Out of Work? Great Side Gigs Are Within Reach

Written by Cameron Ward

If you’ve lost your job, you’re not alone. But if your current skill set is lacking, or if you’re inexperienced in regards to landing better-paying jobs, this adds an extra layer of difficulty to your job search. While employment numbers are currently more positive than expected, as reported by CNBC, especially in the service sector, more lucrative work may not be readily available.

Fortunately, there are some ways to use your skills and talents to make ends meet—regardless of your work experience. To learn all about these great job opportunities, read on for some pointers from MagicPay Merchant Services.

Freelancing

If you have skills in customer service, IT, writing, design, web development, or admin support—and have access to a laptop, telephone, and stable internet connection—freelancing could be an excellent way to make ends meet if you’re between jobs. Depending on your skills, background, and talents, you could land a job as a freelance writer, data entry specialist, virtual assistant, or customer service representative.

If freelancing sounds like a good fit, you can use job board sites to find the right opportunities for you. In a few simple steps, you can create a freelancer profile that connects you to opportunities that match your skills, talents, and interests. If you don’t have a resume ready, you can go online and use a resume template. You can quickly and easily put together a professional resume that will stand out.

When it comes to acquiring skills for a new line of work, it’s possible to learn all you need to know in a number of interesting professions. For example, you can become a medical coder after taking online medical coding courses. Doing so teaches you industry-standard coding necessary for documenting patient information, an important aspect of filing insurance claims. This documentation is also used by medical facilities and doctors’ offices that need to retain patient information for procedures and services.

As you apply for freelancing opportunities, note some employers conduct background checks on freelancers and contract workers. If adverse results come up in an interview, it’s best to remain honest while focusing on the things that make you a great fit for the role.

If you want to freelance full-time, consider forming a limited liability company (LLC) for your business. This entity has tax benefits and reduced paperwork, and your assets will be protected in case of litigation. A formation service can walk you through the process of forming an LLC, as well as doing much of the work for you.

Part-Time Job Opportunities

Like freelancing, many part-time job opportunities are suitable for the formerly incarcerated—and some allow you to work from home and set your own hours. A few possible side gigs to look into during the pandemic could include:

• Customer service. If you’re patient, easy to talk to, and a good listener, a part-time job in customer service could be a great way to make ends meet during the pandemic. A variety of customer service positions are available, including customer service representatives, survey callers, support specialists, and appointment setters.
• Transcription. Millo notes that if you’re attentive, detail-oriented, and have excellent grammar and punctuation, you could work as a part-time transcriptionist. Several companies that hire work-from-home transcriptionists include Captionmax, Telenotes, and TransPerfect.
• Pet sitting. If you enjoy animals and live in a pet-friendly home or building, pet sitting could be another great side gig to explore. To open your own pet sitting business during the pandemic, you’ll need to remove toxic plants and choking hazards from the home, and secure any cabinets or garbage can lids that could pose a danger to the animals in your care.

As you search for work, build a resume and search for both remote and local job opportunities. If you’re just shy of being fully qualified for a position, keep in mind that you could take a free course to brush up on something, or add a skill you currently lack.

Don’t Let Your History Hold You Back

If the recession is keeping you from landing a new full-time job, side gigs and freelance opportunities are worth pursuing—and many can be performed from your home. With the skills and talents companies are looking for, there’s nothing holding you back from pursuing your career goals and earning an honest living.

In need of credit card processing, ACH and eCheck solutions, or point-of-sale systems? MagicPay Merchant Services provides merchant account services to thousands of merchants worldwide. Contact us today to learn more! 855-891-2600