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Insurance adjusters are in high demand after disasters

Posted at 9:50 AM, Sep 22, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-22 13:51:43-04

In the wake of the spate of recent hurricanes, people all over are doing their part to lend a helping hand. There are many ways you can pitch in—from donating money as well as nonperishable goods and clothing to volunteering. If you're looking for a way you can be of assistance to hurricane victims while earning a living at the same time, you're in luck. Independent insurance adjusters, who are responsible for assessing how much an insurance company will pay out on a claim, can earn up to $30,000 for just a few days of work after a natural disaster. Of course, it can feel taboo to talk about earning a living while other people are experiencing the worst times of their lives. But while it might take an emotional toll to work with people who have just lost everything on a daily basis, you can take solace in the fact that you're doing a good deed. You're helping people start the process of getting their lives back on track, and no matter how you look at it, it's a job that has to be done by someone. hurricane damage photo While the work can be inconsistent, when a major disaster strikes, as is the case with the recent hurricanes, those in the industry say it's possible to earn $65,000 to $100,000 in the first month after the storm. The work is relatively easy to come by, with most people simply "falling into" the career by virtue of living in a place where natural disasters are common, such as Florida. While experience in the construction or engineering industries will certainly give you a leg up, no specific professional background is required. Some firms prefer a college degree, but often a high school degree or even a GED is sufficient. Many states do require a license, but the good news is that license is often valid across different states, so you can go where the work takes you. insurance adjuster photo If you're interested in finding out how exactly you can get a job in this line of work, AdjusterPro.com has a guide on how to become an independent adjuster. If you think you have what it takes, Mother Nature ensures that your job will probably always be necessary. “Where disaster strikes, you’re going to be in great demand,” Robert Hartwig, an insurance professor at University of South Carolina's business school, told TIME.

This story originally appeared on Don't Waste Your Money. Checkout Don't Waste Your Money for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.