Layoffs are ramping up in several key employment sectors. If you find yourself facing a layoff, don’t panic. There are many steps you can take to survive — and even thrive — in the time you have between jobs. Taking on gig work is one way to stay busy and keep money coming in while you look for another full-time position. Here are several gig work opportunities to pursue if you’re laid off.
Driving Ride Share
If you have a clean, reliable vehicle, safe driving habits and enjoy meeting new people, you can become a driver for Uber or Lyft. It’s flexible, fun work that can keep you as busy as you want. Do it every day, just on weekends, or only when you feel like it. It’s up to you. And you never know if chatting with one of your passengers could lead to your next full-time job.
Food Delivery
You can become everyone’s hero by being the one who delivers their food. Doing food delivery for DoorDash, GrubHub or UberEATS is similar to driving ride share, but with less direct public contact. It’s a perfect choice for introverts or those who don’t feel like chatting with new people several times a day. Plus, it’s a fun way to familiarize yourself with local restaurants to see who might be hiring.
Become a “Tasker”
Have you heard of TaskRabbit? It’s an app that allows clients to book assistance with several everyday and specialized tasks. Think things like cleaning, painting, and packing to move, along with less conventional chores like decorating for a party or waiting in line (really!).
You can register as a “Tasker” and make yourself available for whatever types of jobs match your skills, talents and interests. To get started, you need to be over 18, have a checking account, credit card and smartphone, and pass background and ID checks.
Be an Amazon Flex Driver
As a flex delivery driver for Amazon, you’ll be delivering packages or groceries throughout your community. Flex drivers are typically paid $18-$25 per hour and could make quick cash, since there are two billing cycles per week. If you’re over 21, have a mid-size, 4-door sedan or larger vehicle and have a valid driver’s license and insurance, you could be making deliveries for Amazon before you know it.
Start Freelancing
If you have experience in graphic or web design, programming, content creation, copywriting, project management or a host of other skills, you could be in high demand as a freelancer. Register with a freelance site like Fiverr or Upwork, and update your LinkedIn profile to let your network know you’re open to freelancing.
Successful freelance gigs often lead to offers of full-time work. And they give you a chance to experience a company’s culture and get to know your potential co-workers before making a decision about working there.
