Due to the current economic climate – and the risk of illness – finding a new job can be challenging. In fact, it’s downright impossible in many places – business closures and remote policies mean many companies are losing money and firing workers. But there are ways you can make ends meet despite the COVID-19 climate.
Improve Your Marketable Skills
Developing your skills is one way to pass the time productively. Plus, if you haven’t yet found full-time employment, honing your professional capabilities could mean better odds at securing a more lucrative role down the road. You can build your soft skills by reading and then applying the strategies you’ve learned on the job.
Devote Time to Higher Education
Returning to school during a break between jobs could be the boost your career needs. You may not need to visit a campus to earn a degree, either. You can enroll in school and work toward an online bachelor’s or master’s degree from home.
Whatever program you’re interested in, there’s an online program to suit. For example, you can earn a master’s degree in nursing or healthcare. Possible degrees include health leadership and administration, nursing leadership and management, and nursing informatics. Plus, if you have a master’s degree, you can bring in a higher salary.
Therefore, investing in your education is a worthwhile use of time and money. Of course, you can also find educational grants that will help you afford a degree or certificate.
Pick Up a Side Gig
Using your expertise – regardless of your field – can help you make ends meet between full-time jobs. You can devote as many, or as few, hours to pursuing a side gig as you want. When it comes to part-time work, you have plenty of options, too.
If you want to work from home for your side gig, consider picking up work as an independent contractor or freelancer. Depending on your talents and expertise, you could offer virtual assistant services, website copy, digital artwork, or other services or products to clients. Entrepreneur recommends a range of websites for finding freelance gigs of all types. Just be sure to set aside some of your earnings for self-employment taxes, as necessary.
For those who prefer real-world work, you could look into side gigs such as meal delivery or dog walking. Delivering food for Uber Eats, for example, has become a go-to side gig in many bigger cities and rural areas alike. Understanding how the process works and what the requirements are is essential before you begin delivering, however.
Start Your Own Business
Whether you’ve been laid off from your job or your hours have greatly reduced, working for yourself might look more appealing by the day. Starting a business is an option many individuals take, depending on their talents.
With the emergence of eCommerce, it’s also easier than ever to start an online-only business. It’s also simple to scale your company to meet income needs. Whether you want to start and stay small or enlist a team's help to grow your brand, launching a business could be a smart move despite the coronavirus.
Being between jobs during a pandemic is highly stressful. Fortunately, there are ways you can turn things around – and help pad your finances. By developing your skills (whether formally or informally), seeking side work to make ends meet, or taking an entrepreneurial leap, you can keep your bank account happy while getting through the recession.
Article by Craig Brown of Yourcareerboost.com
You may contact Craig at Craig.C.Brown.B@gmail.com