Unemployed and over 40?

Starting a side gig is one way to maintain your job skills and make money.

In August 2015, I registered with Fiverr to start freelancing. Fiverr has been around for 5 years and is fast becoming the first stop for those seeking to break into freelancing. (a great article on the Founder)

I joined a few years back under the name ‘mwahonsquidoo’ when I wrote a lot of Squidoo pages. I really didn’t put much effort into Fiverr as I had a crochet blog that was taking quite a bit of my time. I finally released myself from that and can now say (like Micha Kaufman of Fiverr) “I’m a recovering crochet blog addict” 🙂

“I’m a recovered lawyer, but I’ve been clean for more than 10 years,” Micha Kaufman - Fiverr

I follow the ‘over 40 and unemployed‘ stories online because basically that is what I am. Yes, I do freelance work from time to time but that is ‘feast or famine’ kind of work.

As someone who is getting older but not yet in the grave, I enjoy working.

Why did it take you so long to get a side gig?

I put a lot of time and effort into a craft blog I had. I was building it, but a lack of confidence kept me from moving forward. A personal issue came up in my family so I took some time off. Enough excuses right?

I simply didn’t have the faith in myself to put my skills out there.

I started with Fiverr because it only requires me to sell my services for $5. Crazy huh? As I build up my mind I will, of course, increase my fees.

Is this hurting my future?

I don’t think so. Just like in email marketing you offer a lead magnet (a white paper or discount code) I’m offering 1-hour work for $5. Want more? Add an extra gig which is at a higher price.

It maintains the skills I do have and sometimes I even learn new ones.

My Theory of Employment for Those Over 40

I believe that the most ‘secure’ job is one you create for yourself, whether you have a ‘real job’ or not. A backup is always a good idea.

Social Security is not something you should rely on just like Welfare is not something to rely on. It is helpful but is not reliable. It has a funny way of appearing like a ‘safety net’ but it is a trap.

How to Find a Gig for YOU

1. List your skills
2. Prioritize your list (top 5 that you enjoy doing)
3. Figure out a way to market those skills (will someone pay you for it)
4. Register with Fiverr.com (Worldwide) or Care.com (Locally)

Be proactive with your life, show initiative, and develop self-discipline during your down-time. It will boost your ego and shows your future employer you are someone worth investing in.

Unemployment is no fun. Those unemployment checks will eventually end. Don’t rely on it - don’t even consider it income. It is only pretending to be income. Most importantly - it is Temporary!

Here are some Gig ideas to get you started:

• 101 Ways of Earning Money on the Side via OneCentAtATime - some great ideas here - teaching English, transportation, pet sitting, snow shoveling, virtual teacher, and music instructor
• Blog Tyrant shares 9 Fiverr Gigs to improve your blog (great ideas here for You)
• Care.com - a registry for locals. Find your skill - pets, children, personal assistant, etc., add it to your profile, and apply to jobs. Most jobs that I see are driving children to and from school, bookkeeping, meal prep, errands, and lots of pet sitting jobs.

What are your thoughts? Are you currently unemployed? How are you maintaining or learning new skills during this transition? Join me on @duggansara Twitter or Facebook - FiveinSac and sound off or simply leave a comment below. #fiveinsac or #youareloved