Here Are 6 Smart Ways to Make Extra Money During the Pandemic

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I think that many of us can agree that 2020 has been a stressful year. Though that may be, it is not the time to give up! During challenging moments, more opportunities are revealed when you know where to look. Our guest writer today, Craig Brown, is here to offer you some brainstorming suggestions to make extra money.

This blog may have affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, if you so choose to participate in some of the learning opportunities here, we at Kyrabe Stories may receive a commission as gratitude from the partnering companies. Thank you sincerely for your support and for your desire to learn and grow! I hope you enjoy the blog!

About the Author

Craig Brown has worked in HR for several years and has plans to launch his own recruiting agency. He thrives on helping others achieve their career dreams and started Your Career Boost to share the best job-related resources on the web.

Visit Craig’s site at YourCareerBoost.com.


Plenty of Americans are between jobs right now, and even those who are still working face uncertainty. Fortunately, there are solutions to help make ends meet while you’re searching for a reliable full-time gig. You may even decide to embrace telecommuting for your new career, too.

Adapt to Working Online with These Opportunities

Whatever your former (or current) role, your skillset may translate well to a work-from-home job. From writing to teaching, there’s something for everyone when it comes to gig-based employment. Plus, you can choose to go full- or part-time depending on your schedule and income needs.

1. Writing

For those who have a way with words, finding writing gigs is a simple way to fill income gaps during the pandemic. You can leverage your existing expertise—whether you’re the authority on white water rafting or have a passion for insects. If you look to freelance job sites, you can connect with clients who are looking to hire writers for a range of jobs. For example, Upwork article writers are in high demand across a handful of genres.

2. Teaching

Armed with a decent internet connection and strong English skills, you can become an online teacher with a host of platforms. VIPKid, for example, hires teachers with a bachelor’s degree to instruct children via their online platform. Alternatively, you can tutor kids or adults on your own if you have expertise in a specific and in-demand subject area. After all, demand for online tutors has surged during the pandemic, as distance learning increases.

3. Website Building

Tons of businesses are moving online, and if you have a background in web design, this could be the perfect work opportunity. Small business owners, especially, may prefer to outsource this time-consuming task, especially if they lack technical expertise. If you have enough experience (or a professional certification), you might be able to charge upwards of $30 per hour to build sites for clients.

Work from Home with Retail-Based Gigs

While many part-time jobs and side gigs involve providing a service online, there’s an alternative if you don’t have all the necessary web-based skills. If you’re hesitant to dive into a new career, prefer working with your hands, or are an expert in retail, one of these options might be the perfect fit.

4. Crafting

For individuals who are good with their hands, crafting and selling items might be an ideal way to make an income between jobs. No matter what you make, from quilts to birdhouses to jewelry, someone online is likely willing to buy. And as Marketplace confirms, sites like Etsy—home to handmade-only products—are doing “very well” during the pandemic. Selling face masks is just one way to earn an income; items like home furnishings, crafts, and games are also a lucrative bet.

5. Dropshipping

You’ve probably heard about dropshipping businesses, but how does it work? The answer is that you find a product people want to buy, and then create a storefront for said product. You’ll drum up interest in the item, take orders, and maintain the website. A third party will ship the items and handle customer service, while you both bring in an income. Start by blogging and growing an audience, and you can soon monetize your site with a specific product.

6. Selling Antiques

You might think it’s just junk, but others will pay high prices for antiques. Since many people are at home during the coronavirus, there are tons of socially-distanced yard and estate sales happening. If you have an eye for vintage finds, you could pick up items for cheap that can be refurbished or sold as-is at a profit. Well Kept Wallet recommends selling antiques via Etsy (for vintage items older than 20 years), Bonanza, eBay, Craigslist, and others.

Finding new ways to make money involves some creativity during the pandemic. After all, maintaining social distancing means your work needs to happen at home. But with these options, you can fill gaps in your income while you search for your next full-time opportunity.


Now let’s hear from you!

Even I experienced a layoff at the end of July due to COVID. Fortunately, I’ve been able to do some writing commissions here and there. What are some ways you’ve been able to make extra money? Are there any extra tips you’d like to offer? We’d love to read your stories in the comments below!

Thank you again for our special guest writer, Craig Brown. Please go support his page at YourCareerBoost.com.

And as always, remember to live and learn from one story at a time.

Take care,

Kyndall Bennett from Kyrabe Stories

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