KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Finding a job during the COVID-19 pandemic is still a struggle many face on a daily basis.
"It's been really rough for me because I thought I'd be able to go back to working," Sarah Price, who is unemployed, said.
Price isn't going back to her normal 9-to-5 job.
"I'm a heart patient. So I am high-risk," she said. "I can't go back into public work. So it's been hard trying to find a work from home (job)."
She said every penny she and her husband are able to get from the stimulus deal is life-altering.
"Now that this bill is passed, I hope to get the $300. Because right now we're struggling to pay our lot rent," Price said. "We live in an RV and prior to this, we were homeless."
Price said while getting unemployment benefits is helpful, she wants to get back to work. But finding that perfect fit is tough. That's where places like the Full Employment Council step in.
"At one point, we were averaging at least 1,000 calls a week," Andrea Robins with the Full Employment Council in Kansas City said.
The council is constantly helping people find a job. As we head into the New Year, there are three top industries to watch for: health care, warehouse and logistics, and customer service representatives. The health care industry, in particular, really needs help, Robins said.
"For registered nurses in the last 60 days, 665 openings," Robins said.
But what if you don't have training and are struggling? The council said it's here to help you — which starts with having a good resume.
"Your online presence is important, so don't limit yourself," Robins said. "I would also say practice interviewing. You can practice interviewing with staff here or practice interviewing with someone like a friend."
For those who are unemployed, Robins said don't give up.
Price told 41 Action News she isn't and has hope for the future.
"I just want something that's work from home that I can do that'll give us money coming in beside him, working to where I can feel like I'm contributing," Price said.
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The Rebound Kansas City is our effort is to help metro residents play a role in moving our community forward. We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas to via email to rebound@kshb.com and we welcome you to join in the conversation on the Rebound KC Facebook Group.
Whether you're Getting Back to Work after a layoff, need help Making Ends Meet during these trying times or need tips on Managing the Pressure we're all feeling, The Rebound has resources to find help. We'll also make sure local leaders are Doing What's Right to get Kansas City back track after a three-month shutdown.
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