When I started looking for work at home opportunities back in 2007, I just wanted to make an extra $500-$700 a month so that my daughter and I could freely attend and participate in all of the activities that were available to us.
Luckily, I stumbled upon blogging and social media marketing, and I haven’t looked back since.
But even if you’re not interested in blogging, freelance work, or being your own boss – there are lots of opportunities available to you. So whether you’re looking for ways to add extra cash to your wallet, or a legit way to work from home, there is something for everyone.
Here are a bunch of fun and unique ways you can make money from home.
1. Bookkeeper
Are you a numbers person? If you managed the books for your family’s business or your daughter’s Girl Scout Troop (those cookies are big business), then you may be the perfect fit for an at-home bookkeeping position. Most freelance positions will require you to have knowledge of Quickbooks and some hands-on experience. If you don’t currently have those skills but would still like to pursue bookkeeping as an at-home career, an online course can teach you skills to get started in this field — here’s one to check out.
2. Blogger
Obviously, I’m a huge fan of blogging, and here’s why. First, you can write on any topic under the sun — so you’ll always be working in a niche that you’re passionate about and that you have experience in. Second, it only takes a couple of hundred dollars to get started (you’ll need to purchase your domain name, web hosting, and a blogging theme). Third, you can monetize in a ton of different ways — which makes it easier to start generating money quickly.
If blogging sounds like your cup of tea, check out this post for step-by-step instructions for getting started.
3. Customer Service Rep
If you enjoy talking on the phone and you have a landline — you can work at home providing customer service support for a wide variety of companies. Some of the more popular companies hiring for these virtual call center positions:
Related Content: Virtual Call Center Jobs: Get Paid to Talk on the Phone
4. Craft Seller
If you’re more of an artsy and crafty type — consider opening up an online storefront on Etsy. With Etsy, you don’t need to invest any money upfront just create your products, take some high-quality photos, add some text, and hit publish. When a sale is made, Etsy will take a small transaction fee out of your profit. Of course, you’ll need to purchase your materials and pay for shipping costs, so be sure to add these to your sales price. For more information on what it takes to be a successful Etsy seller — check out this interview with full-time Etsy seller, Melanie.
Related Content: Craft Jobs for Stay-at-Home Moms
5. Design T-Shirts
Do you have a great saying or design that you’d like to put on a T-shirt? Then check out Teespring! With Teespring, you create your T-shirt designs (or coffee mugs, sweatshirts, tote bags, phone cases, and more) on the platform, choose your colors, determine your price and product description, and publish your listing. Teespring will give you links to your storefront and individual products so you can promote them online.
How much can you earn with Teespring? Your profits will vary depending on your price — but in one example, I created a coffee mug for $14.99, and my profit would be $6.99 per mug sold. Oh, and did I mention? Teespring is entirely free to try out and use.
6. ESL Teacher
Do other cultures fascinate you? Do you enjoy working with children? If so, you can teach English online as a second language. Most companies will require you to have a Bachelor’s Degree (in any subject) and some sort of related teaching experience. Pay ranges from $13 – $25 per hour, and hours are part-time and flexible.
If this sounds intriguing, here are some companies to check out:
7. Flip Your Stuff For Cash
Do you love the thrill of the hunt? Or perhaps you have gently used gear and items that you no longer need? Then, consider selling them on one of the many online selling platforms. From my own reselling experience, children’s clothing, toys, baby gear, furniture, electronics, and high-end designer items tend to do best. I’ve also found that I earn more selling outright to an individual than when I go through a third-party platform like thredUP.
Here are some great platforms for reselling your stuff:
Related Content: How This Husband-Wife Team Earned 130K Flipping Flea Market Finds
8. Focus Group Participant
Do you enjoy sharing your opinions and insights with people? Then look into participating in market research studies, or focus groups. With these studies, you need to complete an initial assessment to see if you’re the correct target audience; once it’s determined that you are, you’ll be invited to participate. Some studies take place online, others over the phone, and some are conducted in person. Generally, these studies pay very well, around $50-$150 per hour of your time.
To get started, check out these companies:
9. Freelance Writer
If you enjoy writing, there are a TON of opportunities for freelance writers! You can write blog posts, white papers, marketing content, resumes, newsletters, magazine articles, grant letters — the opportunities are endless. If you’re an experienced writer who’s ready to jump in, check out these sites:
10. Gig Economy Jobs
If you’re not opposed to working a flexible schedule outside of the home, you can make good money as an on-demand worker.
For instance, if you’re comfortable driving others around in your car — you can make money being an on-demand taxi driver with Uber or Lyft.
Prefer to deliver food? Try Postmates or DoorDash.
If you’d like to get paid to do other people’s grocery shopping? Check out Instacart or Shipt.
Love dogs? Connect with pet owners and walk their dogs using apps like Wag and Rover.
The opportunities for gig economy workers are endless. If you’d like to see what’s available check out this list of 100 top gig economy jobs.
11. Online Maps Quality Analyst
Do you love maps and US geography? Then check out Lionbridge’s position for a US Online Maps Quality Analyst. In this position, you’ll review and analyze online maps. You must have excellent research skills and a solid understanding of US geography and maps. Jobs are part-time and highly flexible.
12. Reader
Do you have a bachelor’s degree? Do you enjoy reading? Then, apply to be a Reader (sometimes called Evaluator or Online Test Scorer). Readers read and score student essays, short answers, and test questions for a variety of standardized tests. These positions generally pay $10 -$12 per hour, and training for tests is provided.
Related Content: Work From Home Scoring Test Papers Online
13. Research
Do you enjoy doing research? If so, there are plenty of opportunities for you to make money conducting online and telephone research. Here are just a few work-from-home opportunities to check out.
- Cannabiz Media hires virtual researchers to collect, fact-check, and analyze marijuana license information.
- MaritzCX hires market research interviewers to conduct telephone interviews with various individuals, gathering valuable info regarding products, services, and experiences.
- Wonder hires internet researchers to investigate a wide variety of topics to explain market trends, determine competitive landscapes, gather statistics, and various other tasks.
14. Rent a Room
Have an extra room in your house? Staying with the in-laws for a couple of weeks? Then list your home or a bedroom in your home on Airbnb. Listing your property on the site is free, Airbnb collects 3% of each reservation you’re paid for. Property owners also get to decide how much to charge for the listing and the longevity. An excellent way to make extra money and meet new people!
For more sites like Airbnb, check out:
15. Paid Surveys
Do you have a few extra minutes? Do you enjoy answering survey questions? Then, sign up with some online survey companies. While you’re not going to rich completing surveys, it is an excellent way to fill in the gaps. I’ve heard of some people who have been able to pay for all of their Christmas gifts just by doing surveys all year round. You’ll need to sign up with multiple sites, as there aren’t always going to be opportunities available. And you’ll have to complete some initial questions to see which surveys you qualify for upfront.
Here are some reputable ones to check out:
Also, look for companies, products, and services that you’re already using. Sometimes they’ll send out surveys via email to solicit customer feedback so they can make improvements to their existing offerings.
16. Proofreader
Do you have an eagle eye? Do typos and grammatical errors drive you bananas? Then, consider working from home as a proofreader. To get started, you’ll need to apply and take a proficiency test. To see what’s on a proficiency test, check out ProofreadingServices.com. Their online test is visible to the public, and you’re allowed 20 minutes to complete it. If your skills are rusty or not up to par, consider taking an online proofreading course to boost your chances of getting hired — here is the proofreading course I recommend. Of course, once you get your foot in the door and prove your value, you’ll easily be able to score more freelance gigs.
Here are a few companies that hire freelance proofreaders:
17. Rent Your Stuff For Cash
Nowadays, you can rent just about anything! I already talked about renting your home or a room in your house, but did you know that you can rent stuff like your car, RV, boat, driveway, backyard, and tons more?! If you have property or things lying around your home that you only use occasionally, consider renting them out on some of these platforms for some cash!
- Desktime – Office Space
- Gamping – Private Land
- Rent a Friend – Friendship
18. Search Engine Evaluator
Do you enjoy searching the web? Would you like to help Google determine if search queries are relevant and high-quality? Then consider becoming a search engine evaluator, a social media evaluator (the same type of position but instead performing searches via social media platforms), or a mobile search reviewer. Positions are flexible and part-time, must have excellent communication skills, be tech-savvy, and have familiarity with social media.
19. Sell Printables
Printables are ALL the rage right now! If you can come up with helpful printables and you’re skilled at design — you can make good money from home by selling these digital downloads. Blogger Sarah Titus started selling printables via Shopify, and her income has skyrocketed. Sarah publishes her Shopify income reports here. In July of 2018, she earned $474K in just one month from selling printables; crazy, right?!
Besides selling printables on Shopify, you can also sell your printables via Etsy, e-Junkie, Sendowl, Fetchapp, or Gumroad. Each has different terms and pricing, so be sure to read all the fine print before choosing a platform.
20. Smartphone Apps
I LOVE smartphone apps! They are so easy to use, and it’s like getting free money! While there are a TON of different smartphone apps you can try out, here are some of my favorites.
Related Content: How to Make Money with Your Smartphone
21. Social Media Manager
If you’re social media savvy — your skills and knowledge are in high-demand. Companies, both large and small are clamoring for individuals with experience and wisdom with the following platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and more! Scout out remote positions, or start your own social media agency, the opportunities are endless.
Related Content: How to Find Work-at-Home Social Media Jobs
22. Transcriber
Are you a fast and accurate typist? Do you have excellent listening skills? Then, consider working from home as a freelance transcriber. Transcribers listen to audio files and convert them into text documents. Of course, you’ll need to have excellent spelling and grammar for this position. If you’ve never done transcription work before, a training course can be helpful — here is the one I recommend.
If you’re new to the field, here are some companies that hire new transcribers.
23. Virtual Assistant
Are you an administrative guru? Then, take your knowledge and skills to work from home as a virtual assistant (VA). VAs complete a wide variety of tasks for large and small businesses alike. Have extensive knowledge of Pinterest? Then, become a Pinterest VA! Have killer design skills? Then, help bloggers and small business owners create marketing materials for their social media campaigns. Whatever your wheelhouse lies, there is someone in need of your unique talent and expertise. Start your own business, or check out one of these companies to get started.
Related Content: How to Work From Home as a Virtual Assistant
24. Website Tester
Do you enjoy giving feedback? Are you web-savvy? Then become a website and app tester and earn some easy side cash. Companies need to know if their websites and apps are easy to navigate, simple to use, and that they convey the right message. To get an objective opinion, businesses pay website testing companies to conduct research — and that’s where you come in. Sign up to become a tester, and you can easily earn $10 for 10-20 minutes of your time. Most companies will require you to record your findings via webcam — so you will need to be comfortable speaking your thoughts out loud.
While you’re not going to get rich doing website testing, it is an easy and legitimate way to earn a little side cash. Check out these companies to get started.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are lots of fun and flexible ways to make money from home! Whether you’re looking for a part-time position to supplement your family’s income or a full-time career, there is something for everyone! And with advances in technology and a widespread shift from negative attitudes towards telecommuting towards acceptance, more and more positions are available remotely.
What fun ideas do you have for making money from home? What type of work-from-home job are you searching for? Drop us a note; we’d love to hear from you!
Originally published July 27, 2012. Content updated December 4, 2018.
Great list. I am an Online Focus Group Participant and Surveytaker. I am also selling clothes in consignment shops. Can you recommend jobs on the list that don’t require a degree or training? I am looking to earn more money per month. It can’t be a full or part time job. Just something that I can create my own schedule. I appreciate it.
Natasha Evans
Hi Natasha,
Glad you enjoyed the list of ideas!
Check out this list of short tasks; I think they’d be perfect for you!
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/short-task-sites/
Hi Holly! I have commented a bunch on your posts and I have found them each to be mini wells of knowledge! I would like to share the work-from-home opportunity that I found that worked out for me really well. I have a background in English Literature and I found a site where I can work as a freelance writer and work when I choose. The site is Ultius, Inc. and it is an online platform intended to connect writers like me with clients who need the help of writers like me! They contract you and then provide opportunities and each writer gets to pick the opp they want and then move forward with that particular client. Compensation is average $10 per page and their admin staff if very, very supportive. I just want to get the word out! Here is their site: https://www.ultius.com/careers/writers.html
I know everyone has their own way of making money and you have to find what works for you. Someone can give you a perfect way to make money but if it doesn’t fit you, you won’t do it long and probably not do it right. Affiliate Marketing has always worked for me and even though I do it as a full-time job not just whenever or wherever, it has given me a very, very comfortable life.
haw can I start
I hope live with aut money it a bit and bad deseaces
AirBNB is an awesome concept but I don’t know if I could open my house to strangers.
I feel the same way, Bill.
Great list – Airbnb is awesome. Writing articles and affiliate marketing are also great ways to make extra cash!
Yup, those are good ways to make money too.
Try making money with surveys!
Yes, surveys are a great way to add a little extra cash to your wallet. Here’s a list of survey sites in case you’re interested: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/paid-surveys/
What a great website! I never knew about that rent-a-friend site lol… I wonder if that site really makes a lot of money. Anyhow it’s a unique angle to say the least!
P.S. I also like doing paid focus groups. Made a good chunk of spare-time cash this way. I found some good paying ones through this site: http://focusgroupmagic.com/
Hi Holly,
I was just cruising through after a few hours of working on my own business. I always enjoy reading other peoples post and getting new ideas. I like the rent-a-friend idea. Kinda sound fun. LOL
Thanks for the great ideas
Glad you enjoyed the list, Bryan. What is your business?
It constantly amazes me the many and varied ways people find to make money. Your only real limiting factor is your imagination.
Very true!
Thank you for this list of suggestions. Some of these I would have never dreamed existed.
Hello, I am a college student a senior and I do all of my courses online. I am searching for a entry level customer service position to work from home, or a data entry or virtual assistant anything I can do to earn money from home. I don’t have a car and it seems all my opportunities for work are to far away never in my reach on the city bus. Any suggestions for someone in pursue of a degree but has a bit of experience?
Thanks!!
Try looking at the companies listed under At Home Call Agents – Virtual Assistants, there are lots to choose from: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/wah-jobs/
Good luck!
Great list! I have been around the internet and work at home opportunities for many years now and I haven’t even heard of some of these. There is so much misguiding info about how to generate an income online. I enjoy the fact these methods are realistic and not just a bunch of garbage and hype. There isn’t enough reputable, strait forward information about how to make money online these days. Thanks again for the resources.
You’re welcome, Michael.
Your “Rent a friend” sounds alot like the “escort services” that destroyed my marriage of 25 years. After all its much more fun to “rent” 25 year old women to spend time with than stay at home and take care of the 5 children you helped to create. So glad to see you recommending prostitution as a legitimate source of income. Oh, I know……this is not prostitution, its an opportunity for adults to meet new people and have new experiences.
Hi Sandi, I’m sorry that you’re offended by the opportunity. Rent a Friend is not a prostitution site, if it was I would not have included it. I take my reputation very SERIOUSLY and would NEVER promote something that I thought was illegal. It sounds like you’ve had a really challenging time and I’m sorry to hear that. If you would like some help with your work at home search let me know.
All the best to you, Holly
Mystery shopping is another method to make money from home. You won’t grow rich doing it but if you sign up with enough companies you can get steady work. Just beware of the scams that charge you for a list.
This is a nice list and it has some work from home options that I definitely never have thought of.
I have included an article from Mashable about this weeks debate that has been started over the new Yahoo WAH policy from the CEO. Check it out if your interested, just thought I would give my two cents!
I had not heard of Rent-a-Friend. Interesting idea.
So happy to have come across your website. This list is awesome! Some of these I have tried, but a couple I have never heard of before. I love finding new ways to make money from home – thanks so much for sharing these ideas!!
Hi Holly,
Thank you for sharing these with us.
You’re welcome, Stephanie!
Thanks for sharing… I’m so excited about starting my own business.
Wow thanks for the money making ideas. I enjoyed the article
So many of these I had never heard of before. Thanks for sharing, Holly. And thanks for participating in Work at Home Weekend!
Glad you were able to learn about some new opportunities. Exited to be a part of it!
Great Ideas! The only I wouldn’t do would be to rent a room to a stranger. I’d be too scared to sleep at night!
Totally agree Jessica – doesn’t seem safe to rent a room, but renting your whole house could work if you were out of town.
What a great list, thank you so much! As a stay at home mom trying to make a side income by making/selling crafts I love to see all the different opportunities for women like me. I will for sure be looking into a few of these to further increase (hopefully) my family’s lifestyle!! Thank you again!!! – Melissa of AnaBear Boutique
Keep us posted on what works for you! Good luck!