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You can still get these jobs during the coronavirus crisis

You can still get these jobs during the coronavirus crisis
You can still get these jobs during the coronavirus crisis

As the coronavirus continues to spread in the United States, there’s a good chance you have a lot of extra time on your hands.

You could be one of the many thousands laid off, permanently or temporarily, while nonessential businesses are shut down. Maybe you’re still working but your employer slashed your hours. Or maybe you just have a couple free hours in your day because you’re working from home and skipping the commute.

Whatever your situation — and whatever your needs — you can still find work to fill the void. It’s true that many companies are laying off employees and instituting hiring freezes, but the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t crippled all industries. Some jobs are in even greater demand.

Here are a few jobs that are easy to get during the outbreak. And remember, you also have plenty of ways to earn a little extra cash on the side.

1. Warehouse worker

Portrait of middle aged caucasian warehouse worker standing in large warehouse distribution center
Aleksandar Malivuk / Shutterstock

With so many stores closed or limiting operations, the few that remain open are shouldering a heavy burden.

That includes big companies that provide essentials, like Walmart and CVS Pharmacy, as well as delivery-based services like Amazon. Those three giants alone are planning to hire up to 300,000 Americans to deal with the surge in demand.

At Amazon, you can get started in as little as a week — without a resume or prior experience and sometimes without an interview. The company’s job board is filled with positions for warehouse workers and “shoppers” who grab items for customers at Whole Foods. It also contains links to delivery driver jobs at companies it partners with.

Warehouse jobs are available all across the country, with varying tasks in fulfillment centers, sorting centers and delivery stations. These jobs can be physically demanding as you shuffle items and packages around at a brisk pace.

Check the site to see what’s available in your area and what your hours might be. Part-time and full-time work is available. The base salary for an Amazon worker is $15 per hour, with an extra $2 per hour until the end of April.

2. Online tutor

Schoolgirl studying during her online lesson at home
Maria Symchych / Shutterstock

School may have wrapped up a few months early for most students, but parents are still looking to keep their kids engaged and learning. College students are also trying to keep their skills sharp for when they return.

Websites like Tutors.com make it easy to post your qualifications and search for students you’re able to help. Depending on the age of the student, you probably already have the skills to tutor them in a range of subjects like math, science and language.

Job requirements are simple: Anyone with a high school diploma or GED can sign up, but you’ll need great communication skills.

The average pay per hour is $50 but can be as low as $25 if you’re just starting out or as high as $80 if you’re certified. If you’re only looking to teach online during the pandemic, average pay drops to $30 per hour because of increased competition.

3. Freelance writer

Woman writes with computer
ShutterStock

Strong writing is always in demand. If you’ve got the skills, you can make good money through various job platforms or even on your own. That’s doubly true if you have an area of expertise you can write about, like technology or cosmetics.

Through a gig marketplace, you can select whether you want to write blogs, product descriptions, creative stories, resumes and more.

Those with a proven track record and portfolio will generally earn more. If your finances allow, now might be the time to start building up that reputation.

How much you get paid is up to you. On the freelance site Fiverr, you can charge between $5 and $995 per gig or offer different levels of service at different price ranges.

4. Food delivery driver

Male courier with orders in car. Food delivery service
New Africa / Shutterstock

Your car could be a money pit right now, sitting idle because you aren’t going to work. It’s easy to get some value back by signing up to be a driver for Uber Eats or DoorDash.

With restaurants closing their eat-in dining areas, the demand for delivery drivers has spiked. The job is simple: You drive to the restaurant, pick up the food, then drive over to the customer’s home.

During the pandemic, some services are allowing customers to request a no-contact drop-off at their doorstep, so you may not even have to say hello.

With both Uber Eats and DoorDash, you can get started right away with little to no job training. You just need to be at least 18 years old and own either a bike or a car.

You can set your own hours and deliver as much or as little as you want. The amount you earn will fluctuate: Both services offer a base pay — DoorDash pays between $2 and $10+ per delivery, depending on time and distance — plus tips and various bonuses.