Over the past year I’ve interviewed several people who earn money by doing things a bit differently. They’ve built their own paths and are thriving.
If you missed any of those interviews on my blog, I’ve put together this roundup so you can quickly find opportunities that might spark your interest.
Some entries below describe work-from-home jobs and small businesses, others explain ways to travel while earning income. The common thread is flexibility—there are options for anyone who wants to work remotely or get paid to travel.
The careers and jobs covered include:
- Selling on Amazon
- Becoming a virtual assistant
- Traveling the world as an au pair
- Making money as a proofreader
- Bookkeeping, even with no prior experience
- Working as a voice-over actor
- Creating and selling an ebook
- Starting a freelance writing career
- Becoming a transcriptionist
I’m always looking to add more ideas to this list. If you know of other flexible income opportunities, please share them in the comments or send me an email.
Sell on Amazon
Jessica Larrew of The Selling Family explains how selling on Amazon can be a real opportunity. In their first year running an Amazon FBA business—working less than 20 hours a week as a family—they earned six-figure profits.
Whether you’re seeking a full-time role or a side hustle, Amazon FBA is worth exploring. The interview covers how Jessica got started, what Amazon FBA is, how to select products, potential earnings, and the advantages of selling on Amazon.
Learn more at How To Work From Home Selling On Amazon FBA.
Become a virtual assistant
Virtual assistants perform a wide range of tasks: social media management, formatting and editing blog posts, scheduling, travel planning, email management, and other business tasks that don’t require the owner’s direct attention.
Gina is a professional writer and virtual assistant who, within six months, was earning over $4,000 per month from writing and related services. In the interview she explains how to get started, who typical clients are, expected income, and the benefits of virtual assisting.
Learn more at Make Money Online as a Virtual Assistant.
Travel the world and be an au pair
In 2016 my sister worked as an au pair in Italy and shares her experience and practical advice for others who want to travel and live abroad while working with families.
The post covers how much au pairs typically earn, benefits and drawbacks, how to find a host family, and questions to ask before accepting a placement.
Learn more at How To Become An Au Pair And Travel The World.
Grammar nut? Try proofreading for a living
In 2014 Caitlin earned just over $43,000 as a freelance proofreader while still enjoying travel. Proofreading can be a viable full-time income or a flexible side hustle.
The interview explains how to get started, typical clients, potential earnings, whether proofreading is a fit for most people, and what training you might need. Caitlin also offers a free 76-minute workshop covering common questions and popular proofreading tools.
Learn more at How To Become A Proofreader And Work From Anywhere.
Become a bookkeeper
Ben, founder of Bookkeeper Business Academy, teaches people how to start and grow a bookkeeping business with his online course. You don’t need to be an accountant or have prior experience to begin.
The interview explains what bookkeepers do, typical clients, expected earnings for new bookkeepers, how to get started, and the pros and cons of the work. Bookkeeping can be a steady, in-demand service for remote entrepreneurs.
Learn more at Make Money At Home By Becoming A Bookkeeper and Online Bookkeeping Jobs: Learn How To Get Started Today.
Use your voice
Voice-over actors are the unseen voices behind YouTube videos, radio ads, explainer videos, audiobooks, commercials, video games, documentaries, and e-learning courses. Many voice actors work remotely and build flexible careers.
Carrie left her salaried job in 2014 to pursue voice-over work full-time. She created a six-week online class that sold out and helped several students book jobs even before the course ended. The interview covers how she started, who hires voice talent, how much beginners might earn, how to find first gigs, costs involved, and the advantages of the field.
Learn more at How To Become A Voice Over Actor And Work From Anywhere.
Create an ebook
Abby from Just a Girl and Her Blog explains how creating ebooks and other digital products can become a strong income stream. In 2015 she earned over $110,000 from digital product sales and has since scaled to a six-figure annual business largely driven by ebooks.
The interview discusses Abby’s process: why she chose digital products, how she launched ebooks, revenue results, the effort required to create an ebook, typical earnings, and the benefits of selling digital content.
Learn more at How To Create A Profitable Ebook With Abby Lawson.
Start a thriving freelance writing career
Freelance writers create content for websites, blogs, magazines, and other clients. They work independently, setting rates and choosing projects.
Catherine Alford built a successful freelance writing and blogging business that allowed her to leave her full-time job and spend more time with her family. She began charging $10 per post and eventually commanded several hundred dollars per article. Her interview explains how she landed initial clients, what the work entails, income expectations for beginners, and strategies to find your first freelance writing job.
Learn more at How To Start A Successful Freelance Writing Career.
Become a transcriptionist
Janet began working from home as a medical transcriptionist in 2007 and later expanded into general and legal transcription. She now teaches others how to transcribe online and run a transcription business from home.
The interview covers what transcriptionists do, how to get started, potential earnings, and recommended training. Transcription work can be a steady remote option for people who type accurately and listen well.
Learn more at Make Money At Home By Becoming A Transcriptionist.
Related content: 20 Of The Best Entry Level Work From Home Jobs.
Do any of these ideas interest you? Which would you like to learn more about?