Make the most of your lockdown with these five useful skills

Over 100 countries are on lockdown to stop the spread of COVID. Most universities and schools have converted traditional class training to online training. Businesses have stopped working because of high loss and no productivity. Companies have started a work-from-home option, which may go for a few more months if not longer.

The pandemic has had a huge impact on the Australian economy, with hospitality and tourism badly hit as there is no business for these sectors. Across the board, a lot of people have lost their jobs and are left without a regular income.

And this is just the present condition, who knows what the future holds in store for us.

Well, that is a bleak picture indeed. However, not all is lost. Food, agriculture and healthcare industries are hiring people and offering a good payout. If you are looking for part-time jobs in Australia, then these are the sectors that you should look for:

• Supermarket and retail sector jobs
• Doorstep delivery Jobs
• Courier pickup and delivery jobs
• Jobs as a security guard
• Farm jobs
• Jobs in the health sector
• Online tutor
• Writing services

These sectors don’t require a lot of expertise and can serve as a temporary solution to earn some income. Also, you can use this free time to upgrade your skills and maybe prepare for the changes in the job market.

Make learning a new skill a priority to improve productivity. Here are a few useful skills you can learn in this pandemic:

1. Coding

One of the trending topics in the IT world is coding. Coders and developers always have a place in the market. Since this pandemic started, there has been a high demand for skilled coders, especially people who are skilled in ethical hacking, even with companies operating virtually. The need for professional developers will only increase after the pandemic. You can learn coding online, from introductory to advanced levels.

Most people believe coding is hard to learn, but there are many simple coding languages like HTML, CSS, and BOOTSTRAP. Even if you have zero knowledge of coding, you can learn! HTML is used to create websites and blogs, and can be the best skill to put on a CV. Learning a coding language can be a great way to advance your career.

LinkedIn Learning has courses that will help you learn to code for free, taking you through coding fundamentals to more experienced steps.

2. Copywriting

Copywriting is one of the valuable skills you need when you are selling anything online. Copywriting sells the product or service without your involvement. A copywriting job can get money on your table in less time. Most companies hire copywriters to compose great email and copy for advertising. If a brand wants to stand in a competitive world, they need someone who can write for them.

To learn to copywrite, you should have good communication and written skills. You should have a passion for writing and reading to become a good copywriter.

Another plus point working as a copywriter is you can work flexible hours or as a freelancer.

3. Learn a new language

Learning a new language is beneficial if you are living in a new country, planning to shift careers, or just want to connect more to your community. However, it is time-consuming, and time is increasingly crucial for most of us presently. Languages like Japanese, Korean and French are trending currently, and would be an added advantage to any CV. You can learn languages through online courses like Duolingo that help you learn language from primary level. If working abroad is your dream, then get started.

4. Digital Marketing

One of the growing fields in the market is Digital Marketing. Most institutes and online training portals are providing digital marketing courses.

Companies are paying a fair payment for professional digital marketers, so make use of this lockdown to learn digital marketing. Most companies need an expert to do social media promotion and SEO, and they’re willing to provide a handsome salary for professional markets.

There are a wide range of free and paid digital marketing courses online which you can learn in your comfort zone and your own time.

People with good creativity can start a career as a social media specialist. Or you can work towards monetising your social media content and get brand deals as an influencer if you have an impressive audience base.

If you can create fantastic posts and videos, you can land in the digital marketing field as a specialist.

5. Cooking

Cooking is great for boosting the mood of food lovers. Many food bloggers are experimenting with new dishes, and you can find great recipes on Youtube or personal blogs. All you need is an interest and passion for cooking and experimenting with new dishes.

Food blogging is currently trending. Many foodies have started blogs from home, no need to splash out too much money.

Cooking is a skill every individual should learn. A lot of students do not have enough time to master the kitchen usually, but with a bit of extra time on your hands, now’s the time!

Conclusion:

The pandemic outbreak has caused worry and uncertainty across the entire world. Benefit your life and career by teaching yourself a new skill – stop driving yourself stir crazy while locked at home.

Featured image courtesy of Unsplash