9 Jobs You Can Find Quickly If You’re Out of Work or Looking for a Career Change

The job market has its ups and downs, and no matter how good of an employee you are, you could find yourself out of work overnight. This is an intensely stressful issue to deal with, especially if you have debt and other expenses exceeding your available cash and savings.

Fortunately there are certain jobs that are always in demand, and that can be an excellent option to get some income quickly. Whether you’ve found yourself out of work, or if you’re looking for some extra money while searching for a longer-term or remote position that can fit better with your lifestyle, this list can be your jumping-off point.

Let’s get started!

Retail Associate

This job involves working in a retail environment, assisting customers with purchases, stocking shelves, and managing cash registers. Retail positions are often plentiful due to high turnover rates and the constant need for staff to cover various shifts and over busier periods, making them relatively easy to find.

Administrative Assistant

Administrative assistants provide support to other employees or departments within an organization. Responsibilities can include organizing files, scheduling appointments, writing correspondence, and answering phone calls. These roles are available across a wide range of industries, meaning you can find fulfilling, interesting work in a field you’re passionate about—plus there are tons of opportunities for remote admin assistant positions worldwide, giving you the freedom to travel while bringing your “office” with you!

Food Service Worker

This category includes roles such as waiter, barista, and fast-food employee. The job entails taking orders, preparing food, and ensuring a clean eating environment. Like retail, food service positions are almost always in high demand, especially in busy areas, and require minimal prior experience.

Rideshare Driver

If you have a car, becoming a rideshare driver for services like Uber or Lyft can be a quick way to start earning. This job involves driving passengers from one location to another and requires a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and a suitable vehicle. The sign-up process is usually straightforward, and you can start working immediately once approved.

Oil & Gas Roustabout

A roustabout works in the oil and gas industry, performing general labor and maintenance on oil fields and platforms. Tasks may include repairing and maintaining equipment, cleaning, and assisting in drilling operations. While many jobs in the oil and gas fields need extensive training and certification, not all of them will—roustabout positions are typically entry-level, you’ll get training on the job, and get paid well because of the physical stamina required, and ability to work in harsh conditions. Despite the demanding nature of the work, roustabout jobs can be easy to find in areas with active oil and gas industries due to the high turnover and continuous demand for labor.

Delivery Person

With the rise of delivery apps and services, there are many delivery opportunities available, and the work can usually begin soon after you are approved as a driver.

Freelancer

Back to jobs you can do remotely—freelancing could be a fantastic way to build a long-term career that’ll give you the freedom to choose the projects you like, and work from anywhere in the world. Depending on your skill set, you might find quick work as a freelancer in areas such as writing, graphic design, web development, digital marketing, and beyond. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to offer your services to a global marketplace. While it might take a bit to establish a client base, you can start applying for jobs immediately.

Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents assist clients in buying, selling, and renting properties. This role involves researching the market, showcasing properties, negotiating deals, and guiding clients through the legal aspects of real estate transactions. You do need licensing to do this work, and you might ask, how long is real estate school? Well, you might be pleasantly surprised to know you don’t need to spend years studying—you can get your training and certification in just a few months. This job is well-suited for self-motivated individuals with strong interpersonal and sales skills.

Customer Service Representative

Many companies hire customer service representatives to handle inquiries and issues via phone, email, or chat. These positions also often are available for remote work, making them accessible from anywhere you are—and they typically require little to no previous experience.

What other job types do you recommend for finding work quickly—particularly for our friends who want to work remotely? Share your advice with the Frayed Passport community!

About the Author

Mike is a freelance writer who researches and shares actionable advice around travel, finance, and personal growth. Read his other articles on Frayed Passport here.

Featured image by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash