10 WAYS TO GET BACK TO WORK DURING COVID-19 QUARANTINE

Through late April 2020 at least, all but essential businesses will temporarily close in most parts of the United States to help slow the spread of COVID-19. While many Americans will have to wait to return to work due to the Coronavirus pandemic, there are some essential services that are still operating and in need of readily available workers right now.

So what can you do to help make ends meet when you're out of work but can't afford to stay at home?

1. Search for Work
Searching for jobs the traditional ways still works, even in today's climate. Indeed, Career Builder, Linkedin, Glassdoor, Simply Hired and Zip Recruiter are highly rated job search engines. Search for the "best" or "top job search engines" for more options, and avoid ones with low ratings and high risk. Job openings can also be found on Facebook.com/Jobs and Craigslist. Plus, search for general and local job boards, and ones in your specific field.

2. Network
It's important for any job seeker to know at least half of all job openings are never posted online. So it's a good idea to inquire at open businesses in your area. And it never hurts to ask people who are still working what they do, what it's like, if they're hiring, and who else they know with openings available.

3. Essential Supply Chain
Many links in the essential supply chain are feeling the strain right now. Several industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies and equipment, telecommunications, utilities, automotive, and more are under enormous pressure. These job vacancies can be in manufacturing, trucking, delivery, stocking and other areas. More skilled managerial or technical positions are most likely also in need of workers.

4. Transportation
Prepared food, groceries, supplies, packages and people still need to be transported by truck, car, bike and on foot.

5. Grocery Shopping/Delivery
Instacart, Shipt, Peapod, FreshDirect, AmazonFresh, etc.

6. Grocery/Pharmacy
Stop n Shop, ShopRite, Publix, CVS, Walgreens, etc.

7. Cleaning
Offices, warehouses, hospitals, buildings, etc.

8. Facility Assistant
Mental health and elderly care, treatment, and public housing facilities, etc.

9. Babysitting/Child Care
For parents with children out of school who still need to perform their own essential work.

10. Supplies Prep/Community Outreach
Communities may need temps or volunteers to prepare or distribute food, hand sanitizer, masks, gowns etc. to local residents or healthcare facilities.

Field work, or work mostly or entirely outside the home, doesn't come without risks. Take the social contact that will be necessary for in person employment into serious consideration. Make sure you are supplied or are allowed to provide your own PPE (personal protection equipment). Stay safe while providing for your family and serving your community.