Being out of work can be one of the most discouraging positions to be in life. This is especially true if you’re not sure when you will get your next job opportunity. However, no matter how bleak your prospects appear to be, there are some methods to consider—methods that help a lot of other people in your position improve their financial standing. If you’re out of work and are looking for ways to make ends meet, here are some tips to try right away:

Cut unnecessary expenses.

Before you get too deep into your job hunt, sit down with your budget. Chances are there are a number of expenses you can eliminate or reduce to help you in this time of financial difficulty. Remember that making these cuts does not mean that you will never enjoy certain comforts again.

With that in mind, think of any expenses that are not completely necessary to the health and well-being of your household, whether it’s canceling a subscription to your favorite streaming service, dining out less, or changing your professional lawn maintenance from weekly to every two weeks.

Adjust your lifestyle.

Naturally, cutting certain expenses in your budget will require you to make adjustments to your lifestyle, as minor or major as they may be. For example, by growing your cooking skills, Chowhound notes that you can take advantage of the various fun, delicious recipes offered online that will help you enjoy great food while reducing the amount of money you spend on dining out. Also, by scouring the web for free at-home workout videos and tutorials, you can cancel that gym membership while still fostering your fitness routine.

These are just a couple of many ways that you can adjust your lifestyle to stay healthy on the cheap. It really comes down to adopting a different mindset and being willing to try new things. For more information and advice along these lines, it can help to consult books, TV shows, and other resources provided by experts like Marco LeRoc.

Hit the books.

While you may be in a difficult financial situation right now, it also might be the perfect time to build upon your existing skills and grow your knowledge. And one of the best ways to do that is to enroll in an online college. For instance, if you want to be a CPA, then pursuing an online accounting degree will help you get closer to your career goals without requiring you to compromise your responsibilities at work and at home. You can also earn an online degree in business administration, software development, and many other fields.

Sell stuff online.

If you have talent for selling things, the web is your new best friend. E-commerce has been on the rise for years now, and economical changes brought on by the pandemic have caused online sales to soar as of late. Simply put, now is the best time to jump on the e-commerce train. Research online trending products that you can sell, choose a good platform, and get ready to make some money.

Look for remote work.

If you don’t want to sell things out of your home, that’s OK. There are still plenty of opportunities for boosting your income without leaving the house. The Motley Fool explains that by becoming a freelancer, you can open yourself up to a wide range of jobs.

Whether it’s information technology (IT), web development, content writing, engineering, or almost any other industry you can think of, there is likely a gig available in the freelance market. Consider the skills and interests you’ve acquired over the years, as well as whether or not you would like to try something new. Then, sign up for freelancer sites to start building your brand and attracting clients.

If you’re out of work, you’re in a tough spot. But you can start improving your situation today. Review your budget to see what expenses you can cut and what lifestyle changes you can make. Consider pursuing an online degree, and look into starting an online store and/or becoming a freelancer. By giving some or all of these tips a try, you can put yourself in a better financial position in the short- and long-term.