5 Significant Ways to Earn Money Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Madelaine D. First Posted: Nov 24, 2020 07:42 PM EST

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many have lost their jobs and face roadblocks they never experienced in the past years. Well, this time, people should be creative when it comes to making money.

This year's unemployment rate hit the post-World War II records, and competition is tough for the available jobs. That's why it is suggested to act creatively, whether taking a part-time job or starting your own business to support yourself while looking for full-time employment.

Barbara O'Neill, a distinguished professor emerita at Rutgers University and owner and CEO of Money Talk: Financial Planning Seminars, said, "Think about things that you have done that people have complimented."

Hit with Unemployment? Here Are 5 Significant Ways to Earn Money amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

(Photo : Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Unemployed Airport Workers Call On Delta To Rehire After Airline Received Bailout FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 13: Jean Benjamin joins with unemployed airport workers, the Black Lives Matter Alliance of Broward and other supporters to ask that Delta Airlines contractor, Eulen America, who the demonstrators say received $25 million from the CARES Act, hire back their unemployed Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport workers on August 13, 2020 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They are also asking that U.S. Senators pass the HEROES Act that provides PPE, essential pay and extended unemployment benefits for essential workers.

Besides, you may take an informal poll to ask people their opinion that would be good for you or an online skills test. Here are five significant ways CNBC suggests for you to earn money:

Look for part-time jobs

A career development manager and coach at FlexJobs, Brie Weiler Reynolds, said that you'd see where your skills and interest in life are when you think of all those things together.

From March to April, FlexJobs saw a 7% growth in listings of remote jobs, and it is obvious that it is becoming more common. Remote work may help you with your financial necessity while you search for a permanent position.

A part-time job is a "real option to bring in income quickly" as the hiring process tends to be faster than full-time jobs, said Reynolds. It means anything from a few hours a week to 30 hours weekly. Check your state's policy on receiving partial benefits while working part-time if you are unemployed.

Start a business

Small businesses are now facing hurdles, and it may seem counterintuitive to start your own business. But some of the most successful companies have been created at times of economic downturn, said the founder and CEO at Crowdspring, Ross Kimbarovsky.

Kimbarovsky suggests you analyze how to earn money from your hobby. You can do research and create a strong brand identity. But first, take a self-assessment of what you need to learn and develop to be successful and tap into the social network that may offer guidance and help you with referrals.

Strike on your own

You don't necessarily need to start a business if you can't; rather, you may try to make money independently. O' Neil said, "Maybe what they are really just talking about is a bridge to get to the other side. Everybody keeps talking about a light at the end of the tunnel."

Once you know what skill you want to use, come up with an idea of turning your craft or hobby into money.

Then, plan how you can reach your potential customers. May may start small with your family or friends and use the advantage of social media platforms to engage with your followers and showcase what product or service you can provide.

A 'crazy idea'

Comedian Matt Levy first laid off from his work at a New York comedy club as an assistant to the talent manager and didn't have any direction. With clubs shut down, Levy was not able to do his routines. After a few weeks, he came up with what he called a "crazy idea."

Levy took to Twitter to check who would want to have a written profile regarding their comedy skills, career, or whatever they want for $25. Then, he published 1,000 words on Medium and got publicity.

Now, he had written about twenty profiles, mainly of podcasters, directors, and comics. Levy has raised his price to $40 and may sooner make an independent public relations company.

Commit to following through on your plan

Remember that you cannot make anything for one night. It could take months to get everything in place, Kimbarovsky said. He added that you now have the chance to ask what if you took a different path and invested your skills into starting a business.