Get to the office, punch in, count down the hours, punch out? We don't do any of that, and neither do 16 percent of all workers around the globe. We choose to work from home instead of pursuing traditional careers, thanks to the best freelance jobs available.
There's no reason why you can't work this way too. It's not easy, of course. Tax complications and running a solo business can hobble you. But it has its perks! You are your own boss, you work your own hours, and you live every day doing what you love.
So, here are the top freelance jobs out there right now, plus relevant search tools and sites to help you find those jobs. Good luck!
1. Web or Mobile Developer
Web development and mobile development are two programming jobs that have high demand in the global job market. JavaScript, HTML, Python, C#, Java—whatever language you're fluent in, there's likely someone out there looking to hire you.
But as lucrative as programming can be, keep one thing in mind: working with non-programmers on programming-centric projects (like web and mobile apps) is often frustrating. Be ready to pull out your hair as you bounce from one unreasonable client to the next.
Where to Find Freelance Web or Mobile Developer Jobs
Want to work for a startup? Then, Product Hunt and AngelList have two of the best job boards to check out. White Truffle is an option if you want to get anonymously matched with best-fit tech companies. WordPress Jobs is good for WordPress developer positions. There are plenty more websites out there, just a Google search away.
2. Transcriptionist
Transcription is easy to do but hard to do well. You'll go crazy if you don't use a transcription pedal and dedicated transcription software. But with such equipment and with fast typing skills, it's one of the best freelance computer jobs.
A pedal allows you to control audio playback—play, pause, rewind, fast-forward—using your foot, so your hands can stay on the keyboard. For software, we recommend the industry-leading Express Scribe Pro.
General transcription can earn a modest rate, but medical and legal transcription can demand much more. If you have any background in the medical or legal fields, you may want to focus there and leverage your experience for better rates.
Where to Find Freelance Transcriptionist Jobs
TranscribeMe requires that you pass a test, after which it sends you tasks as they become available, starting at $15 per audio hour. Quicktate and iDictate are sister sites that both offer freelance transcription jobs that are paid by the word. You can also check out transcription postings on FlexJobs.
3. Photographer
These days, freelance photography is the most effective way to make money from photography. Most lucrative photography businesses can be run solo or with a partner, including wedding, product, and real estate photography.
But professional photography is hard. Really hard. Particularly because you'll likely run into unforeseen legal issues for photographers. Then again, if you're skilled at snapping shots and marketing yourself, you can earn a six-figure income working part-time hours.
Where to Find Freelance Photographer Jobs
For photojournalism, check out Journalism Jobs. Otherwise, you should visit The Creative Loft for the best freelancer jobs in photography. You could also visit local restaurants and real estate agencies and ask if they're interested in improving their businesses with better photos.
Another option is to sell your own stock photos online.
4. Writer or Editor
Writing has long been one of the best self-employment opportunities. All you need is a computer and a working internet connection to get started. Beyond that, developing your expertise comes through practice and feedback.
Anyone can become a freelance writer/editor. However, you may need to slog through many unsavory gigs at the beginning while you hone your skills, build your portfolio, establish new contacts, and prove yourself a strong writer/editor.
Where to Find Freelance Jobs for Writers and Editors
Freelance Writing Jobs is the first place you should look because it has all kinds of writing positions: reporting, copywriting, blogging, ghostwriting, technical writing, etc. BloggingPro and FlexJobs are both solid for finding freelance jobs online, and if you're good at networking, you could find success using LinkedIn Jobs. Here is a list of the best job sites for finding writing jobs.
5. Web or Graphic Designer
Logo, website themes, infographics, posters, brochures, pamphlets, email newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, UX design... the possibilities are endless if you want to be a freelance graphic designer.
But freelance design can be stressful because you're always churning through clients more quickly than in other kinds of freelance work. However, if you really impress your clients, they may be open to keep you on retainer for all their design work!
Where to Find Freelance Web and Graphic Designer Jobs
Behance Jobs can be a good starting point for graphic design, illustration, web design, and UX design. Other starting points include Fiverr and 99designs, but you'll need to put in the effort to find the jobs worth doing. If you aren't careful, you could find yourself severely underpaid for your work. Do check out these useful tips to start your freelance graphic designer career.
6. Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant is more than just a remote secretary—the scope of your tasks will depend on the needs of the client. And if you get a good client, this can be one of the best freelance jobs from home.
Basic administrative tasks could include taking phone calls and maintaining schedules. More advanced tasks may involve managing a website, coordinating in-depth research, creating PDFs from the source material, etc.
The details of a particular virtual assistant gig will be (or at least should be) mentioned in each job posting.
Where to Find Virtual Assistant Jobs
FancyHands is a virtual assistant service where you get paid per task you complete. You can define your own hours, and there's a career advancement path for those who want to do more than just per-task jobs. ZipRecruiter and FlexJobs can provide good leads for virtual assistant positions as well.
7. Voice Actor
The voice acting industry is competitive: it's hard to stand out, and you need both skills and equipment to produce the quality of work that clients will love. Unless you've been blessed with a magical voice, you'll probably need voice coaching as well.
But if you think you can cut it, and if you're serious about becoming a top talent, you can make a comfortable living as a freelance voice actor. Types of voice acting include commercials, audiobook narration, public announcements, training videos, promotional materials, and even entertainment media like animation and video games.
Where to Find Freelance Voice Actor Jobs
There are three reputable sites for serious voice actors: Voices, Voice123, and VoiceBunny. They're all free to use, but Voices and Voice123 provide even better results if you sign up for their premium account plans.
Other Freelance Jobs and Some Useful Tips
You could also look into easy ways to earn money online for pocket money rather than full-blown job positions. There are plenty of survey sites out there, and some that require you to do casual microtasks.
Otherwise, consider looking into entry-level remote jobs that require little to no experience. Whichever job you decide to go after, be sure to craft the perfect resume for it. You can use a free CV app or online service to craft a beautiful resume if you are not sure how to create one manually.