Finding legitimate work from home jobs can be frustrating when you keep running into scams that seem to require tons of money to start. With plenty of Americans living paycheck to paycheck and paying exorbitant amounts of money for daycare, the need for work from home jobs with a flexible schedule continues to grow.
Are legitimate work from home jobs…legitimate?
Yes! There are plenty of work-from-home jobs that require little to no money to get started — many just require a decent computer and internet connection. In some cases, you could even use a smartphone.
The thing with many flexible income options is that you might have a better chance of making money by being a self-starter. While you can start most of these jobs with little to no money, you will be required to use your “hustle muscle” to make them profitable and worth your time.
Keep an open mind as you consider these jobs that are hiring right now. Here are some legitimate work-from-home opportunities you can start ASAP:
1) Teaching English Online
If the idea of earning money while helping students sounds interesting, then you may want to consider teaching English from home with companies like VIKID. One of the best ways to earn money teaching English online is through VIPKID.
With VIPKID, you can earn between $14-$22 per hour an as much as $1,000-$2,000 per month. The company has a few basic qualifications like having a Bachelor’s degree and some experience in a teaching setting.
Once you go through the application process, you can start teaching children from all around the world — right from home. Check out the requirements to get started with VIPKID here.
2) Airbnb Hosting
Becoming an Airbnb host is a way great to earn extra money with spare space. Even if you don’t own a home or real estate, you can become an Airbnb host with Airbnb rental arbitrage. If you play your cards right, you can earn extra money without sacrificing too much of your time.
Being an Airbnb host can be an especially lucrative option if you have extra space in a popular travel destination. To get started you can find out what you can earn in your area and create an Airbnb hosting account here.
3) Freelance writing
Freelance writing is my favorite way to earn extra money from home. You can definitely start freelance writing without paying anyone any money upfront, but getting some training as a writer can help you become more successful a little quicker.
The other neat thing about freelance writing is that it’s something that you can do anytime and anywhere. For anyone with a crazy schedule and tight budget, freelance writing may be the perfect way to earn extra cash.
All you need is a decent laptop(like a $200 Chromebook) and an internet connection. (If you are really strapped for cash, you can use your local library’s computer and internet services.)
You may think you need an English degree to write but that’s not the case. Many people have the skills to become a writer but may need the help of an editor to spruce up their work. Most major publications have editors in place. After some practice and editing, you may find that you are a better writer than you thought.
To start getting clients you can create writing samples on one or more platforms:
- Medium
- Start and update your own blog
- Guest posting on various websites
If you still feel like you need more guidance to start writing, check out the Earn More Writing course for more information on how to successfully launch a career as a freelance writer.
The creator of the course, Holly Johnson, consistently earns over $20,000 per month as a writer and shares her secrets in the course. Find out more at the Earn More Writing website.
4) Providing virtual assistant services
Many businesses hire virtual assistants (VA) to perform tasks remotely. Tasks can range from answering phone calls to managing a schedule or various projects.
If you feel that you are detailed oriented and organized, being a virtual assistant from home could be a good fit for you.
To gain get the best tips on becoming a virtual assistant, think about taking a course called 30 Days or Less to Virtual Assistant Success. The creator, Gina Horkey, teaches you the skills you need to be a successful VA and even walks you through the process of landing your first clients.
Check out 30 Days or Less to Virtual Assistant Success to get started as a VA today!
5) Social media manager
Think of all the posts you see on your social media feeds. Someone had to create those posts and schedule them for publishing. Many businesses hire social media managers to handle their social media marketing.
As a social media manager, you could be responsible for creating and curating content for your clients. Although you can work on a variety of platforms, it may be beneficial to become a specialist on one or two to start.
For example, Pinterest virtual assistants work specifically to optimize the strategy of that platform. You should get started by learning everything you need to know about your chosen platform.
Here are some great resources to get started with social media management:
6) Proofreading
Yes, people will hire you to proofread content for the web and for print publishing. In fact, as a writer, my work is proofread and edited by others all the time. So editors and proofreaders can get as much work as freelance writers — if not more!
If you are someone who enjoys catching grammatical errors, then working as a freelance proofreader could be perfect for you. If you want to learn more about the skills, tools and networking it takes to be successful as a proofreader, check out this course from Caitlin Pyle called Proofread Anywhere.
She took her proofreading skills and turned them into a successful six-figure business. Now, she teaches others how to become successful proofreaders as well.
To learn more, check out the Proofread Anywhere website to find out everything you need to know about becoming a paid proofreader.
7) Blogging
Blogging is another legitimate work from home opportunity that can easily fit into anyone’s schedule. You will need to create time to work on your blog, but it can be done at any hour of the day (or night.)
The cool thing about blogging is that you can turn your passion into a profitable business. You can blog about travel, cooking, home schooling, getting fit, raising chickens or anything your heart desires.
You can also help others with your blog. As you write about things that you learn or information that can be useful, you are helping people.
Once you start attracting readers, you can turn that traffic into income. Bloggers earn money through affiliate sales, sponsored posts, products, and network ads.
After you get started, you will realize there are many ways to earn money through your blog but you need to decide what is the best approach for your audience.
You can start your blog with BlueHost for just $3.95 per month. With an extremely low startup cost, this could be the perfect way to start your new online career.
8) Voice acting
I know that this is a real way to make money from home because it’s exactly what Aja McClanahan’s kids do to earn money. Though they live in a major city and go into studios to record jobs, her kids’ auditions are sent in from home.
However, many people do not live in large metropolises with hundreds of recording studios within a 2-mile radius. But that’s not a show-stopper when it comes to voice over work. All you need is a decent, $60 mic and a quiet place to record.
Successful voiceover artist, Carrie Olsen, lives in a small town. She auditions and records right from the comfort of her own home. If you want to start making money as a voice actor, check out Carrie Olsen’s free ebook, Getting Started in Voiceover.
9) Write eBooks for Amazon
Did you know that you can write eBooks and publish them on Amazon? It is a great way to earn passive income while creating a following among your tribe.
Although it will take some effort to write the eBook, it can be quite passive once it is published. If you have a talent for writing novels or short stories, then consider this option.
Michelle Jackson of the popular blog, Michelle is Money Hungry, has successfully published and sold many of her eBooks on Amazon and earns as much as $500 a month with her published works.
If you are interested in learning about how to write, format and publish your own short story for Amazon, check out her course, Make Money with eBooks.
10) Babysitting
Becoming a babysitter or nanny is a great way to earn extra money. One friend of mine babysits regularly to make consistent extra income. In fact, it is paying for her graduate education!
The typical going rate for a babysitter is approximately $10-$15 per hour depending on your location.
You can find potential clients by creating an account with Sitter City — where you can complete a background check and get matched with clients.
You could also post flyers at a church or local community center and check out the “Babysitters of X City” Facebook group. Finally, be sure to ask around among family and friends for referrals and potential clients.
11) Second-hand retail arbitrage
This is just a fancy word for buying and selling used items for profit. You can find things for free or very cheap at consignment shops, thrift stores, yard sales or on apps like Let Go and Offer Up. There are two options with this business model 1) Sell things “as is” or 2) Improve them in some way and sell them at a profit.
For example, there are many people who purchase old furniture and renovate it. Once it’s spiffed up, they sell it for a profit. The same can be done with things like electronics, cars, and appliances.
Once you are ready to sell your items, there are many marketplaces to list your wares:
- eBay
- Craigslist
- Amazon FBA
- Facebook marketplace
- Flea markets & yard sales
- Apps like Offer Up, Let Go, Etsy, Mercari, and PoshMark
Need help to get started? Here are some resources to get going:
12) Swing trading
This might sound like something reserved for Wall Street titans and money moguls but once you learn the art of “technical” stock analysis, you’ll have a system in place to make this side hustle a lucrative reality.
Intrigued? Check out this interview with a super successful swing trader, Tela Holcomb, who retired before the age of 30 with her swing trading skills!
13) Micro call center owner
Arise is a unique platform that allows you to own a “micro” call center which you are able to run from home. To take advantage of this opportunity, you’ll need to incorporate an official business. That cost can be less than $200 in many states. (You can incorporate in any state you choose.)
If you are not ready to create a corporation, you can also become a call center agent that works for an established Arise call center owner. If you feel like you are ready for this option, you can be an Arise call center owner or an agent based on your financial circumstances.
Check out the Arise website for details on this opportunity.
14) Podcast or video editor
The proliferation of podcasts and video content is creating a huge demand for people who can edit this content. You can learn to edit audio and video files by searching Youtube or taking a $10-$20 Udemy course:
15) Create and Sell Tee-shirts
People like Kim Springer, have made a whopping $250,000 from home selling t-shirt creations on TeeSpring.com
If you think you might be able to sell some fashionable designs to the masses, these Udemy.com courses might help you get started:
- Teespring & SunFrog: Make $50,000+ Simply Selling T-shirts
- Teespring: How I’ve Made $72,446 Simply Selling T-shirts
Need more side hustle ideas?
Here are more side hustles you can do if you are able to leave your home:
- Drive with Uber
- Delivery with Uber Eats
- Airbnb hosting
- Freelance bartending
- Be a professional line sitter
- Walk dogs or keep them overnight with Rover
Related resource: Use FlexJobs.com to find thousands of legitimate work from home jobs
Want more ideas on saving, earning extra money and just getting your finances together in general? Check out this free guide, Money Hacks 101: 50+ Ways to Find, Save and Earn More Money.
Click here or the image below to get instructions on how to access it:
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