Guest post by Craig Brown
As the country shut down to slow the rate of coronavirus transmission this spring, thousands were suddenly out of work, making it tough for many to make ends meet while waiting for lockdowns to lift. In parts of the country, some industries — restaurants, entertainment, and travel, for example — remain on hold while the virus is still a threat. If you’re unable to work in your field right now, there are still ways to make money with part-time side jobs such as dog sitting, tutoring online, or proofreading. While these side jobs may be outside your usual line of work, they can be helpful for financially supporting yourself and your family.
Online Side-Gigs
If you’re out of work and looking for a temporary job, be sure to include roles that genuinely interest you. Expand your options by considering new careers — this could be a great time to test out different professions. The widest range of work will likely be found online, whether it’s tutoring, writing, proofreading, or editing.
Online tutoring can be a great option right now, as students around the country are out of school and learning from home. You can choose which subject you want to teach, and do it from the comfort of home by using video chats to conduct your one-on-one sessions. Often, tutors can set their own rates and hours, offering flexibility and plenty of personal time.
If you’ve always wanted to explore your writing skills, now is a great time to look for freelance writing opportunities. For those who are brand new to writing, it’s a good idea to do some research and learn about the different writing opportunities available to you. From copywriting to blogging, online writing options are vast, so think about what interests you most and look at online job boards or freelance websites to gain experience.
Another option for those with strong editing skills is proofreading. As a proofreader, you can choose an industry or genre to specialize in, whether it’s science, literature, academic papers, or technology reviews. It’s simple to get started; just set up a profile on a freelance website such as Upwork and begin reaching out to employers for projects.
Consider Dog Sitting
For those who want to get away from computer work, dog sitting could be a great option. If you’re a dog lover, this type of work probably won’t feel like work at all. However, if you don’t already have a pet at home, you may need to make some minor adjustments to your home to make it safe for a dog before you get started.
Some of the necessary steps before you start dog sitting include getting a secure lid for your garbage, removing any potentially toxic house plants, and locking up cabinets that may contain dangerous substances or toxic foods. You’ll also want to get some gear, including a leash and harness, dog treats, and a small first aid kit for accidents.
Dog sitting is a great option for seniors who aren’t able to leave their homes but who still want the opportunity to make money. Animals can be a great source of stress relief, and could provide more than just income for a senior — the companionship could be a welcome change.
Losing a job during the pandemic doesn’t have to be devastating; consider ways that you might take this extra time to explore new types of work. Opportunities online are vast, whether it’s tutoring, proofreading, or writing for freelance websites. You’ll likely learn a great deal if you’re pursuing a new field of work, and may find that it leads to a permanent job. And for seniors or those who need a break from screen time, dog sitting is a great option for earning money.
The point here is that you don’t have to have a full-time job to keep yourself afloat. There are many alternate routes to an income that don’t involve a time clock, and many you can do starting today. The pandemic does not have to direct your financial future or derail your earnings potential.
Remember “thisisyourbestyear”–you may discover your new passion during the pandemic.
Craig Brown has worked in HR for several years and has plans to launch his own recruiting agency. He thrives on helping others achieve their career dreams and started Your Career Boost to share the best job-related resources on the web.
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