COVID-19: Income ideas if you have to stay home
We’ve been super busy as usual, hence the lack of updates, but we thought it’s about time we post given the increase in lockdowns, toilet paper shortages and overall stress and anxiety coronavirus is causing around the world.
It should go without saying, but it still needs to be said: if you feel unwell, stay home. Of course, this may not feel like an option when it comes to casual or part-time work, or work that is tied to a specific location (e.g. restaurant, factory). But if you have a computer and computer-based skills of some sort, there are dozens of opportunities available via freelance or remote work sites. We wish we were already in a position to offer some roles, but for now, if you can’t work for your employer from home or you won’t have an income if your workplace closes, it could be worthwhile taking up short-term online work. If you do find something, that means extra income, limited commitment, limited virus exposure and lower risk to your family, friends and communities. Some jobs and websites to check out:
- https://www.upwork.com/
- https://www.freelancer.com/
- https://www.flexjobs.com/
- https://www.fiverr.com/start_selling
- https://www.peopleperhour.com/
- freelance job examples: data entry, virtual assistant, design, translation, writing, editing, tutoring, social media
- teach English (or other popular languages) online
- search ‘online’, ‘remote’, ‘work from home’/‘wfh’ on your local job site
- sell your printables on Etsy
We can’t vouch for any job or website as each will see you working for different businesses or selling to different customers around the globe. So it’s important to be careful, do some research where possible by Googling the company, checking your contact’s LinkedIn and reading reviews of other freelancers.
Most importantly, beware of pyramid schemes, paid surveys and companies that want to avoid using or paying via the very website they advertise on. Basically, if it seems too good or easy to be true, it probably is. If you’re asked to pay for goods or training upfront, that’s also a really bad sign and should be avoided. Finally, don’t rip yourself off, but don’t overprice yourself out of a potential job. Be honest with your experience and abilities, but also compare what people similar to you are getting paid locally and elsewhere.
Of course, working remotely or online isn’t for everyone, but we hope this gives you some ideas during this stressful period. Stay safe, keep your distance, wash your hands (and avoid touching the tap with your bare hands again!), wear a mask if you can, hydrate, eat well, get enough sleep and stay home as much as possible. ❤️
