The current labor shortage is forcing businesses to raise wages amidst a shortage of workers and surging demand for goods. This is making it easier than ever to join or re-join the labor force, either full or part-time. The busiest cargo ports in the country, the Port of LA/Port of Long Beach combo, has hundreds of ships waiting offshore to unload. There is currently a need for drivers of all kinds due to increased demand transporting goods. The governor of California and even President Biden are taking steps to help. There is also a newly increased consumer preference for prompt delivery, and the ongoing labor shortage is making it hard to hire in all sectors of the economy, from delivery to restaurants to hotels and more. Here are some jobs you can check out which might be a good option for you.
Uber & Lyft
Uber and Lyft are currently running aggressive promotions to get more drivers in the post-crisis World. Lyft currently has offers guarnteeing you can make $3,500 in your first month with “Express Drive,” all on your own schedule. Express Drive enables you to get a car any time, and return it when you want after 7 days. Insurance and maintenance are included. Uber is currently running promotions of up to $2,700 a month (depending where you live) when you make your first 200 trips within 30 days. Uber now has a health marketplace as well providing discounted plans for drivers. Another driving app, HopSkipDrive, advertises that you can make as much as $60/hour plus bonuses, helping youth get to school safely.
Deliver Meals or Groceries
Indeed estimates other similar carriers like DoorDash, GrubHub, UberEats, Shipt, and Instacart drivers can expect to earn in the neighborhood of $45,000 – $65,000 per year. These are excellent earnings considering you get to make your own hours, and for most part, be your own boss. You will work to deliver food to-go from local restaurants and “ghost kitchens,” or will do people’s grocery shopping for them and then drop it off at their house.
Amazon
Amazon is currently offering sign-up bonuses of $3,000 and earnings of up to $22 per hour. They do not require any previous work experience and currently have immediate openings. Some hourly positions include fulfillment center associate, delivery station associate, grocery warehouse associate, a grocery store shopper, and many others. Amazon offers free job training, work-life balance, as well as healthcare, parental leave, and employee discounts.
Retail
If you like meeting new people, and being around a lot of interesting products and activity, a job at a retail or grocery store may be for you. Many establishments also offer a discount on everything you purchase which can help cut down on your monthly expenses. Seniors may be leery of taking a job in store, and think it could be tiring, and involve a lot of heavy lifting. The good news is there are many establishments that would be very grateful to have a friendly and honest associate who can provide excellent customer service. Retail stores have some simple jobs too, like working as a cashier, bagging groceries, or greeting customers at the door and helping people find things. Pay has increased nationwide in recent years due to high demand, and now a customer host for Wal-Mart can start at as much as $18 per hour. These jobs can also provide great benefits like health, vision, and dental insurance, plus paid time off.
Tutor
Being a personal tutor can be a very rewarding and lucrative position. Many tutoring jobs start at $25 per hour and can reach over $100 per hour. A tutor will help children of all ages on subjects they may be struggling with, or in areas where they need extra assistance in preparing for a test, learning and retaining information, or keeping a healthy focus and enthusiasm towards their studies. Some tutors will specialize in a favorite subject like math or English, while others will help students with whatever assignments, projects, or homework they may need assistance with. Some will start out independently, while others may choose to work for a large tutoring company like Eye Level or Mathnasium.
Conclusion
In addition to all of these, there are many high-demand opportunities available right now. All of these jobs can help you earn some extra money, stay social, and be a more active part of your community. Be sure to search current openings online to find the best fit for you.