COVID 19 has gravely affected many businesses and employees, especially in the Manufacturing, Tourism, Construction, Industries, and Mining sector. The closure of businesses leads to unemployment.
Sudden unemployment or business closure is one of the most horrific things that can happen to anyone especially if you don’t have emergency funds. Remember my blog about emergency funds? Unemployment is one of the unexpected unfortunate events or an emergency just like hospitalization. What if you don’t have emergency funds? How will you survive the daily cost of living without an income?
These are some ways which will help you survive the worst of worst unemployment scenarios.
- Live Within the Limit of Your Available Funds
- Sell Your Old Stuff
- Find a New or Temporary Job
- Freelancing or WFH Jobs
- Learn New Skills
- Take Care of Your Health
- Ask for Help
Tip # 1: Live Within the Limit of Your Available Funds
If you don’t have emergency funds, chances are, you have a very slim amount of savings. Those savings may be intended for something else like buying a future car, or home renovation, or your child’s tuition. In the worst scenarios of unemployment during this COVID 19 pandemic, money is scarce. If the money you had saved will be needed only in the future, then prioritize to spend it now for your survival. You can always replenish your funds once you get a job.
- Remember to prioritize your spending for basic survival needs first – Food, House, Utilities, and Transportation. Food comes first always because without food, people die. Other mentioned, are basic needs but these will not cause you death.
- Trim down your spending by buying cheaper options for food. If you are renting, then you may consider transferring to a less costly place. Moreover, lessen your utility usage to lower your bill.
- Lastly, pay your credits and loans as much as you can. This may cause big problems in the future. There are some financial institutions that may give loan extensions but it is very rare.
Tip #2: Sell Your Old Stuff
It’s time to check your garage or storage room to give up some old items and sell them online. Who knows? You may have some pricey antiques there. Check your closet for items you may not need in the future anymore. Give up your shoes, bags and clothes that don’t fit anymore. Giving up your stuff or selling it can be heart-breaking especially if you have “memories” along with it. When in dilemma, ask yourself which one you can’t live without. The answer is obvious, basic needs.
Tip #3: Find a New or Temporary Job
Finding a new job can be a real challenge especially in this COVID 19 season. The competition is high because many had become unemployed like you. What is best to do?
- Find Someone You Know – A friend or Relative who can refer you to a new company or business you can work for. I think this option will give you better chances of getting hired.
- Don’t Be Too Picky – If you are running out of money and options, you don’t really have the right to be picky the kind of work you would take. Take jobs temporarily until you find a better one.
- Never Stop Sending Applications – As long as you have not found the right new job for you, never stop searching and applying for new jobs.
Here are some of Job Search Engines you can apply for
Tip #4: Freelancing or Work-From-Home Jobs
In this COVID 19 pandemic, chances are, job openings are scare due to many business closures. This pandemic, however, opened up a new era of Freelancing, Online-Selling, Online-Jobs, or Work-From-Home jobs. If you have certain skills and talents, best to use it now by joining online job platforms and even online selling.
Here are some of the online platforms available to sell your crafts and products
Here are some of the online freelance platforms where you may get work and earn money.
Tip #5: Learn New Skills
While you are still unemployed or haven’t found a new job, try to learn new skills which you can potentially earn from. Although learning may take some time, it’s still better than just waiting for a new job to come.
Here are some skills you can learn for free on your own and may potentially get you some income:
- Blog Writing
- Social Media Marketing
- SEO and Analytics
- Photo and Video Editing
- Affiliate Marketing
- Repairs and Maintenance of any items
- DIY or Do-It-Yourself Hacks and Crafts
Here are some of the places where you can subscribe and learn from
- Coursera
- Skillshare (2 Month Free Subscription)
- Udemy
- Youtube
What we learn with pleasure we never forget!
Alfred Mercier
Tip #6: Take care of your health
You may not have money to buy vitamins but taking care of your health don’t really cost much. Eat less sugary and fatty foods, don’t drink alcohol and get enough sleep. This is not only healthy but also a way to save money. Sugar and some meat are expensive so buy the alternative. All your survival efforts will be put to waste if your health is sacrificed. No matter how stressed you are, there is hope.
Hope costs nothing!
Colette
Tip #7: Ask for help
If you still could not find anyways to make some money or even worse, you got sick, never hesitate to ask for help. If that takes some pride swallowing efforts, just do it. You can ask your relatives and friends to help you out.
Bonus
For the Indians who had been working with the employee pension scheme, the government of India has provided a provision to withdraw your 3 months of salary from your pension scheme. This may help you survive for a little while but avail of this if you have exhausted all your other options.
I hope this will help you get through those hard times of unemployment. Let me know in the comments below if you have other ideas to help our ease unemployment in our community.
Disclaimer: Please use this only if you really need money and you don’t have any other option.
Conclusion
I hope these tips will be helpful to anyone. Let me know if you have any other suggestions for the people who are suffering.
