Let's face it. We all need money to live and pay our bills. It can be hard to find work that is able to cover all our costs, so here are some ways to earn money when you are unemployed.
There are many ways to make money during difficult times, and whether you're a skilled worker or someone who's just looking for something part-time. It really depends on what your schedule allows for!
The gig economy has been rising in popularity for years and is continuing to grow. Millions of people around the world are freelancing as a side job, according to Upwork's Freelance Forward 2020 study, which reports that this represents an increasing percentage of the workforce over time.
If you're struggling to keep up with your bills, don't worry. There are some quick ways that can help you get by and even make a little extra cash!
For those looking to earn money while unemployed, the gig economy offers a plethora of opportunities. Discover more in our in-depth exploration.
Check Out "Easily Apply" and "Urgently Hiring" Jobs
You're in a bind. Your last job was too good to be true, and you can't seem to find your next one! Well, don't worry: there's hope yet — and it might not even come from the place you would expect. It turns out that some companies have positions available for those who are just looking for short-term work while they continue their search elsewhere (in most cases), or if you do happen to still need a job, at least yours will be ready on hand with no CV needed!
Read: 9 Tips to Help You Evaluate a Job Offer
How to Find the Jobs
The "immediate hiring" type of jobs is not a myth. One of the best ways to find one quickly and easily, for example, would be through job sites that have flagged available positions with companies urgently looking for employees and when you can apply as well on site.
Important: Finding a new job can be tough when you're collecting UIF benefits, but not impossible. Make sure that before checking out jobs and other sources of income to supplement your monthly income from the government, you must understand what is allowable in terms of earnings without having it negatively impact any future payments.
This is a great way to narrow your search and find quick-fill positions. Just use terms like "hiring now" or "immediate opening" in the advanced options! You'll have all the listings you need for those hasty jobs that are coming up fast.
"Available for Work" Option
If you think it's time to start looking for work, there is no better way than by letting employers know that they can find your CV and contact information easily.
LinkedIn's new Open to Work function will get you more jobs easily. With this feature, recruiters can see when your profile is open and available for work, meaning that they'll be able to start up a conversation with you right away!
Additionally, by sharing an "Open To Work" notice on their LinkedIn photos, members are 40% more likely than those without it attached. This means even if the job isn't perfect or what you're looking for at first glance, there may still be room in careers we didn't know about before now!
Get a Part-Time or Temporary Job
A part-time, temporary or seasonal job is a great way to make money while you search for your dream occupation. Working for a few hours each week can provide you with the income that is needed to pay your bills. However, make sure to verify how working part-time could impact unemployment benefits before deciding on what number of hours are available in order for you to work.
Watch: The 6 BEST Work From Home Jobs For Stay At Home Moms
Find a Remote Job
Technology has made it so that you no longer need to be in any particular location for work. The Internet allows people to get hired remotely from practically anywhere these days, and there are many companies who offer this kind of arrangement - especially if children or other family members can't take care of themselves, because they're too young, the parent's responsibilities don't allow them time off their current job, etc.
You've been dreaming of the day when you can work from home and wear your favourite pyjamas all day, right? Well, now there are tons of jobs that allow this to happen. Check out JobsIn for remote or WFH positions!
Market Your Skills
The gig economy is a powerful opportunity for anyone who wants to work from home and make some extra cash. For those of you with skills that may not be in demand, now might be your chance, because the gig market has shifted its focus towards anything that's fresh and new!
Check out gigs that require a different skill set or use your previous job experience if not currently employed:
- Finding freelance work can be a daunting task. Fortunately, there are plenty of sites to help you find the perfect job for your skill set and needs. Upwork and Freelancer.com are two popular platforms that allow people with all ranges of temporary employment.
- Facebook Groups are a great place to find jobs. With so many members coming to visit these groups, there's always something new popping up.
- Put your networking skills to the test and tap into all of those people you've met over the years. Reach out with an email, text message or WhatsApp letting them know that you're available for projects, as well as how their support would be helpful in getting back on track financially.
Use an App to Get Gigs
Working as a gig worker is an excellent way to make money on your own terms. It can be a great option for people who want to have flexible working hours and the flexibility of picking up gigs on demand. Some gig-based jobs pay immediately, making it easy to get paid fast!
Some options for gig work include:
- Caregiving
- House cleaning
- Fixing and Repairing
- Pet Sitting
- Renting out space (Airbnb)
- Shopping and Delivering
- Task work
- Transportation (Uber)
- Tutoring and Teaching
Final Tip: Have a look at App Jobs to find gig jobs easily via your mobile device.
Sell Your Unnecessary Items You Don't Need Any More
You can quickly make a few bucks just by selling the stuff that's lying around. Sites and apps are popping up all over to help, so there should be something for everyone!
You should try selling your unwanted items on sites like Gumtree, Junk Mail, OLX, and Facebook Marketplace.
These can be great ways to get quick cash without much hassle!
Check Your UIF's Guidelines
Make sure you know how much unemployment insurance (UIF) you can claim to stay afloat while seeking new work.
How Your Earnings Impact Unemployment
A common misconception is that the money you earn while employed will not affect your unemployment benefits. This is because there are certain guidelines for eligibility, and one of these requirements may be a lack of employment earnings.
Reporting Your Income
When you're looking for work while unemployed, your first focus should be on the benefits that are available to you.
Next, make sure to report any income received while collecting unemployment because it could affect those payments if not reported.
Finally, explore options for earning money when in between jobs and always consider what kind of business or job would most suit your skill set.