Some people are just not suited to a career that leaves them stuck in an office for hours on end. If a 9-to-5 grind is not something you aspire to, becoming a freelancer might be the ideal career choice for you.
Starting out as a freelance worker may seem like a daunting prospect. Luckily, there are plenty of careers that take place outside of a traditional office space. Not to mention, it helps if you already possess a few skills that can be used for remote work.
Here are 10 of the best gigs for people who want to go freelance.
Blogger
Individuals with a knack for spelling and grammar and who enjoy using their words to convey information to others may enjoy a career as a blogger. Freelance bloggers can either create their own blog and post engaging content on their own website, or they can contract their services to other companies to help gain traction with target audiences.
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Well-written blog posts that are fully optimized can help get websites noticed by more consumers. When consumers search for products and services using a search engine, an optimized blog can help push a site right to the top of a search engine results page (SERPs). Bloggers who know what they’re doing are incredibly valuable to businesses across different industries, and there are a lot of opportunities for these types of freelancers.
Delivery Driver
If you have a penchant for driving, a gig in the transport and delivery industry could be ideal for you. The role of a delivery driver generally involves moving goods from one place and delivering it to another location. In addition, the delivery driver role may also entail some level of customer service and loading and unloading goods. With an abundance of different types of delivery services, there is a huge demand for delivery drivers.
Besides the high volume of shipping jobs available, delivery drivers can choose their own hours and either work for another company or take on freelance gigs. Delivery drivers can find plenty of pick up and delivery jobs by using load boards and other online marketplaces for shipping jobs.
Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants are basically personal assistants who work online. They provide a variety of services to paying clients, depending on the nature of their business. In general, a virtual sales assistant offers administrative support, which includes handling financial sales assistance, business communication, data entry, etc. This is a great role for beginners with minimal qualifications who want to work from home.
Online Marketer
The world of marketing is ever-evolving, and professionals with a penchant for digital marketing can find a plethora of opportunities right on their virtual doorstep. Digital marketing is in demand, and companies either do not have the expertise or the time to do it themselves.
Therefore, many types of businesses across different industries are willing to spend big bucks on third-party vendors who can do the job properly. Freelance digital marketers play various roles for businesses. On the one hand, they might be required to head the entire marketing operations of a business; on the other, they could complete specific tasks to suit company needs.
Generally speaking, your job is to get a company noticed by the right people. Digital marketers should have a good grasp of social media, content and ad creation, website management and promotion, and search engine optimization (SEO).
Dog Walker
If you are an animal lover who enjoys spending time with dogs, walking dogs for a living can bring joy into your life. The main responsibility of dog walkers is ensuring their client’s pets are safe and well looked after during a walk.
Dog walkers can usually pick their own hours, but they also need to consider their clients’ timetables. Clients usually need dog walking services during work hours or while they are on vacation.
Photographer
Those with a keen interest in photography can turn their passion into a rewarding career. Photographers are natural freelancers, although you can also find remote employment when working on a long-term contract for some organizations.
As a photographer, you have the freedom to pick and choose the projects that pique your interest, and you can negotiate your fee with clients.
Online Teacher
According to Statista, in the United States, there is a projected growth of approximately 86.5 million freelance workers by the year 2027. Ultimately, freelancers will make up 50.9 percent of the total workforce in the states. Out of all of the freelance gigs out there, online teaching and tutoring is one of the most in-demand and highest paying on the market.
Whether you are formally trained and qualified to teach, or have basic qualifications, the shortage in this field means that aspiring online teachers have a high chance of getting a job.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language
To increase your chances of getting a well-paid gig, you can obtain online teaching credentials such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate. With a good command of English and a willingness to help others learn the language, freelancers can thrive as online teachers.
Additionally, with a TEFL certificate, you can teach English in foreign countries. This is a great career choice for people with a thirst for travel.
Tour Guide
A successful tour guide should possess excellent interpersonal skills, should have an interest in specific sites or locations, and have a penchant for communication and storytelling. Tour guides have the option of working for themselves or directly for organizations, and the job involves guiding visitors around places of interest and educating them in an engaging way.
You can find work in museums, galleries, and famous landmarks, or you can provide tour guide services on coaches and tours. Some tour guides charge a set amount for their services and accept a tip at the end of a successful tour, while others work solely on commission.
Personal Trainer
From large-scale gyms and health clubs to independent studios and the homes of clients, personal trainers can find work in a range of settings. Personal trainers specialize in physical fitness, and their duties include providing nutritional and exercise advice to help individuals achieve their fitness goals.
Professionals with years of experience in one industry and a vast amount of specialist knowledge can work independently as a consultant. Consultants can enjoy a flexible work schedule, diverse work environments, and a high income.