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Top Job Alternatives to Overcome Unemployment during Pandemic

I know firsthand the panic that comes with the general uncertainty of the job marketing. This is especially true when you work online, but now this is becoming the new normal.

As a full-time freelancer, I was really worried about the outlook of my industry amidst the COVID-19 crisis. I wasn’t sure if there would even be a need for writers and social media marketers! With so many online jobs out there for college students, recent grads, and beyond, I started looking into other realistic ways to make money online.

While I didn’t end up needing to undergo any dramatic career shift (praise be), others might not have been so lucky. Today, I’m sharing a guest post with the top job alternatives to overcome unemployment during the pandemic. It’s always good to know your options, even if you’re stable right now.


During the pandemic, many companies have frozen their operations and hiring processes. A massive unemployment crisis has ensued, and workers started to face a difficult situation. Having no income and dealing with the bills can make anyone feel overwhelmed. For that reason, due to the increasing demand for tech workers, unskilled employees began to adapt.

Several tried to learn from home. But, it’s hard to succeed when you have no idea of what employers are looking for in their new hirings. If you’re currently jobless, these top job alternatives will help you thrive. They’ll help you to meet employers’ requirements and have access to better job opportunities.

JavaScript Developer

JavaScript is among the best programming languages for web development. It’s exceptional to build interactive websites that make users feel engaged.

By using Frames, developers can focus on the important thing instead of coding. Of course, coding is important, but it’s very time-consuming. Nowadays, websites are indispensable for companies to increase customers’ trust and provide better services. As it allows organizations to reach bigger audiences, they can improve their brand recognition.

In the US, a JavaScript front end developer’s salary is $111,000 a year on average. And because of their high demand, organizations are offering incredible perks to attract their attention. JavaScript developers can work wherever they want. As they don’t need to be in an office to do their duties, learning JavaScript is a great option to become a remote worker. 

There are several options to master JavaScript. You can take online courses or join a coding bootcamp. Both indeed will help you achieve your goal, but you must remember that education is becoming today’s currency. So, whatever you decide, earning at least a diploma is vital.

Data Scientist

In 2020, data has become necessary to make better decisions. Given that, the demand for skilled professionals like data scientists has increased. Nowadays, they are capable of leading companies to success. By analyzing, interpreting, and visualizing gathered information, they can lead the way for organizations to stay relevant. Data scientists often have to deal with stressful situations, and organizations provide them with outstanding six-figures salaries.

For example, at Google, a data scientist can make, on average, $139,000 per year, according to Glassdoor. But, Google not only makes its employees happy by providing them with good salaries. Also, Google’s employees can enjoy perks like on-site gym classes and spa sessions. In that case, if you’re looking to change your lifestyle during these hard times, becoming a data scientists is the best way to do it. 

To provide better results, data scientists use machine learning algorithms to analyze and interpret collected data. So, Python has become a must-have tool for them. Several coding schools offer Python courses, but if you want to take advantage of your time at home, you should join Springboard’s coding bootcamp. 

The company has designed its programs to fit aspirants’ needs. No matter how busy you are, Springboard always has an option for you. At Springboard, students can become job-ready in only six months. For Springboard students, standing out from the competition will be no challenge as they receive both a personal mentor and a career coach during each course. 

Mobile Developer

Mobile apps are making our lives much more comfortable, and with their use, organizations are reshaping the market. Mobiles apps allow customers to control and monitor everything with only one device—their smartphones.

During the pandemic, online traffic increased because digital platforms enabled customers to do their shopping without leaving their homes. And today, customers prefer to make their purchases with their smartphones rather than visiting a store.

These days, employers are looking for skilled mobile developers. So, no matter if you learn Android or iOS development, your job opportunities will increase. General Assembly is a coding school that allows aspirants to acquire skills in mobile development. 

Through hands-on projects, students can learn fundamental mobile development knowledge and in-demand programming skills. And as they will learn from experts in the field, impressing employers will be easy. In other words, achieving the goal of getting employed will become real. 

Cybersecurity Specialist

Every day, data becomes more valuable, and the web more dangerous. Cybersecurity specialists are responsible for keeping companies’ information safe. Due to their high demand, starting a cybersecurity career is a great option to get employed during the pandemic. 

They often have to deal with rapidly-advancing threats and catch bad actors. Given that, building traps and searching for vulnerabilities is what they do in their everyday work lives. 

To provide companies with security, they have to update their skills regularly. Flatiron School’s coding bootcamp offers cybersecurity courses for those willing to start a new career or remain competitive.

To learn during isolation, you should enroll in their online cybersecurity course. It will allow you to learn the skills you need in 16 weeks. During the program, you will learn analytical skills to make employers feel engaged. Flatiron School offers several financing options to help students focus on learning. So, not having money won’t be an excuse to start learning. 

WordPress Developer

In 2020, WordPress powers more than 30 percent of the web. And for WordPress developers, the pandemic has been the perfect situation to stand out. One of the best job alternatives to invest time in during this pandemic is anything related to WordPress.

WordPress plug-ins allow developers to build interactive and eye-catching websites within minutes. As they don’t need to start from scratch, the building process becomes less time-consuming, making WordPress an excellent tool for beginners.

Day after day, WordPress development keeps gaining popularity, so adding it to your toolkit will allow you to increase your chances of getting hired. In the US, WordPress developers can make, on average, $68,000 per year. In that case, becoming a WordPress developer will help you to deal with your expenses and relieve stress. 

The Best Job Alternatives in 2020

Because of the pandemic, having remote work skills has become crucial to get hired. These job alternatives will allow you to work from any place.

No matter if you’re at home or not, you only need an internet connection to do your duties. Being unemployed is hard, but I can assure you that these alternatives will help you thrive. 

Artur Meyster

Artur Meyster is the CTO of Career Karma (YC W19), an online marketplace that matches career switchers with coding bootcamps. He is also the host of the Breaking Into Startups podcast, which features people with non-traditional backgrounds who broke into tech. Follow him on Twitter or LinkedIn.

Sam

Hey, I'm Sam! I'm the blogger and full-time writer behind Samanthability. I blog about starting your own blog and rocking post-grad life. You can find me exploring Seattle, binge-drinking iced coffees, and reading spicy romance books. I'm glad you're here!