of animals. You’ll need to get your home ready to become a pet sitter by taking safety precautions, such as locking cabinets, securing trash can lids, and getting rid of anything unsafe like items that are choking hazards or poisonous house plants.
Jobs in High Demand
While the coronavirus outbreak has put some jobs on hold, the pandemic has actually increased demand for other types of work. For example, many grocery stores are hiring as they try to keep shelves stocked. Delivery drivers are also in high demand since more people are ordering goods online to avoid making a trip to the store. And along with these jobs that meet immediate needs, some job sectors like IT are actually growing, so you may even want to consider making a move in this direction.
Other Jobs to Consider
Remote work or pet-sitting aren’t going to cut it for everyone, in which case you’ll have to think outside the box. This could mean finding a job at your local grocery store or big-box store, joining a cleaning service or finding warehouse work. You can also turn to community organizations like Goodwill where you’ll have an opportunity to give back and earn a paycheck at the same time.
Use Community Resources
Additionally, Goodwill has a Job Connection program that connects community members to resources and opportunities in their search for meaningful employment. Their remote services number is 402-477-0436.
The bottom line is that individuals and companies still have needs, which means there are job opportunities that meet those needs. It may take some creativity and a willingness to try something new. But for those who are up for the challenge, these ideas can help get you over the hump until the right long-term employment option comes along.
Photo credit: Pixabay
