By Maggie Potter
At the end of March 2020, the unemployment rate in the U.S. was 4.4%. That figure has skyrocketed over the last two months. Over 30 million Americans have filed unemployment claims due to the coronavirus pandemic, suggesting the country might be facing another Depression-like era.
Some of the industries that have been hit the hardest are the ones we take for granted every day, including restaurants and retail shops. Even grocery stores are having a hard time keeping certain items stocked because of disruptions in the supply chain as we get goods from other countries.
While some people have been fortunate enough to work remotely (and others haven’t had their job impacted at all), things might feel bleak to those who are out of work and aren’t sure when, or if, they’ll be able to go back.
With that in mind, it might be time to consider finding a different job. Maybe you’ll just need temporary work, or you might use this opportunity to think about making a career change.
Whatever the case, the good news within this pandemic is that there are industries who are thriving and hiring. Let’s look at what some of those are, and how you can find a new job amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Which Industries Are Hiring?
There’s no question that the coronavirus pandemic has impacted the economy all over the globe. But there are some industries that are actually hiring more than ever in the wake of this situation.
Many of the jobs within these industries could be considered “short-term” as you get back on your feet or wait for your own job to become available again. So, if you need to start bringing in an income again quickly, here are some of the most in-demand jobs right now:
- Delivery drivers
- Warehouse workers (Amazon committed to hiring 100,000 during the pandemic)
- Cleaning jobs
- Maintenance jobs
- Childcare
- Grocery store worker
- Landscaping/lawn care
If you have a specific degree or were in a particular career already, you still might be able to find work in your field. For example, if you are a teacher, you might be able to help the millions of children who are currently out of school by working for an e-learning company like Outschool, which is actively hiring to meet demands.
The Chance at a New Career
Though you might feel overwhelmed by the loss of your job, it’s important to look for silver linings in these situations. Maybe it’s time to consider a new career entirely instead of eventually going back to your old job. Even if you have no experience in a particular industry, you can develop a professional network, seek out mentors, and stay informed about the latest industry news to learn more about the job(s) you’re interested in.
Now is a great time to network, since most people are “stuck” at home with a bit more free time. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people within the industries you’re looking at and ask them the best ways to get started.
Explore all avenues including opportunities to work remotely, which are on the rise today. Looking for legitimate online jobs is a great idea considering the recent events plus it also comes with cool perks like earning money without leaving your home and having more time to spend with your family.
If a new career plan means more education, look into free online classes for things like coding or design. Or since many schools have made the temporary switch to an e-learning environment, you might be able to sign up for some college courses from the comfort of your own home and work through them at your own pace.
No matter how many classes a person takes, sometimes an employee just gets to the point where they realize working for someone else just no longer sounds appealing. If that’s you, this is a great time to consider if opening up your own business might be a prudent next move. There’s nothing like being your own boss, and when you turn your passion into your livelihood, work will rarely feel work. Sit down and research what all goes into forming your own business and the legalities that surround it to determine whether the time and responsibility required is worth the potential rewards you’ll reap.
Starting a new career or making a change can be scary, but this could be the perfect time to finally dig into your dream job.
Rebuilding Your Confidence from the Ground Up
According to Norman Vincent Peale, “Action is a great restorer and builder of confidence. Inaction is not only the result but the cause of fear.”
This pandemic has changed the way of life for so many people. Things often still feel uncertain, so it’s easy to get scared about what the future might hold. You, personally, might feel hopeless, helpless, and crushed over the loss of your job. But, if you choose to take action now in finding a new job, you can combat that fear, rebuild your confidence, and start fresh.
Use this time to rediscover yourself and what you truly want out of life while practicing self-care. If you want to be more confident as you move forward, try some of the following techniques:
- Visualize what you want
- Step out of your comfort zone
- Stop negative self-talk
- Set and achieve goals
- Help others along the way
When you build your confidence and value yourself more, you’ll likely be more willing to put yourself out there in an active job search, connect with the right people, and try something new with your career. That can make all the difference in finding a job during this pandemic.
There are careers out there that are available to you right now. So don’t give up on your search and don’t let the uncertainties of the state of the world hold you back from shooting for the job you want to have.
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