Working from home is not an entirely new concept, but undoubtedly became popularized through the pandemic years. Now that most companies have officially ordered staff back to the office, it's left many people longing for the flexibility and improved work/life balance that they became accustomed to. I've personally had experience doing both, and after moving my operation into my home at the end of last year, would truthfully never go back to running a brick-and-mortar business again. I love the time and cost savings, increased efficiency, and ability to spend more time with my family. Though not everyone thrives without the structure and community that going to a workplace away from home can provide, it's important to know which lifestyle is truly the right fit for you.
If you've weighed the pros and cons of working from home and are intrigued by the idea of being your own boss from the comfort of anywhere you choose to be, here are 8 options you can start exploring right now.
#1 - Social Media Manager
If you've got knowledge of social media platforms, are creative, and have good communication skills, being a freelance social media manager is a fun and lucrative way to make a living! Businesses, artists, and fellow entrepreneurs are always looking to hire out help for creating content, posting, and getting their follower engagement up.
#2 - Online Teaching
Everyone has at least one thing they are well-versed at. It could be the thing you studied in school, an industry you've worked in, or a hobby you've enjoyed a long time. You can share your expertise online with either one-on-one coaching or through another medium like creating courses, writing books or other literary content, filming videos, and more. Today, the opportunities are endless, and so is the reach, thanks to the connectivity of the internet! A quick online search can show you just how many other people out there with your idea are taking advantage of the online education space, and why there is nothing too broad or niche in order to be successful.
Revenue in the Online Education market is projected to reach over $166 billion dollars this year alone, with an annual expected growth rate of almost 10% in the coming years, according to Statista.
#3 - Virtual Assistant
If you're an organized person and have got great attention to detail, being a virtual assistant could be a great option for you! In this path, you'd be providing administrative and technical support to business owners or companies, doing anything from scheduling appointments, to managing emails, booking jobs, bookkeeping, running social media accounts, and being a liaison between other staff and vendors. All you typically need is a computer, phone, and reliable internet connection to get started!
#4 - Freelance Writer
If you've got the gift of literary gab, you can offer your services as a freelance writer to companies, magazines, blogs, and entrepreneurs that need regular content for their audience. I have included this as a part of my career for the last 15 years, and have loved every second of it. (Here I am even doing it for myself as we speak!) To get started, you'll want to begin writing so you can generate a portfolio of article samples, and then do some outreach to relevant publications to see if they're hiring or looking for contributors. Heck, I've even offered pieces for free to get my foot in the door and show my interest in collaborating, and have had a lot of luck with that too. Plus, the more you write, the more confident you'll feel with putting yourself out there for bigger and bigger opportunities, and commanding a great rate you're excited about.
#5 - Graphic Designer
Businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, and public figures are always in need of good graphic designers to help with their marketing materials, websites, logos, and social media. If you're creative with a talent for design, you can start curating content for sale immediately with the myriad of free and affordable platforms accessible now. Even if you don't feel like you've got a handle on the software well enough, there are tons of courses you can find online to teach you the ins and outs of various apps, and help you get some practice bringing your ideas to life.
#6 - Accountant/Bookkeeper
If you have a background in accounting or bookkeeping work, consider working freelance in this space! You'll want to innately have some strong math skills, attention to detail, and working knowledge in commonly-used accounting software. Then come up with a rate card and start reaching out to businesses to offer assistance with managing their financial records, transactions, taxes, and future planning. You'll be surprised by how many people may be willing to give you a try, with new businesses starting every day.
#7 - Web Developer
Easier now than ever before, there are so many user-friendly platforms out there for web design. If you're tech-savvy with some coding experience, you can put together complex, custom sites for all sorts of people and businesses. Or if you've got an eye for design and are willing to put in the work, there are many "drag and drop" options that will easily let you organize a company's info, multimedia, and contact needs in a very simple, yet impressive and aesthetically-pleasing manner. You can offer your freelance services in an online gig database, or cold email people and businesses yourself to offer your web development services. Plus, there are lots of opportunities for longterm work relationships when it comes to site updates, management, and rebrands.
#8 - Event Planner
If you enjoy putting together a party and love being creative, consider becoming a freelance event planner! Individuals and businesses have lots of needs for this year-round, and are always looking for an affordable and efficient way to share the responsibility, while taking pride in throwing an awesome event! Think everything from birthday parties, to showers, intimate dinners, family gatherings, and even small weddings for private clients, and company luncheons, product launches, and holiday celebrations for businesses. Event planning can be a lot of fun and very lucrative for the right person.
And there you have it!
Don't be afraid to make a change in your life. Nothing comes without work, but having the ability to control your time and enjoy your life in a way that not everybody can, is something worth putting in the time for. As someone who talks the talk and walks the walk myself every single day in the entrepreneurial work-from-home space, I implore you to have the courage to evolve in your own life. We often regret the chances we didn't take, and the things we didn't do, more than anything else.
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