With all of the uncertainty brought about by the global pandemic of COVID-19, you may have spent the summer indoors, or at the very least, without taking on any new jobs. We understand how important work can be — both for your wallet and getting valuable experience — so we've come up with five inventive ways to stay safe and find employment whether school's in session or not. Just remember to pay attention to practical guidelines from health officials, and if you have to get a bit creative — good news — colleges love to hear about problem-solving!

Work With Children

Students aren't the only ones facing disruptions in their job routines. Parents may also need help getting back to a normal work schedule, and that's an opportunity for both you and them. Kids who might normally be at after-school activities or a summer camp will still need to be engaged, and that's where you can come in, either as a physical babysitter (if you both feel comfortable with that proximity) or as a digital one, offering up creative, socially distanced activities. For instance, you could lead kids through science experiments or hands-on activities like tie-dye, and if you're artistically or musically gifted, you can teach a craft or give music lessons, all culminating with a virtual art show or recital. For those of you who are masters at a sport, you can coach kids in the park or other open spaces. There are countless ways to entertain children. It's simply a matter of finding a way to share your special talents.

Create Something

Many of us turn to crafting to keep ourselves occupied when stuck at home. But there's no need to keep work that you'd already be doing for fun (or practice) in isolation — open up a digital storefront and see if you can't perhaps monetize some of it. You'd be surprised how many people need a gift, logo or supplies and instructions for DIY crafts. Are you a wizard at cross-stitching? Put together kits with unique and custom patterns and supplies to sell on Etsy. Talented in graphic design and digital art? Reach out to local businesses and offer your services for their newsletters and ad campaigns, or even sell digital art online at Café Press. And as we're still encouraged to socially distance, sewing reusable masks that are in high demand is a great short-term endeavor.

Digital Administrative Work

Just because some offices are mostly empty, that doesn't mean you can't get some administrative experience under your belt. Reach out to businesses and see if usual in-office work opportunities have been or could be converted into remote work.

Physical Work

Depending on where you live, there are endless options for some manual work. Let your neighbors know that you are available to assemble furniture, pack moving boxes, mow lawns or assist with gardening. The list is endless! If you live in a rural community, offer your services to local farmers or farmers' market vendors. These physical jobs don't require very close contact with others, making them a great option for those looking for something low risk, but offline.

Limited-Contact Gigs

Do you have a driver's license or a bike? If so, consider working for local restaurants or stores that are offering pick-up and delivery. Though these types of jobs do require some contact with others, the interactions are limited and distanced, so working curbside and delivery might be a good fit if you're looking for a more structured, physical opportunity.

Though it may be frustrating to try to find work right now, bear in mind that everyone's in a similar situation. Make the most of it while staying true to your own comfort level (and your parents') and you can find a gig that's both productive and rewarding. For more content about handling COVID-19 challenges while preparing for college, subscribe to our YouTube channel.