If you’re unemployed and broke, your first thought might be to panic. After all, not having a job or income can be scary-especially when you have bills to pay and the future is fast approaching. However, the situation doesn’t need to stay that way for long. Just because you are out of work doesn’t mean that you can’t find a new career and make money again. You just have to get creative with your options. If you’re struggling financially as a result of losing your job, here are four ways to find another job quickly, so that you don’t have to spend months worrying about how you will pay rent, buy groceries and keep the lights on at home.

Network, network, network!

Networking is also beneficial if you encounter unexpected problems during your job search, especially after swerving in the military and trying to return to a civilian lifestyle. There’s a chance that you have been denied security clearance previously or even require it to take on a new job. Networking with experts can open up more avenues for you to explore and find solutions to ensure you can get back on your feet and find a new career. 

One of the first things that you should do if you find yourself jobless is to get out and network. Reach out to people that you know-family members, friends, work colleagues, and even your previous boss. There might be job opportunities that you aren’t aware of. If you’re comfortable doing so, it might also be a good idea to reach out to people who work in the same industry you are in. You never know who might be able to point you to a job opening that you might not have otherwise known about.

Also, be sure to join and actively use professional networking sites, like LinkedIn. On these sites, you have the opportunity to curate your online presence, which makes it easier for potential employers to find you and learn more about you and your experience. You can use these sites to connect with former colleagues and teachers, or even current employees at the companies where you want to work.

Learn a New Skill

If you’re currently unemployed and struggling to find a job it might be time to expand your horizons. Luckily, there are many free and low-cost skill-building options out there. From online learning platforms like Coursera and edX, to skill-building communities like Skillshare, you can find plenty of ways to learn new skills without having to pay a dime. Also, many jobs look for handy qualifications such as driving license and proficiency in driving a tanker truck that could give you valuable access to more exclusive job opportunities. 

In addition to exploring free and affordable skill-building options, it’s worth considering the various teaching jobs available in the market. Teaching can be a fulfilling and rewarding career path that offers stability and growth opportunities. To continue with the driving example from above, you could obtain driving instructor training from NxtGen Academy or a similar institution and get a job teaching people this important skill. So by expanding your skill set and considering teaching positions, you can tap into a wide range of job opportunities and contribute to the education and development of others.

Apply to Remote Jobs

As more and more companies rely on technology to conduct business, the remote job has become more and more common. Statistically, about 47% of the American workforce will be working remotely by 2020, so it’s safe to say that you won’t be the only person job searching for a remote position.

That being said, there are definitely positions out there for you to apply to, so it doesn’t hurt to put in a few applications. Remote job boards, like Remote.co and We Work Remotely, are great places to start your application process. You can also search for remote employers on sites like Indeed, and then you can apply directly to the company’s job listing. It’s important to note, however, that just because a job is listed as remote, it doesn’t mean that it’s an easy job that anyone can do.

Conclusion

Finding a new career when you’re unemployed and broke might seem like an impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be. Networking, learning a new skill, taking a class, or applying for remote jobs are all great ways to find a new job quickly and make money again. If you are out of work, the most important thing is to stay positive and believe in yourself. There is a great job out there for you, you just have to find it.