Caregivers of seniors already have rewarding jobs, but sometimes there’s a need for extra income. When it’s time to start saving for a big purchase or a nest egg, there are several lucrative side gigs to choose from that will still allow you to care for your patient or loved one. Not only will a side gig help you earn extra cash, but it could also open up social possibilities for you, which is important in combating the isolation that can occur for caregivers. You can also look for tools that will give you peace of mind when it comes to caring for the senior in your life. Explore The Vitals App to learn more about a life-changing service for both seniors and their caregivers.
When you’re ready to think about starting your gig, here are a few things to consider:
Social Media is a Great Place to Start
Finding a job can take some time, especially when you have very specific needs where your schedule is concerned. Staying active on social media platforms can help you find leads and make connections that will help you land the perfect gig, and you can reach out to people you know for recommendations. You can also download an app made specifically for the gig economy that will show you all the available local jobs.
Become an Entrepreneur
While you could pick up a part-time job with an existing company, it will be challenging to work out a realistic schedule that still allows you to care for your senior, which is why most side-gigs are small businesses unto themselves. You might take your knowledge as a caregiver and turn it into a gig as a healthcare writer or first-aid instructor, or you can branch out into something entirely different and turn a creative passion into income, such as wedding photography. There are also lots of side gigs that can be done online, which may be easier for you as far as flexibility goes; if you have a knack for blogging, you can become an affiliate marketer or earn passive income through ad revenue.
Keep it Legal
Once you’ve found the perfect side gig, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your tax responsibilities are taken care of, so it’s important to manage the legal side of things right away. If you’re starting your own business, you’ll need to secure a business license–which is typically connected to your local taxes and is provided by your city’s revenue commission–and figure out your business structure. A limited liability company is one of the most common types, and it offers tax benefits as well as some protection over your personal assets. Each state has its own regulations surrounding LLCs, so read up on the required steps and consider hiring a formation service to file the paperwork rather than a costly attorney.
Market Your Business
As an entrepreneur, it’s crucial that you know how to advertise your business and attract customers. Setting up a professional website should be your first step when it comes to marketing. It should be connected to your professional social media accounts, offer various payment options, and have easy-to-navigate pages that show off what you’re all about. Create a logo that sets you apart from your competition, as well as an infographic that provides lots of meaningful information in a short amount of time. You can save money on design services by using an infographic template, which allows you to personalize a professional-looking format with your choice of colors, text, and images.
Finding a side-gig when you’re a caregiver can be stressful if you don’t start with the right tools, so be sure to utilize apps and online resources to help throughout the process. Don’t forget to practice self-care, which is vital for caregivers who want to prevent burnout.
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