Whether you are a student or homemaker looking to earn some income, or a working adult who wishes to supplement your salary, side hustles is a good way to immediately boost your income.
While taking part-time jobs are not uncommon even before COVID-19, the current Circuit Breaker measures has forced many non-essential workers to work from home. It also increased the importance of side gigs that are allowed to carry on, whether the job is deemed as essential, or because you can fulfil them from the comfort and safety of your home via telecommuting.
Here are 5 “Circuit Breaker-friendly” side gigs you can take up now and continue even after the Circuit Breaker fully lifts.
#1 Home Tutors
Tutoring is a favourite part-time job for many people in Singapore, especially undergraduates. While the current “Circuit Breaker” measures have prohibited face-to-face teaching, classes are now taught via teleconferencing platforms such as Zoom.
The job pays well, with undergraduate tutors charging about $25 to $40 an hour for secondary school students, and $50 to $65 an hour for Junior College students. Tutors with teaching credentials, especially those with experience teaching in schools, are able to charge hourly rates of between $50 and $70 for primary and secondary school students, and $100 onwards for JC students.
One thing to note is that as a tutor, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest curriculum and to have patience to teach someone. There are tonnes of tutor-matching platforms, such as SmileTutor, where you can post your services and seek out potential customers.
Read Also: 5 Meaningful Jobs O’ Level Graduates Can Do Before Starting Their Tertiary Education
#2 Freelance Writer
If you think you have a flair for writing, you can make use of it to make money out of it by becoming a freelance writer for a website, magazine, or even agencies from all around the world.
Writing jobs can come either as a long-term commitment, or on an ad-hoc or project basis, where your involvement is based on demand. In addition, you can choose to write short copies such as for social media posts, or in long form such as articles. With that, you should decide if the assignment taps on your strengths, and if you are able to finish the assignment over the weekend or at weeknights, where it does not clash with your day job.
Before starting out, be sure to research on the market rate for writers and decide on your charges or rate, which could be based on per word, per hour or per written assignment, as well as your education level and experience.
If you are a new writer, expect to start from 50 cents per word. But as you build on your portfolio, you will see yourself going further and earning a higher rate along the way. You can start by posting your services at Freelancer.
#3 Freelance Designer
Just like writing, if you have a flair for designing and graphics, you should consider becoming a freelance designer. New business requirements come up daily, which presents new opportunities for designers every day.
Whether it is designing a logo, a website or an infographic, you get to keep your creative juices following while making some side income. The best part, you can work at home if you wish to.
You can put up your portfolio on platforms such as Fiverr as a start.
Read Also: Why 2020 Is A Bad Year To Enter The Workforce, And What Fresh Graduates Can Do About It
#4 Food Delivery Riders
If you have time to spare during the phased Circuit Breaker period, or if any of the above-mentioned jobs do not tap on your strengths, you can consider becoming a food delivery rider. As a food deliverer, you can work on your own time and set your own target. This means there is no need to rush to be at work on time, or fret about not getting enough shifts or re-schedule an appointment.
Currently, there are three food delivery platforms in Singapore – Deliveroo, Foodpanda and GrabFood. While deliveries can be done on foot, it is preferable to own either bicycle or a motorbike with a valid Class 2 license, as personal mobility devices are banned from footpaths on 5 November 2019.
Most of these platforms will require you to sign up on their platform, collect their uniform and delivery bags, and to attend an on-boarding training prior to you making deliveries. Riders are paid based on the trip, with additional incentives and commission if deliveries are done in high demand zones and timings.
Read Also: Jobs In Singapore Created From Business Disruption
#5 SGUnited Jobs
In addition to the above-mentioned roles, there are also many companies urgently hiring for part-time roles, even amid this difficult economic climate.
For instance, the SGUnited Jobs portal contains a wide range of immediate vacancies for full-time, temporary, and part-time roles. Best of all, the positions are offered by a wide range of companies, from government agencies, non-profits, SMEs, and MNCs.
Take a look around, and you might just find the perfect gig for yourself. After all, if there is a will, there is a way.
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