Everyone’s talking about the health crisis that is a result of the spread of the pandemic, but we forgot to discuss other ways it has affected us. The financial crisis that is a result of the virus is also grave, and some would even say graver. Unemployment rates in some countries like Spain and the United States reached a staggering 15% of work force at the peak of the disease’s spread, and that’s just one out of many concerning numbers we overlook when talking about COVID-19.

If you’re one of these people, or even if your salary was cut down in any way, know that you’re not alone - and that there is something you can do about it. Even during these tough times, there are a few ways you can get back on the horse and ensure yourself an income. They might not all be suitable for everyone, but they’re certainly worth considering in times of hardship.

Freelancing

It’s obvious employers are less eager to hire new people when the profit line is marginal - so why not be your own boss? If you have a hobby or skill, now may be a good time to turn it into a profession. COVID-19 or no COVID-19, people are still going to need carpenters, designers, music teachers and so on - all you need to do is put yourself out there. You can promote yourself using word of mouth or on social media, and it may be a good idea to spend a bit of money on online campaigns in order to get a better reach.

First you should consult with people who have been freelancing for a while, though. If you have any family members or friends that are freelancers, ask them about pricing, legal issues, working hours, etc. Also, keep in mind that gaining a reputation as a trusted service provider requires time and effort, so don’t just sit back and wait for the phone to ring. You must do your best to stand out above competition and to guarantee client satisfaction.

Temp jobs

Not all job sectors have been hit by the economic downturn. In some industries, working hands will always be needed, such as checkout clerks at grocery stores, delivery people, call center operators, and so on. Sure, you may need to swallow your pride, but it’s better to take a job you may be too skilled for than to sit at home and wait for a miracle. Every job deserves to be respected, as does every working person.

The positions mentioned here, and others of the likes, are not permanent positions. Employers need manpower at this period and are aware that many are looking for some form of income till things get better. However, just as a means of decency, when taking on a job like this you should mention that you are not looking for something for the long run.

Online opportunities

The world wide web offers plenty of ways to make money from home. From filling out surveys to investing in stocks, from website reviews to commissions on paid YouTube advertising - the internet has it all. You do, however, need to be wary of scammers who promise easy money and don’t deliver. In that sense, the rule of thumb is that if it looks too good to be true, it probably isn’t.

One recent trending option is lead generating. Businesses pay you a certain commission to collect details on users who may be potential clients. This can be done simply through various platforms, such as this one belonging to a known brand called Crystalead. With just a few steps, you can create a campaign and publish it online to draw the attention of people who may be interested in what you’re advertising. For every lead you collect you get paid a certain commission, and the platform does all the calculations for you.

Don’t wait

The most important piece of advice we can give is to put yourself back on the market as soon as possible. The smallest delay means staying unemployed and with no source of income for a longer period and, aside from the financial aspect, this can also be very bad to your personal wellbeing and happiness. Don’t stay in bed and wait for something to magically happen, because chances are that it won’t, and remember: Failing is part of the process and is worth learning from.