If the pandemic taught us anything (it did, right?), it's that one need not necessarily go into an office and collect a paycheck to watch your savings account balance grow. Indeed, working from home has now become a highly viable option. The question then becomes, what are some of the best ways to make money from home right now?
We have five for you. Whether you like tutoring, or selling, or talking, we've got you covered.
1. Online tutoring
My own daughter spent the better part of two years waking up at 3 a.m. to teach students in China how to speak English over the internet during COVID-19. Why? To earn $40 per hour, that's why.
The shift to online education has created a significant demand for online tutors. Platforms like VIPKid, Chegg Tutors, and Wyzant allow just about anyone (except for you sleepyheads!) the opportunity to teach subjects you're passionate about. Whether it's K-12 subjects, college coursework, or even test prep, there's likely a market for your expertise.
According to Zion Market Research, "the global online tutoring market is expected to reach $171 million by 2028." That could mean more breathing room for your budget if you enter this line of work.
2. E-commerce and dropshipping
Starting an e-commerce store is easier than ever with platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon. Dropshipping in particular allows you to sell products without holding inventory. You act as the intermediary, and when a customer makes a purchase, the order is fulfilled by a third party.
But note: While that might sound all fine and dandy, like any business, it takes work. You need to market your business, and then market it some more, find customers, deal with returns, and so on. It is a business, after all.
That said, it certainly is a growing market. Shopify reports that global e-commerce sales are expected to top $6 trillion this year.
3. Remote customer service
More and more, companies are outsourcing their customer service departments. This has created a significant demand for at-home remote customer service representatives.
Industries like the airlines have been on board this trend for years, and increasingly, companies like Amazon, Apple, and American Express are also hiring out these as stay-at-home roles. All you need is a computer, a headset, and a reliable internet connection.
Remote customer service positions can pay up to $25 in some cases. Demand is expected to continue as businesses seek cost-effective ways to manage customer interactions.
Social media has taken over the internet, and TikTok is just the latest example. And businesses of all sizes need help managing all of this content and engagement. That's where you come in.
As a social media manager, you can help businesses create and manage content, engage with followers, and analyze metrics. Gigs like these can be found on Upwork, Fiver, LinkedIn, and Frelancer.com.
According to Glassdoor, social media managers in the U.S. earn an average salary between $45,000 and $80,000 annually.
5. Virtual assistance
Remote businesses hire remote help, and as such, the need for virtual assistants (VAs) has surged. The challenge here is that you are competing with individuals in developing countries who can charge much less per hour. That said, your strong English skills are a plus.
Virtual assistants manage emails, schedule appointments, handle administrative duties, and manage social media accounts.
The fact is, there has never been a better time to work from home, as the opportunities, need, and zeitgeist have all coalesced. If you're ready to hop off the corporate train, a way-station at home might be a welcome sight.
