The global recession brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has hit everyone hard. However, some experts suggest that women may be disproportionately affected by the pandemic, especially those who are primarily responsible for childcare in their families. However there is good news. With the pandemic completely changing the way we work and do business, there are now more opportunities than ever for women to earn an income from home.
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Explore Freelance Opportunities
Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or not, one of the best ways to boost your income is to try your hand at freelancing. With companies being forced to adapt the way they do business, the demand for freelance work may go up in order to fill roles that didn’t exist before.
There are countless ways to apply your skills as a freelancer. For example, Excel experts, Google Suite experts and even proofreading experts can find good paying work by posting their skills on freelance boards. With the world going online, companies may also have a greater need for content. If you’re a writer or designer, you might find it’s easier than ever to get hired.
No matter their role, successful freelancers need to be responsible, organized and self-motivated. You will also want to research how to create invoices and how to set a reasonable rate so you are paid fairly.
Get a Gig Job
Freelancing is usually considered a gig job, but many freelancers are able to find long-term clients that provide full-time work. A true gig job is something that you can do in your spare time, often in addition to another full-time responsibility, such as raising your kids.
Side hustles can include just about anything, such as pet sitting, dog walking or being a delivery driver for food or groceries. Starting a blog and using affiliate marketing is another great way to earn some more income. These endeavors are incredibly flexible and can be done on your own terms whenever you need a little extra money.
It’s important to keep in mind that side hustles don’t necessarily pay enough to provide a full-time income. However, trying your hand at a gig job allows you to experience other types of work, and may provide a bridge to a new career.
Apply for a Remote Position
Being a freelancer or working in the gig economy is great because of the flexibility, but you might find yourself wanting more stability. Even during the recession, numerous companies are still hiring for remote positions.
The pandemic caused many companies to switch to remote work practically overnight. Even companies that were hesitant to allow work in the past have seen that remote employees can actually be more productive. If you’re worried about finding the time, keep in mind there are countless part-time remote positions available too.
Tips for Balancing Work and Life
No matter what kind of work you do, it’s important to strike a healthy balance between your work and personal life when working at home. This can be incredibly challenging when you’re trying to handle household tasks or take care of your kids while also getting your work done. Not only that, the line between work and personal life will always be a little blurry when your office is at the kitchen table.
To help create a healthier balance, OwlLabs says the most important thing is to set a schedule and stick to it. Getting up at the same time each day and doing your work during set hours can help you be more productive while also laying down boundaries with your family. If you can, setting up a separate office space in your home will help keep work from infiltrating your personal life.
The recession has upended many women’s lives, but there are still plenty of opportunities for making extra income to support yourself and your family. Getting a gig job, becoming a freelancer or applying for a remote position are just a few ways you can start earning more at home.
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Written by Sarah Bull
Sarah Bull is a single mom of two, an entrepreneur, and a penny pincher. She is the creator of Economymom.com, where she shares tips and tricks about growing a home-based business. She hopes to inspire her readers, especially fellow moms, to take their earning destinies into their own hands using her career and money-making advice."
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