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Most people start their work-at-home journey “on the side.” There’s a good chance you are working a full-time gig and either looking for a little extra cash or looking to start a little something that can grow into and replace your current full-time job somewhere down the road. Thankfully, the online world offers a lot of opportunities for side hustlers.
In today’s post, we are going to be looking at some great part-time gigs that are really flexible and you can do remotely with just a couple of hours per day.
Transcription
A transcriptionist is someone who types out audio content into a text format. Transcription is a popular work-at-home side job because it allows for a flexible schedule and location and the only equipment needed is a desktop or lap (and headphones if you wish to better hear). There are three main categories of remote transcription; general, medical and legal. General is the easiest to get into for those with no experience.
This type of job is great for those with strong typing skills and attention to accuracy and listening. The type of audio files you may expect to transcribe include meetings, dictations, speeches, interviews, teleconferences and conversations. There are many online resources available for those looking to turn transcription into a career.
Companies to consider as a beginner:
- Rev.com
- 3Play Media
- TranscribeMe
Income Potential: In the beginning, probably not a lot. Almost all transcription is production-based pay. The faster and more accurately you type, the more you can make. Many beginners report earnings averaging under $10 per hour.
Learn more about transcription here.
English Tutoring
There are people, children and adults alike, all around the world who want to learn the English language. As an online English tutor, you don’t need a teacher’s degree, just a strong grasp of English language skills. Companies may vary slightly in terms of time and experience requirements, but the flexibility is still tremendous.
The tutoring is in a live video format so you will need good lighting, a microphone or headset, a webcam and high-speed internet. A warm smile and happy disposition will definitely help you become a successful online English tutor.
Companies to consider:
Income Potential: Good! Some companies pay their tutors over $20 per hour. The drawback, of course, is those early morning hours. It may be flexible, but you are still somewhat restricted.
Learn more about teaching English online here.
Search Engine Evaluation/Ad Evaluator
A Search Engine Evaluator analyzes the relevancy and quality of search engine results based on a user’s search query. Even though search engine companies rely heavily on their own computer intelligence human skills are still needed to make sure internet searches lead the users to the right web pages. An ad evaluator researches if online advertisements relate to the search terms used.
This is a good side gig for someone who has strong computer and communication skills, self-management and problem-solving skills. As an independent contractor, you’ll have some flexibility. Keep in mind that jobs run project to project so there may be some downtime between opportunities.
Companies to consider:
- Teemwork.ai
- Lionbridge
- Appen
Income Potential: Pretty decent! Even though the hourly rate is typically kept under wraps, many people report it being about minimum wage.
Freelance Writer
All sorts of companies hire freelance writers. From publications – print and online – to small businesses and big organizations. Companies need solid writers on a project-by-project basis who understand the type of platform and audience they are seeking. A degree in Journalism or English is not required. As long as you possess strong writing skills (i.e. strong vocabulary, clarity, coherence and sentence structure) you can literally write about almost any subject.
While searching for opportunities, it’s helpful to know what kind of content your strength is. Do you prefer longer, more journalistic pieces for print publications or shorter, less formal ones, such as blogs? What about lively advertising copy or technical journals? No matter the subject matter or outlet meeting deadlines and producing original content (no plagiarism!) is paramount.
Companies to consider to test the waters:
- BKA Content
- Textbroker
Income Potential: Working for a “content mill” like those mentioned above won’t earn you much. They can be a good place to try your hand at online writing, but it’s best to move on quickly if you are looking to pay the bills. Luckily, it isn’t too difficult to find your own clients if you aren’t afraid to send a few emails.
Learn more about freelance writing for beginners here.
Check out this free download of over 200+ writing niches to consider.
Deliveries
Maybe sitting at a desk is not your thing. Finding a more physically active line of work like delivering consumer goods could be your ticket. With a smartphone in nearly all households ordering food, groceries or even clothing over a phone app is growing in popularity.
No special skills or experience are needed. A car is mostly required but depending on the area and company deliveries can be made by bicycle or on foot. Some other basic requirements are age, 18-19 years old, a valid driver’s license and insurance and a smartphone. But check with the individual company to see what they require and if they are in your zip code. This job will keep you on the move and put some cash in your pocket.
Companies to consider:
Income Potential: It really depends on your location and when you are working. Some people report earning a good income. Others complain they can barely make minimum wage.
Learn more about getting paid to drive here.
Small Tasker
Thousands of companies and individuals seek out help with their smaller sized tasks. The tasks encompass needs such as taking surveys, making phone calls, researching ideas for a party, data entry, research, identifying images in a video and even translating content from one language to another. The majority are simple and short tasks.
There is a lot of variety so you can find what you want to do and when to do it. You are paid per task and so the key here is take on a volume of tasks.
Companies to consider:
- mTurk
- Fancy Hands
- The Smart Crowd
Income Potential: Unfortunately, not much. It’s likely you won’t even make minimum wage. However, you can pick up tasks whenever and wherever you want. Do as much or as little as you want and is available.
Learn more about micro jobs here.
Test Scoring
If you’re looking for a non-phone computer job from home, consider becoming an online test grader. There will be some training to prepare you to score tests for high school and college students and even sometimes K-8 students. Depending on the company you will be reading essays and term papers or checking multiple-choice answers.
It’s not difficult work, per se, but there are some skills that are needed to be fulfilled and successful. It’s important to be organized, detail-oriented and strict with deadlines. Critical thinking that is fair and unbiased is also important when grading essays or open-ended questions. Depending on the position you may just work during the academic year, but year-round jobs are available, as well.
Companies to consider:
- Measurement, Inc.
- Pearson
Income Potential: Scorers typically report earnings of $10 to $13 per hour depending on the company and your experience. Many people in my community love this seasonal work, however.
Learn more about at-home test scoring jobs here.
Reseller
A reseller buys a product at a low price and then resells it online for a profit. The key to success is purchasing the right items and selling them on the best platform. This will take some research and investigation on your part. Some very popular resale products include sneakers, electronics, gaming systems, clothes or toys. You can scour thrift stores, flea markets and yard sales to find vintage and hard to find items. Some things can be flipped quickly while others (i.e. clothing) may take longer.
Some things to consider are storage, shipping, taking quality photos and making a business plan to optimize success. This can be fun side-hustle!
Sell on sites like
Income Potential: It can vary greatly. Selling is always about getting the right stuff in front of the right people. The more in-demand and desirable your items, the more money it may bring. And, ultimately, you get out of reselling what you put in. It may only require a few hours per day, but it does require consistency. If you stop working this business, it stops working for you.
Learn more about selling on Poshmark and selling clothing here.
I hope these flexible remote jobs inspire you to consider the opportunities that are available to you online and at home. Each one can be worked into any schedule and lifestyle which makes the extra cash even more attractive. Whether your goal is to pay off a car loan, help with the grocery bill or save for an emergency you can achieve it by working a fun, no-stress side-gig.
