Joy Wasted with KB Dickey

The world is shaking. Capitol Hill is in turmoil, companies—big and small—are cutting jobs left and right, and families are feeling the squeeze as groceries and bills skyrocket. People are losing jobs, losing security, and losing peace of mind. Anxiety is through the roof, and it feels like the enemy is planting seeds of lack, scarcity, and despair everywhere we turn.

But here’s the truth: the enemy needs space to work. Don’t give him any.

This is not the time to slow down. This is not the time to sit still and panic. This is the time to press the gas and move forward with everything you’ve been building. Your talents, your gifts, your vision—whatever you have in your hands, use it.

Remember the woman in the Bible with nothing but a little oil? She went to the prophet Elisha in distress because creditors were coming to take her sons as slaves. And what did he tell her? “Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors—empty vessels; do not gather just a few.” (2 Kings 4:3) She poured and poured, and the oil didn’t stop flowing until every jar was full. She was able to sell it, pay off her debt, and live off the rest.

The lesson? Use what you have, get resourceful, and trust that God will multiply your efforts.

What Can You Do Right Now?

If you’ve been hit by a job loss or feel like one is on the horizon, don’t freeze—act. Here are some things you can do to stay ahead and keep your household stable:

1. Look for Remote Work & Side Hustles

While searching for a full-time job, you can bring in income from home. Here are some ideas:

• Freelancing: Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to offer skills like writing, graphic design, data entry, or virtual assistance.
• Online Tutoring: Companies like VIPKid, Wyzant, and Chegg Tutors let you teach students online.
• Customer Service Jobs: Companies like Amazon, American Express, and Liveops hire remote customer service reps.
• Selling Products Online: Platforms like Etsy (for handmade items) or Amazon/eBay (for reselling) can generate extra income.
• Social Media Management: Many small businesses need help managing their online presence.

2. Start a Small Business with Minimal Investment

Not all businesses require a huge start-up cost. Some ideas:

• Drop shipping or Print-on-Demand: Sell custom-designed products without holding inventory.
• Content Creation: Start a YouTube channel, blog, or podcast. Monetization takes time, but it can become a full income stream.
• Cleaning Services: Residential or commercial cleaning services can be started with minimal investment.
• Event Planning: If you have an eye for detail, help people organize weddings, parties, or corporate events.

3. Monetize Your Existing Skills

• Are you great at baking? Start selling treats locally.
• Good with hair? Offer styling services.
• Have an eye for fashion? Become a personal shopper or stylist.
• Love writing? Offer resume services or ghostwriting.

4. Build Multiple Income Streams

One job isn’t enough anymore. Build multiple streams of income so that if one dries up, others are still flowing. Whether it’s investing, rental properties, affiliate marketing, or even ride-sharing/gig work, diversification is key.

Your Mindset is Your Greatest Asset

More than anything, guard your mind. Capture every negative thought and throw it out. Renew your mind daily. Surround yourself with people who are going places—people who inspire and push you to grow. If you don’t have those people around you, start listening to podcasts, reading books, and consuming content from people who do.

This is not the time to lose hope. Things are not always what they seem. There is an undercover blessing waiting to surface. All things are working for your good—even when it doesn’t look like it.

So what are you going to do? Sit in fear? Or rise up and move forward? The choice is yours.