Here at Gig Worker, we like to think we have a finger on the pulse of remote work and work-from-home job opportunities.
After all, we’ve covered nearly every popular work-from-home job out there, like entry-level data entry, customer service representatives, and online tutors.
We’ve even explored some of the lesser known home-based job options, like passive income opportunities, direct sales companies, and virtual assistant remote jobs.
Today we’re going to take a look at some of the more unusual jobs working from home that enable you to make money from wherever you’re at. We’ll cover at-home opportunities that span graphic design, renting items you own, paid smartphone apps, and additional online tasks.
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Common Jobs Working From Home
Before jumping into the more unusual remote job types and opportunities we’ve come across, let’s quickly go over some of the common job titles that come up when looking for work-from-home jobs.
Customer service agents that provide customer support from their own home are one of the most popular at-home roles available today. While these roles are plentiful, some prefer not interacting with fussy customers all day in a call center setting.
There are also social media manager opportunities that enable you to manage a business’s social media channels. These are also quite common, but maybe you prefer something a little less hands-on where you can make money in a more flexible work arrangement.
Another online opportunity is teaching English as a second language (ESL) to Chinese-speaking students. Companies like VIPKID offer teaching opportunities to employees around the world, but then again, maybe teaching isn’t your cup of tea.
If you keep reaching dead ends and would prefer to make money online in a more unique way, then we have several remote options that many people never think of.
Graphic Design
Graphic designers have a versatile skill set that can be applied across a range of job opportunities. In previous articles, we’ve covered freelance job boards, like Upwork, that have endless graphic design roles. But did you know you can use your graphic design skills to design and sell things online in these jobs working from home?
Create an Etsy Store
Learning how to sell on Etsy by launching your own Etsy store is a profitable and fun way to make money from home. We’re sure you’ve heard of the handcrafted platform before, but if not, Etsy is an online marketplace where you can sell things you’ve designed and created yourself.
Etsy allows crafters, artists, and vintage collectors to sell handmade items online. If you have a knack for graphic design, there are so many different opportunities for you to design and sell on Etsy.
For example, you could design custom wedding invitations, stationery for small businesses, or wall art for someone’s living room. If you think you have a great idea, you can design it, put it online, and see if there are any interested customers.
The best part about the gig economy? If you don’t like selling on Etsy, a handful of competitors like Amazon Handmade or Aftcra are just a click away!
Sell Printables
Printables are items that you design that customers can buy and print out at home. Common printables that customers are willing to spend money on include unique printable planners, calendars, checklists, or budgeting spreadsheets.
You might be thinking, “Sure, I can design a printable, but where do I sell it?” Since we just covered Etsy in the previous section, you could start by selling there. You could also create your own online business or Shopify store and sell your printables on your own site.
If you really wanted to niche out, you could launch a website geared towards freelancers and sell digital products like proposal templates, or other freelance-related materials. Additionally, there are digital download marketplaces like E-junkie and SendOwl that enable you to sell products that you designed.
Design T-Shirts
Making money by designing T-shirts might be easier than you thought. Did you know there are on-demand print companies that will handle product inventory, print, and ship T-shirts that you design?
This takes all of the headaches and risks out of having your own business. Instead, you provide your designs and the third-party companies handle the rest.
The most popular companies out there include Teespring and Bonfire, both of which allow you to upload your designs for free. When one of your products sell, you’ll split your earnings with the platform.
Rent Things You Own
The gig economy is all the rage, but have you heard about renting out things you already own to others? Considered by some to be the “sharing economy“, by renting out your personal property and other products you own, you can make money by doing next to nothing.
Rent Your Parking Spot
In crowded cities, parking spaces are hard to come by. If you live in a busy urban area, you could make money by renting your parking space or driveway to other drivers.
This is an excellent way to make money if you have available spaces or are going on vacation and won’t need your space for a period of time.
Some of the more popular parking space rental companies out there are SpotHero, Parking Panda, CurbFlip, and Parklee. By putting your available spaces on one of these apps, you can list your spot for free and make money every time someone decides to rent.
Rent Your Vehicle
We’re all well aware of the opportunities Uber and Lyft offer independent contractors, but what about renting your vehicle to people for cold hard cash? Nowadays, you can rent out your vehicle to other people when you’re not using it.
The idea of renting out your vehicle to others is on the verge of becoming the next big thing, especially for those who live in densely populated cities and don’t have a daily need for their vehicle.
Companies like Turo, HyreCar, and Getaround offer just that. By enrolling your vehicle into one of these programs, you can help pay your monthly car payment and insurance fees.
Rent Miscellaneous Household Items
Beyond renting out your parking space or vehicle, you can pretty much rent anything else that you own. Items that aren’t typically used very often are great candidates for rental opportunities.
While some of the rental platforms out there might be hit or miss, we found companies that let you rent your bicycle, photography gear, and other household items.
Rewards Smartphone Apps
There are plenty of point-based credit cards out there that you can sign up for to receive cash back and additional rewards. On top of that, you can also sign up for smartphone apps that reward you for shopping at certain stores.
By signing up for one of these services and linking up your credit card or bank account, you can begin to rack up rewards points and receive gift cards and cash back. The best part is that you can continue to shop at your favorite stores and receive cash back without doing a thing.
Some of the more popular apps that earn money for shopping at certain stores include the following:
It doesn’t hurt to sign up and give one of these platforms a shot. After all, extra money back on your everyday purchases doesn’t sound too shabby.
Online Tasks
We’ve covered a range of online jobs working from home that you can do to earn cash in your free time. Two jobs we haven’t covered in too much detail include checking educational tests online and being a website tester.
Test Evaluator
Test evaluators — or test readers — check and grade standardized tests. If you have a bachelor’s degree and have some experience in education, then this might be the perfect opportunity for you. Every company mentioned here make for fantastic online teaching jobs.
Companies and organizations that administer tests to students around the U.S. rely on evaluators to grade writing and other test responses. That’s where you come in.
While K-12 educational experience is not required, it is preferred. You may also need to be located within the United States and have a valid American work visa. One popular test evaluator opportunity is for the ACT Writing Test. Another great opportunity is through Measurement Incorporated.
Website Tester
Similar to product testing, website testing helps companies optimize their website presence and the development of their online applications. By going through and completing tasks, you can get paid for looking over a company’s website.
Companies are constantly trying to improve their digital products and feedback from actual consumers is vital to creating profitable products. That’s why they’re willing to pay someone like you to go through and critique their website or app.
Services that will pay you to browse through websites and apps include uTest, GlobalTestMarket, Userfeel, and Userlytics. Create a profile today, search some job postings, and start making cash for a few minutes of your time.
Your New Job Is Right Around the Corner
Home-based jobs are great for setting your own schedule, having autonomy with your work, and establishing a great work-life balance.
As long as you have a solid internet connection and a comfy spot at home where you can be productive, you can begin jobs working from home today.
If you’re looking for a more permanent at-home position, then there are plenty of other remote opportunities for part-time and full-time employees. For example, FlexJobs specifically offers remote job listings where you can find legitimate work online.
Best of luck in your job search!
