6 Ways To Build Wealth After Getting Laid Off — That Don’t Include a New Job

June 30, 2024 DINARRECAPS8

Vance Cariaga Thu, Jun 27, 2024

Layoffs are a fact of life in the modern economy — even when the economy is growing and unemployment is low, like now. The list of companies that have announced layoffs this year alone reads like a “who’s who” of corporate titans and includes Amazon, Walmart, Microsoft, Alphabet (Google), Tesla, Bristol Myers Squibb, Nike and Disney.

The disconcerting thing for workers is that employers sometimes announce layoffs even when they’re doing well financially. In some cases, businesses announce layoffs to make up for past hiring sprees. In other cases, they simply replace workers with AI or other technologies.

Given the size and frequency of layoffs these days, it’s understandable that some folks who have been given the pink slip have decided to stop looking for jobs altogether. If you fall into that category, here are six ways to build wealth that don’t include getting another full-time job.

Find a Side Hustle Instead

Unless you were given a generous severance package after getting laid off, you might need to bring in some immediate income to help navigate the initial rough patch. That doesn’t mean you have to get another job, however. There are plenty of side hustles available that let you work on your own schedule and be your own boss.

If you have expertise in a particular field, for example, you could serve as a consultant and earn up to $100 an hour or more. If you have a strong background in social media and a large network of online friends and followers, consider becoming an influencer. It’s not uncommon for successful influencers to earn six-figure incomes through sponsored promotions, brand collaborations, merchandise sales and other means.

Rent Out Part of Your House

If you are a homeowner, one of the best ways to earn immediate income following a layoff is to turn your house into a moneymaker. As the Virtual Vocations website noted, sites like Airbnb and Vrbo let you list single rooms in your house to travelers and traveling workers. You can earn an average of about $924 a month renting a room with a bed, bathroom access and cleaning services.

Invest In Dividend Stocks

You don’t have to be a stock market expert to find securities that can provide immediate income. The best way to do this is to build a portfolio of dividend stocks that let you collect regular passive income, which can compound into substantial long-term wealth.

Use your dividend payments to purchase additional shares through a dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP), and keep adding new capital. Modest initial investments can snowball into diversified six- and seven-figure portfolios over time.

Invest In Real Estate