It’s been months since the coronavirus outbreak happened and changed our lives in a way they’ve never been before, at least in the past few decades. These are hard times. Over 40 million Americans have filed for unemployment since the outbreak started, and unfortunately, it is likely that this number isn’t going to slow down.
If you’re one of the many individuals who found themselves out of a job or furloughed, know that there is a way to avoid going completely broke. First, make sure you apply for unemployment. I have a comprehensive video where I was a panelist on that subject that you can reference.
Second, even though finding a 9-5 job might be extremely hard right now, you can try doing side hustles – at least until you land the job of your dreams.
There are plenty of side hustles that are absolutely worth the try, and in our latest webinar with Kathy Kristof from sidehusl.com, we went through a number of them. Here’s a quick rundown of some side hustles that you can do during the quarantine:
- Online tutoring
If there’s something you’re good at and you know how to pass your knowledge on, definitely try out online tutoring. The most important resource you need is something you already own, and then you’ll only need a computer and a good internet connection. There are many websites where you can check out online tutoring hustles, such as Varsity Tutors, Wyzant, Chelsea International Education, Yup, and Jun Learning. You can tutor anything from math to playing the guitar. When it comes to making money out of this, you can earn anywhere between $15 to $40 per hour.
- Foreign language tutor
Being a native English speaker comes with many benefits, and one of them is being an online language tutor. Earning money just by teaching someone your mother language is one of the best side hustles. For example, there is a huge demand for English tutors among Chinese students. This might mean that you will have to work outside of the regular 9-5, but the pay is good – anywhere between $18 to $26 per hour. Check out VipKids and DadaABC for language tutoring.
- Writing
Writing is such an in-demand skill right now! There are thousands of writing gigs that you can do outside of the 9-5, which leaves you with plenty of flexibility and choice. Depending on your writing interests, you can check out Contently and Skyward for business writing, Cracked for listicles and fun writing, Reedsy for editing and proofreading the work of self-published authors. It is also worth mentioning the Talent network of Washington Post, where you can try writing more about family stuff.
- Tech and web design
As you probably already know, mastering tech & web design skills can bring in a lot of benefits as result. In fact, I own my own web design agency with a few clients in my queue right now. The current need for web design might mean that you won’t need to find a regular full-time job right away but can instead focus on project-basis side gigs. This profession comes with the flexibility to work whenever you want, plus it’s really one of the most lucrative side hustles on the list. Check out Upwork, Remote.co and Working Not Working for more side hustles on the topic.
- Virtual assisting
One of the most lucrative side gigs on this list is virtual assisting. If you’re a good organizer, know time-management, and are able to work alone, then being a virtual assistant might be the real deal for you. When it comes to money, you can earn anywhere between $10 to $75, even $100 per hour! This is huge and if you know how to do your job the right way, then doing a side hustle might be even better than a 9-5 for you. Check out Boldly and BaleySolutions for virtual assisting jobs.
- Art
Many believe that being an artist isn’t going to pay off, but the truth is, you have to find the right channels for art display. Luckily, today there are many companies that do all the logistics and other administrative stuff. So, all you have to do is to unleash your inner creativity and start working on your art! For example, Society6 and RedBubble let you sell your art under a certain royalty, and then you get anywhere between 2-3% to 20%, even more.
- Professional accounting
Accounting is a valuable skill, and there’s no doubt that you can make money out of it even in quarantine times. There are many websites where you can find accounting side hustles, including Accounting Department and Flex Professionals.
- Mock jurors
This isn’t something you often see on side hustle listicles, but it is absolutely worth the mention. Being a mock juror means that you’re going to be presented with a legal case and then give your opinion to lawyers so that they can evaluate the possible outcome of the case before going to trial. Being a mock juror can help you earn from $25 up to $120 per hour. Some of the most well-known companies are eJury, Jury Talk, Online Verdict, and Virtual Jury.
- Focus groups
Being part of focus groups can also help you earn some money on the side. Depending on the purpose of a certain focus group, you will need to give your opinion on certain concepts or issues, explore how a certain brand is perceived, or maybe even test new products. My faves are Inspired Opinions, Opinion Outpost, Focus Forward, and Axiom Panel.
- US Census
Here’s another way to earn money and do something good for your state. Check out the official 2020 Census website to find out more about the available census jobs.
- Teaching
And last, but not least, if you’re a teacher or someone who enjoys passing their knowledge on, you can always use this to your advantage and make money out of teaching. Check out Teachable and Thinkific, where you can create and sell online courses on different topics. You can eventually turn this into a full-time business, as online courses are very popular.
So, we talked about which side hustles are in-demand during quarantine times, but what about the job situation after the quarantine ends? Changes in the job market are inevitable, and it is very likely that some professions will be needed more due to the increased demand. Here are some of them:
- Babysitting
During this time, having a babysitter to take care of your children is really the best idea because of health concerns. But, after all this passes and life goes slowly back to normal, babysitters will be once again needed. If you like spending time with children and have all the qualities that a babysitter should have, then you can consider working as a babysitter in your spare time.
- Housekeepers
Some of us may have postponed spring cleaning, but eventually is about to happen! Our homes might even need it more than ever considering how much time we’re spending time inside.
- Small daycare providers
Parents will have to go back to work and leaving the children in a good daycare center is a priority for every parent. If this sounds like something you would love to do, you can start preparing from now, and then later when daycare centers are needed, you will be able to start working in one as well.
- Day gigs
If you’re more interested in day gigs, you can try out Wonolo or Shiftgig. They connect businesses with workers for a variety of frontline jobs, such as warehouse operations, merchandise, delivery, washing & cleaning, etc.
- Healthcare workers
It’s no secret: Thanks to our dedicated healthcare workers, we are able to fight off the coronavirus. Many of them are already too exhausted because of the large number of cases, and even after the quarantine ends, there will still be a need for healthcare workers. In fact, the coronavirus just proved how important healthcare workers are for our health system!
- Pet care
Owning a pet is one of the best things ever, but if you lack the time to take good care of your pet, it isn’t going to make it happy. That’s why, in that case, it is recommended to hire a professional caretaker. Of course, right now the pet care isn’t very doable, but in a few months, it is likely that your pet will be able to get some! Look at Rover and Wag if you’re a pet lover.
- Beauty and barber services
Many beauty and barber services were closed down and depending on the coronavirus situation where you live in, it is likely that these services won’t be available for some time yet. But, after the quarantine, can you imagine how many ladies are going to line up to have their hair or nails done? Or how many men will want the good old trim & style? Yes, there will be plenty of people wanting these services!
- Renting space
Have you ever thought about renting a space? But, in the not so regular way. For example, ThisOpenSpace enables you to rent your house by the hour. On the other hand, Simply enables you to rent your swimming pool, and Neighbor enables you to rent whatever empty space you are able to rent – from the garage to the closet! Other websites you can check out our Gigster and Peerspace.
The truth is, the coronavirus had a negative impact on our economy that will last for some time. People lost their jobs and some businesses like Pier 1, Sweet Tomatoes, and a projected 100,000 small businesses closed down permanently. However, even in this global crisis, there are opportunities that can help us go through without worrying about when are we going to get our next 9-5 job.
Even if you do still have your job, coronavirus has taught us that we should never rest on our laurels, and supplementing your income through starting a small business or side hustle might just be the key to surviving this or any other financial downturn.
