These are unprecedented times. The coronavirus has essentially shut down the economy, leaving more than 22 million people out of work. Some economists paint a bleaker picture on the horizon with a projection of a more than 30% unemployment rate before the virus wanes. While the crisis should be relatively short-lived in the grand scheme of things, many jobs won’t come back.
Even for the lucky workers who’ve been able to modify their jobs and work from home during the pandemic, the future is uncertain. No one really knows what the world will look like when the dust settles and the world begins to move forward again.
Whether you’re out of work right now or not, it’s a good time to get a side hustle from home to earn some extra cash to help you through this difficult time, or to put money aside in an emergency fund in case you lose your job in the future. Even in an economy like this, there are opportunities.
1. Tutoring
Many states have ordered all schools and colleges to remain closed for the rest of the school year. Social media is awash with posts from overwhelmed parents trying to home school their children while gaining a greater appreciation for teachers. Start with people you know who may have children in need of tutoring. If you have training or expertise in certain subjects, you may make more money from a site such as Tutor.com, although expertise isn’t a requirement for becoming an online tutor, it’s a solid option for side hustles from home.
2. Work for an Online Company
If you have a knack for writing, online companies will hire you to write blogs, articles, and web content. Pay varies, but for an experienced copywriter, it can be a great side hustle from home. Companies such as Contently and Scripted help writers find companies who need them. Companies such as Upwork and FlexJobs not only offer jobs for writers, but they also have jobs for programming, graphic design, web development, accounting, call center, and many more that can be done from the comfort and safety of your home.
3. Resume Writing
Due to the coronavirus and its impact on the economy, many people will be looking for new jobs. Even before the economy is up and running again, job seekers will want to be ready to go right out of the gate. With experience, resume writers can earn as much as $400 per resume which can make this a lucrative side hustle from home. You could market yourself as a resume writer, contact local employment and career-building agencies for opportunities, or apply for remote jobs at resume-writing companies like Talent Inc.
4. Start a Podcast
If you’re knowledgeable about a particular subject or have a passion that you’d like to share, create a podcast about it. Podcasts make their money through ads, so you’ll have to market yourself to get listeners, but there are apps that can help you with both production and marketing. Anchor and Podbean, for example, offer podcast creation and tools to monetize it. Your podcast could be related to your profession or a hobby; it could be a great way to have fun and earn a few bucks.
5. Take Surveys Online
Legitimate companies will pay you to take online or phone surveys. Companies pay these survey companies for market research for their products or services. They pay anywhere from a few dollars per survey to hundreds. According to Shifrin Hayworth, surveys can pay as much as $250.
If you’re collecting unemployment benefits, it’s important to make sure you understand the restrictions. You may lose your benefits if you earn too much with a side hustle from home. Rules vary by state, so do your research.
The coronavirus pandemic isn’t going to be around forever. With the heroic efforts of those on the front lines in hospitals and grocery stores and the support of the rest of the population at home, it will be defeated in time. In the meantime, earning a few extra bucks with side hustles from home can help make ends meet or build an emergency fund to help face the future.
