9 Jobs You Can Do Working From Home
Earn extra cash with these flexible jobs you can do on your own schedule
1 of 10
Whether you already work and want to make more money or are retired and looking to supplement your income, there are jobs out there that fit the bill.
“Many people who are retirement age opt for 'patchwork careers' — they piece together a variety of jobs they can do from home or on their own schedule,” says Christine Durst, a home-based career expert and co-founder of RatRaceRebellion.com. Here are nine great make-extra-money suggestions.
(This article appeared previously on Grandparents.com.)
1. Call Center or Customer Service Representative
“The offshoring movement — which sent so many phone-based customer service jobs overseas — has turned around and become a ‘homeshoring’ movement, creating thousands of home-based customer service jobs in North America,” says Durst.
As a home-based agent, you’ll field calls for companies like Bluefly, Spiegel, American Agents, Hilton, Best Western, HSN, 1-800-FLOWERS and many others. Depending on the company, you may work as either an employee or an independent contractor, but you can usually pick your own hours.
Pay range: $8 - $18 an hour
Where to look: RatRaceRebellions.com and Convergys.com
2. Teacher or Tutor
You may be aware that many colleges offer online courses, creating great opportunities for virtual adjunct professors if you have a career specialty or skill. However “there is also a growing demand for elementary and high school teachers as more public and private schools set up online classes,” says Durst. While some of these positions require a teaching background, many do not. You might also be able to teach English as a second language (ESL) face-to-face via Skype.
Pay range: $10+ an hour
Where to look:
College: Kaplan.com and Chronicle.com
Elementary and high school: ConnectionsAcademy.com and K12.com
ESL: Learnlight.com and OpenEnglish.com for Spanish speakers
3. Search Engine Evaluator
Evaluate and improve search engine results for some of the world's largest internet search engine companies. Google or use another search engine to look for specific topics, keywords and images, then review and rate the results.
Pay range: $13+ an hour
Where to look: Leapforce.com
4. Direct Sales/Home Parties
Want to start your own business? Consider starting a direct-sales business, such as Avon or Pampered Chef where you host selling parties or meet with customers one-on-one. And don’t think your options are limited to makeup or jewelry. You can sell cookware, sporting goods, vitamin supplements and even security systems.
Pay: Depends on products and commission
Where to look: The Direct Selling Association's member directory lists legitimate companies
5. Virtual Juror
Review legal cases and render a verdict virtually. “Attorneys use virtual jurors to help them get a feel for the viability of their cases before they go to court,” says Durst.
Pay range: Cases vary in length, and pay can range from $5 to $50 depending on complexity
Where to look: eJury.com
6. Give Your Opinions of Websites
Website owners often wonder what visitors think when they experience their site for the first time. “As a site tester you’ll provide candid feedback via video and audio recording of your gut reaction as you visit sites seeking feedback,” says Durst.
Pay: About $10 per completed site review
Where to look: UserTesting.com and Userlytics.com
7. Focus Group Participant
Companies have long relied on test groups of their target markets to give their opinions on new products and concepts. “It can be fun to participate in focus groups,” says Durst. “You give your feedback in exchange for compensation while helping guide the development of new products.”
Pay: Depends on length of the study, but anywhere from $25 to up to into the hundreds
Where to look: SISInternational.com and 20|20Research.com
8. "Looker"
“Lookers are the paid ‘eyes’ for people who aren't near things they need to see to confirm,” says Durst. For example, buyers who are considering a major purchase of an expensive item they've found on Craigslist or eBay can hire a looker who lives near the item's seller to check it out for them. Lookers might also check a vacation home for storm damage, check the condition of a rental house or look into how well a loved one’s gravesite is being tended.
Pay: $25 for each completed task
Where to look: WeGoLook.com
9. Courthouse Researcher
Visit courthouses in your area to gather information from public records. The information you collect may be from real estate filings, civil filings or other court documents.
Pay: $7 - $20 an hour
Where to look: SunlarkResearch.com and Jellybean Services
Grandparents.com is a lifestyle website, social media community & peer group that unites & connects America's 70 million Grandparents to the best information and premier products & services just for them. Our goal is to promote well-being and give timely information on what really matters to you, from health and money to family and relationships to travel and retirement.
