Today we have a guest post from Emma Grace Brown regarding the current COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on the entertainment industry, and how to transition to working from home.
Whether you own a production company, are a gaffer, or work as an actor, finding ways to make ends meet right now can be tough. If you want a safe and simple way to earn income while the entertainment industry is still stalled, you should think about working from home. Seriously, there are quite a few remote opportunities available. So, if this sounds like a good way for you to keep your finances in check, then take these essential steps to get started.
First, Find Remote Jobs That Will Fit Your Skills
If you are a seasoned actor, you can use those skills to work for businesses, organizations and individuals that are still looking for actors for hire. Many of these potential employers use freelance job board sites like Upwork to connect with freelance actors. It doesn’t hurt to create a profile and see what sort of possibilities may be out there.
You should be able to find other entertainment-related jobs on job boards as well, but if you just need a way to earn extra cash right now, you may want to stick with a more in-demand freelance position. Writing, editing, entering data and providing customer service are all very easy freelance fields to break into, and Business Insider notes there are courses you can take if there is a skill you lack.
Next, Establish a Productive Remote Work Routine
Switching from a past-faced life on the set to the slower-paced flow of working from home can be pretty challenging. For one, you are solely responsible for setting your daily work schedule and routine. It can take some time to get these elements just right, so try to be patient with yourself as you adjust.
Another aspect of remote work that can be difficult is feeling isolated from other people. Without all of the hustle and bustle of working on set, life at home can get rather lonely, but there are positive ways to cope with these feelings. Scheduling breaks to catch up with friends via video conferencing is one solution, but you can also try fitting in small workouts throughout your day. With many shelters offering free and low-cost adoptions, you could even adopt a pet.
Then, You Can Supplement Your Income With Random Side Gigs
Finding freelance jobs is a great way to keep using your entertainment skills and keep earning income. Yet, with so many businesses still closed right now, it may be tough finding enough freelance entertainment work to keep your finances afloat. If you find yourself in this situation, know that there are plenty of side gigs available that can help you make a living until things begin to open back up again.
If you still prefer to work from home, you can earn a little extra cash doing things like writing content articles, watching other people’s pets or even watching your favorite television shows. Now if you want to get out of the house for a bit, there are other side gigs that can pad your wallet, including taking care of people’s lawns and tasks.
Finally, You Should Use Your Free Time to Work on Your Budget
If you haven’t done so yet, you need to pause your job search so that you can sit down and take care of your pandemic budget. Even if you use the resources above to find steady freelance work, your first priority when budgeting during a crisis should be to reduce your expenses. For example, if you are paying for streaming services or subscriptions you no longer use, now is the time to cut those extra costs out and reallocate the funds to your emergency savings.
Keep in mind that even if you are working right now, the next few months may be as unpredictable as the last few. As Dave Ramsey explains, having an emergency savings fund will help protect you if unexpected expenses come up in the future.
There are plenty of ways to continue using your skills and earning an income, even if you prefer to work from home. So weigh your remote options carefully, so that you can find something that will fit your talents and meet your needs.
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