Are you facing a period of unemployment? Career setbacks happen to everyone at one point or another. Of course, paying the bills can be a real challenge when you’re between jobs. But with a little creativity, budgeting, and hard work, you can replace that lost income and stay out of debt while you look for your next full-time position. Here are some tips from Zumvu to help you make some extra money on the side!
If you need money now, you don’t have time to go back to school or take an online course to learn a new skill. Think about how you can use your existing skills to earn some income right away. Could you teach online yoga? Freelance as a social media manager? Write for a travel blog? There are so many ways to make money online, so try to pick something you’re already good at!
If you have an eye for organization and good problem-solving skills, you could even find freelance work as an interior designer or decorator. Understanding the difference between an interior decorator and interior designer is important if you’re going to work in this field. While interior designers often work with homeowners and contractors to create safe, functional, and aesthetic design plans, interior decorators focus exclusively on the aesthetics of the space. Interior decorating may be more approachable if you’re new to the industry.
Local gig-based work is another great option, particularly if you need money immediately. Join a gig platform like TaskRabbit or Uber and earn money running errands for people. This is a great option for those who may be less tech-savvy or don’t have the equipment needed for online work. While working small gigs might not pay much, earning is fast and easy. Gig work is great for getting through a career setback while you work on your long-term plan.
Before you start freelancing, learn what it takes to be a great freelancer. For example, you’ll need to be a clear communicator and excel at meeting deadlines. Freelancers also need good time management skills and the ability to work independently. Remember, you won’t have a manager or supervisor looking over your shoulder. CareerFoundry.com suggests finding a mentor who can help you learn the ropes and find your first clients.
Selling products through an ecommerce store is another great way to pad your income, but it’s not always easy or quick. BigCommerce explains that you’ll need to conduct robust market research to ensure there’s a market for your product idea. Remember to also research your competitors and find out whether the market is already saturated or if there’s room for you to squeeze in there with your own products. For the best shot at success, try to identify an unmet need or gap in the market and present your audience with a unique solution they can’t find anywhere else.
Whether you wind up freelancing or launching an ecommerce store, digital marketing is critical to your success. Work on developing key digital marketing skills like search engine optimization (SEO), data analytics, content marketing, and social media. Web development fundamentals and a strong understanding of content management systems will be helpful. If you put time and effort into learning these skills, you can easily turn your side business into a lucrative full-time job!
If you’re looking for ways to make money while you’re in between jobs, consider starting a business, freelancing, or picking up gig work in your own city. You could even work as an interior designer! Spend some time evaluating your talents and try to come up with a side hustle that leverages your existing skills and experience.
Are you looking for more helpful resources like this? Check out Zumvu for articles on business, sales and marketing, technology, and digital tools!
