What To Do When You’re Jobless In A Pandemic
Even with the economy picking back up, the unemployment rate is still at 8.4%. So, if you are jobless in a pandemic and finding it difficult to make ends meet, you’re not alone. Nonetheless, it’s a hard situation to be in, and you’re probably searching for ways to boost your income and strengthen your financial standing for the short term and long term. From finding remote work to canceling subscriptions to working with an agency like Insurance Advisors of St. Louis, here are some things you can do to stay afloat now and set yourself up to thrive in the future:
Look For Remote Jobs When Jobless In A Pandemic
These days, there are more remote jobs than ever before. More and more companies are embracing telecommuting, and there are lots of businesses looking to hire freelancers or independent contractors. Look to job sites like Jooble to find companies who are hiring remote workers, and if you have an interest in freelancing, sign up for online job boards that can connect you with clients. To figure out what types of jobs to pursue, consider your interests as well as the expertise you’ve acquired throughout your career.
Get That Business Idea Off The Ground
If you have a business idea that you are passionate about, now could be the perfect time to give it a shot. After all, you will have more time to plan and collect resources if you are not currently working.
One of the first things you should do if you decide to start a business is to find resources that can help you succeed both in the short term and long term. Arm yourself with information on business growth, government and non-government financial assistance programs, operating a business virtually, adapting a business to meet the requirements of a pandemic, and other pressing matters. Once you find reliable resources, start developing your business plan and considering your funding options. Then, get that business up and running!
Cancel Those Subscriptions
When it comes to your personal or family finances, saving money must be a priority—especially when you are in between jobs. As MoneyTalksNews notes, one of the most practical ways to do this is to cut out all unnecessary expenses. An example of this would be any subscriptions you pay for that are not vital to the health and well-being of your household. Cutting out your Netflix, Apple Music, or cable subscription can provide you with some extra cash at the end of the month.
Also, if there are any subscriptions or services that you are unable to use because of the pandemic, such as a gym membership, try to cancel and get a cash refund. Moreover, talk to your banks and credit card companies about deferring payment or other temporary solutions.
Start Cooking In
Dining out is another expense that can consume your budget. Try to limit how often you eat at restaurants and order delivery food. Instead, look for healthy and easy recipes online, and consider learning to meal prep once a week. Delish recommends opting for cooking in batches, portioning, and freezing meals to lighten your cooking burden. Not only will this help you to save a significant amount of money, but it will also give you more control and knowledge of what you and your family members are eating.
Revisit Your Insurance Policy
Finally, now is the perfect time to review your insurance policies. Simply put, you want to ensure that you are getting the most coverage for your money. Shop around and speak with various providers so that you can compare all of your options. This applies to health, auto, home, life, and any other type of insurance you are considering for your family. Insurance Advisors of St. Louis is here to help you along the way.
There’s nothing easy about being jobless in a pandemic, especially when there is an ongoing global pandemic. However, if you implement the tips listed here and continue looking for ways that you can improve your financial standing, you can put yourself in a better position for the short term and long term. Just remember to take it one day at a time, look to Insurance Advisors of St. Louis for support and inspiration, and keep an open mind to any changes you can make to your lifestyle.