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There’s so much to say about what’s happening now. What’s most important is our health and the health of our loved ones.

One of the best ways to keep your spirits high (and your immunity up) is to focus on things other than worry and fear.

For me, that’s always been work.

I wanted to write something that would be helpful to everyone out there that’s afraid for their jobs. Or maybe you know a teacher, server, or hairstylist that has now been displaced from work.  

This is not about capitalizing on the crisis. This is about coming together. Finding ways for your skills to blend perfectly with the situation at hand. 

Teachers

Many teachers are overwhelmed right now. Suddenly they are ousted from their classrooms and asked to do all of their instruction remotely. 

I have a strong feeling that many teachers could use a virtual assistant or an online helper. Remember, many teachers are not tech comfortable. Their expertise is in the classroom, with curriculum, subject matter, and childhood behavior. 

Your skills could be vital to them. 

Reach out to any teachers you know on Facebook. Share your services with them. If you want to offer discounted rates given the circumstances, that could be an option. 

Large companies like Zoom and Scholastica have already put together free offers for teachers that must now do all their instruction remotely. 

Real Estate

The home buying industry never quits because people always need a place to live. There are likely millions of people who were in the midst of shopping for a new home when this crisis hit, and they must find a place to live. 

Real estate agents do much of their work in-person. They meet with homeowners for showings. That’s how they conduct sales and close deals. 

Now, more of that work will need to be done online, to be sensitive to social distancing. 

Real estate agents will need to be much savvier online to get attention and provide information. You could offer your graphic design services to real estate agents.

If you’re skilled with video, you could offer to film and edit virtual walkthroughs (being very mindful of social distancing, schedule a time to be at homes alone). 

Restaurants 

You might not be a chef, but you can help restaurants that will undoubtedly struggle in the coming weeks and months. 

A way for restaurants to stay afloat is through gift card income and take out orders. But many small restaurant owners don’t understand how to do online marketing. That’s where you come in. 

Offer your social media and email marketing services. Formulate a plan to promote gift cards and take out orders through social channels and consistent email messaging. 

Tutoring

Maybe you’re in the uncertain position of being laid off or put on leave from a service industry job. First, I feel for you. That’s why I hope this message gives you some ideas of ways to generate income outside of the service industry. 

I’ve been doing some research and have seen an explosion in postings for tutors. Most everyone has a skill that they could teach others. As a tutor, you can teach others via Skype or Zoom calls. 

Companies like Varsity Tutors are hiring right now and paying twice per week. 

Poshmark, OfferUp, Ebay, Craigslist and LetGo

Note: I recommend waiting until the health crisis has passed to engage in these opportunities. I think sending and receiving used items in the mail should wait.

but if you’re at home now, quarantined or social distancing, it’s the perfect time to get started.

Clean out your closets. Snap quality photos of your items. (I have a TON of clothing I’ve purchased that still have tags on!).

Set up your profiles on PoshMark, OfferUp etc.

When things have settled down you can flip on your listings and start selling! Not only are you decluttering, but you’re setting up another income stream.