Photo via Unsplash
How to Generate Income When You’re Between Jobs
Article by Craig Brown from Yourcareerboost.com.
Searching for a job can be a long and difficult process. Unfortunately, you still have to pay the bills during your job search, even if you don’t have a reliable source of income or an emergency savings fund to fall back on. Take control over your finances and look for ways to generate income until you can land the position that you’re after. From joining the gig economy to landing a remote role with an online company, there are several ways to make money while you’re between jobs!
Consider a Career Change
Unless your heart is set on a specific job, consider making a career change to an industry that is thriving and hiring. For example, people will always need insurance, so pursuing a job in the insurance sector could be an excellent way to future-proof your career. Depending on the position, you might not need formal training or experience to land a job in the insurance industry. And you can even work from home! Interested? Start researching the best insurance companies to find your next employer.
Work from Home
If you’re looking for a temporary position, go after a remote role. Working from home will give you the flexibility you need to continue searching for your next full-time position while still earning enough cash to make ends meet. There are all kinds of part-time jobs that you can do from home! For example, you could work as an online tutor, editor, or transcriptionist. Companies in various industries—education, marketing, digital media, IT, and more—are always in search of remote workers, so don’t hesitate to apply for a position that matches your skills and experience.
Turn to Freelance Work
Freelancing could be another good way to make money from home during your job search, especially if you like the idea of being your own boss. Freelancers enjoy the ultimate blend of flexibility, control, and location independence. You can work wherever, whenever, and on whatever projects you like! If freelancing sounds like your cup of tea, start looking for clients right away! Those with proofreading and editing experience, for example, can find work in all kinds of industries by setting up a profile on a job site like Upwork or LinkedIn.
Keep in mind that freelancing does not come without its drawbacks. You will have to put in a lot of legwork to find clients, land projects, and ensure you get paid correctly and on time. The work isn’t always steady or reliable, especially when you’re just starting out, so you will need to be prepared for inconsistent income. As you get established, you’ll have an easier time booking projects in advance and planning out your coming months so you can enjoy greater stability.
Keep in mind that some cities and states require you to register as a small business if you go into freelance work. So, make sure you understand the local laws, and hire a company that can help you file the necessary paperwork to make sure your business stays on the up and up.
Find a Local Side Gig
Not interested in making a big career change or committing to freelance work? Pick up a few side gigs in your community! For example, Money Crashers suggests driving for a ride-sharing company, delivering groceries or restaurant meals, cleaning houses, walking dogs, or caring for pets while their owners are out of town. There are specialized apps and platforms for nearly any local gig you can think of! If you have a spare room in your home, consider renting it out on a vacation rental site. You could even sell your unwanted belongings on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to earn some quick and easy cash. This is a great opportunity to get creative and put your assets to good use.
Don’t let financial stress get in the way of your job search. Look for ways to earn money on the side while you keep an eye out for your next permanent position. You never know, your part-time gig might just turn into your full-time career!
