There’s no question that when an economic recession hits, it hits hard. What’s most jarring is how the most recent one hit women the hardest. A whopping 55 percent of the 20.5 million jobs lost across various sectors in April were held by women. Indeed, the she-cession is genuinely disheartening, and with the recession far from over, it can be easy to believe that there’s no such thing as job security.
Thankfully, know that the outlook is far from a hopeless one. New opportunities are cropping up daily in ways you might not automatically consider. For this reason, it’s essential to broaden your perspective and look to the digital world for new and potentially more lucrative ways to make money. Let us count the ways.
Become a freelancer.
In this day and age, it’s not at all unheard of for people to pursue lucrative and rewarding careers online as freelancers, and the fact is, there’s no reason why you can’t do the same. The gig economy has been steadily growing since the dawn of the internet age, and it has all but exploded in the last few years (or the previous few months, even). There are opportunities here that are ripe for the picking, and it will do you well, indeed, to explore ways in which you can become part of the digital workforce.
Now, the beauty of freelancing is undoubtedly its flexibility, so you can essentially choose to work part- or full-time—and wherever you want, including home. Moreover, there are freelancing opportunities across all industries for a wide range of skill sets, so chances are, you will be able to find gigs that suit your competencies and experience level. Joining the remote workforce is relatively easy, too. You need to create a compelling profile on reputable online job boards where you can search for openings in IT and web development, data science and customer service, and the design and creative fields, to name a few.
You can start a business.
Starting a small business from scratch is another viable and attractive option. Again, you get to enjoy no small measure of flexibility as you work from home and great rewards when you work for yourself. It can even be an excellent opportunity to bank on a passion or hobby, which can be an enjoyable way to make a living.
Now, you will likely also find that starting a business from home, though challenging, is less complicated than you might think at first. While there are numerous ways to begin, one great option is through work in the multi-level marketing industry, and there are countless companies you can work with. However, due diligence is necessary here, and you’ll want to do your homework first.
You can set yourself up for success.
Of course, even with the ease, flexibility, and excellent earning potential of online work or direct sales, like all ventures, hard work and savvy are still very much required. For instance, if you want to succeed as a small business, you must consciously work toward financial wellness by monitoring your personal and business finances.
You also want to be proactive, as well. Case in point, earning a living from home and online can make you vulnerable to digital threats like identity theft. It then becomes your responsibility as a freelancer or business owner to take cybersecurity precautions, not just for your online safety but also for your clients’ and customers’ security.
Suffice it to say a pivot to online money-making can seem daunting when you’re new to it. It might not even be the first thing that crosses your mind when you’re still bruised from the she-cession. However, there’s no denying the opportunities it offers and the many possibilities for success. Above all, it’s an opportunity for a fresh start, which may be the respite you need in this economically challenging time.