How to Make Ends Meet If You’re Out of Work Amid the Coronavirus Outbreak

If you’ve permanently or temporarily lost your job due to COVID-19, you may be looking for new ways to make ends meet until you’re able to return to your workplace or land another full-time job. It can be a particularly daunting proposition in the midst of a pandemic, but there are ways to find satisfying income. For some tips on finding part- or- full-time work while you’re furloughed or between jobs, read on.

Some Industries Are Thriving

According to MarketWatch, the coronavirus outbreak fallout could bump the nation’s unemployment rate to an alarming 15 percent or higher. Some occupations have been hit harder than others—especially food and beverage serving, food preparation, sales, and barbering and hairstyling—while a few others are thriving. Several industries that continue to hire new workers amid the coronavirus pandemic include shipping and delivery, online learning, and grocery stores such as Kroger and Safeway. Aiming for a solution in a currently booming business makes good sense!

Become a Dog Sitter

After you’ve lost your job due to the coronavirus pandemic, you may be looking for fulfilling work that lifts your spirits and helps you to get by until you’re able to find something closer to your ultimate career aspirations. For many, dog sitting could be the perfect solution—especially if you enjoy being around animals, have a flexible schedule, can offer great customer service, and know how to care for canine companions.

To get your home ready for dogs, cats, or any other animals you wish to pet sit for, you’ll first need to remove or store away safety hazards such as poisonous houseplants, toxic cleaning supplies, and small objects that could be chewed or choked on. You’ll also need to secure lids to garbage cans and lock the doors to cabinets that curious animals could gain access to.

Babysit for Working Friends and Family Members

As NPR points out, many Americans are juggling working from home with parenting and homeschooling their children. With that in mind, babysitting could be another temporary employment opportunity to consider if you specialize in childcare, enjoy being around kids, or have some friends, neighbors, or family members who could benefit from your assistance during the day. If you’re at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, however, you’ll be better off pursuing remote opportunities that allow you to work from home without interacting with other people.

Look for Freelance Work or Start Your Own Business

In addition to sitting for pets and children, the COVID-19 pandemic could be the perfect time to look for freelance work in industries such as web and software development, writing, sales and marketing, data science, and admin support. Not only will freelancing allow you to stay safe and healthy while working from home, but you can pick and choose opportunities that align with your skills, experiences, knowledge, and interests.

Moreover, job board sites can help remote workers become part of the remote workforce and connect to short- and- long-term freelance opportunities in their preferred industry. If you have a background in writing and editing, for instance, you can showcase these skills and experiences to look for freelance opportunities in copyediting, copywriting, proofreading, web content writing, and publishing.

You could also aim to start your own business. Many people are having success selling products online these days, which could be an ideal option if you’re looking to earn some extra cash from home during the pandemic. By building a successful home business, you can meet your financial goals and will have the benefit of being your own boss. 

The Bottom Line

If you’ve lost your job because of the coronavirus pandemic, there are some things you can do to make ends meet during this time of global uncertainty. Until the COVID-19 crisis officially ends, an at-home job could be ideal, or you might try to get on with one of the businesses thriving in the midst of the pandemic. You may not earn as much money as you’re used to, but these opportunities will help you to get by until things start returning to normal.