Coronavirus is wrecking the US economy right now. Officials have called for quarantine and self-isolation, leading many businesses across the US to close their doors. And without customers, these businesses have been forced to lay off a lot of hourly workers.

If you’re feeling the squeeze financially, you aren’t alone. Thousands of hourly workers across the US are applying for unemployment benefits to get them through this hard time.

Use this guide as your plan for surviving the here and now. We’ll show you how to file for unemployment and where to look for work during these uncertain times. We’re here to help!

How to File for Unemployment

If this is your first time filing, you might feel confused or intimidated. But don’t worry. Filing for unemployment is straightforward when you have the right information.

How to Find Work

Now, just because you’re collecting unemployment doesn’t mean you have to stay unemployed. While many businesses are closing their doors, plenty are looking for more hourly employees.

Grocery stores, fast-food restaurants, delivery companies and more are in desperate need of hourly workers to fill the demand. Plus, since you’d be working during a pandemic, many businesses offer generous hourly rates in addition to overtime pay.

If you need a new job, check out these five industries for your search:

1. Supermarkets or Grocery Stores

People are panic-buying and grocery stores simply can’t keep up with the demand. They’re in desperate need of:

  • Cashiers
  • Baggers
  • Stockers
  • Warehouse workers

Plus, grocery stores are considered an essential business, which means they’ll stay open throughout the pandemic. Many grocery chains have increased their hourly wages to attract workers. If you want to earn over minimum wage, plus overtime, grocery stores are for you.

2. Fast-Food Restaurants

Many restaurants have been hit hard by the pandemic but some fast-food restaurants are booming due to drive-thru or curbside service. Like grocery stores, many chains have increased their hourly wages by an additional $5 an hour. If you are interested in working in a fast-paced, fun enivronment, look no further.

3. Delivery Service

Got a reliable car? You can work flexible hours as a delivery driver for Amazon, Grubhub and even grocery stores. As more people self-isolate, they rely on delivery drivers to bring essentials to their homes. Jam out to some good music, drive through the city and help people out while getting paid for it.

4. Remote Hourly Work

If you need to stay at home with your kids, or if you belong to a vulnerable population, you can still make a living from the comfort of your home. A tremendous number of offices are now working remotely.

What jobs can you do remotely? There’s a huge demand right now for:

  • Content creators, like writers and graphic designers
  • Tutors for school-aged kids
  • Virtual assistants
  • Project managers

You get the idea. Score a job working remotely while you self-isolate.

5. Cleaning Crews

Coronavirus means there’s an increased need for hygiene. Janitors and cleaning staff are critical to preventing the spread of the virus. If you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty, join a commercial cleaning crew to fight the virus while bulking up your bank account.

We're Here to Help

Need more help dealing with the pandemic? We feel you. Check out this resource on how to find a new job during coronavirus and how to get more cash in your bank account.