Whether you need to put a kid through college or you’re tired of rocking Ramen noodles every night for dinner, you’ve come to the decision that you might need to find a supplemental job. Ideally, you’d like to find a flexible job within your career field — something that you can do around your current nine-to-five schedule.
In our increasingly digital and connected world, there are a variety of side jobs that can be performed remotely from home or that offer flexible schedules, enabling the "side gig" to become a viable source of additional income (provided that your current company does not require you to sign a non-compete agreement). Here are four fields to consider if you're trying to pad your paycheck.
1. Freelance writing
If you want to release your inner Kerouac, you can flex your writing muscles as a side job. Writing opportunities abound online, depending on your previous experience and skill level. You can pen anything from a how-to blog post to a ghostwritten manifesto for the hottest new startup in town. Writers are always in demand, and not just for the usual suspects (media companies, publications, etc.); a number of fields utilize writers — marketing, social media, public relations and education, to name a few. Getting your foot in the door can be the trickiest part, but once you're in, establishing a network and a solid portfolio of your work can help you rise through the ranks.
Degrees/Experience Required: Some writing jobs will require a bachelor’s degree, while others will prefer a degree in journalism. If you specialize in a certain style of writing (such as medical writing, for example), you may need advanced degrees. One important thing to consider: When you’re a writer, experience often counts for more than education — and who you know is also a factor. Writing for other magazines, websites or blogs can often open doors faster than a 4.0 GPA. Working your way up from smaller, niche publications to establish a premise for your work is one way to get the ball rolling. Be prepared to provide a variety of writing samples, or even to complete an assignment or two before landing your first job.
Types of Jobs Available: Unless you’re facing daily deadlines, you can write whenever you want, especially if you get "inspired" at 3 a.m. Writers are hired for both full-time or part-time jobs, but many writers choose to freelance for a variety of companies, allowing them to completely customize their schedules. Job titles in the writing field include technical writer, blogger, freelance writer and freelance editorial assistant, among others.
2. Medical coding
One of the most popular remote jobs, medical coding helps physicians and health organizations receive reimbursement from insurance companies; it is a key piece of the medical billing process. Medical coders are the financial side of the medical field, often detail-oriented and possessing strong communication skills.
Degrees/Experience Required: Each job in the medical coding field can have its own specific requirements. Almost all require a high school degree, while others want potential job candidates to have more advanced degrees in nursing and medical coding certification. Solid data-entry skills are a must, along with the ability to read and interpret health records. Coders must generally possess a thorough knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology, as well as familiarity with insurance plans and regulations. Here's a helpful checklist of resources to familiarize yourself with if you're interested in the field.
Types of Jobs Available: When you’re a coder, you control when and how you work. Medical coders can choose from full or part-time jobs, as well as enjoy flexible schedules, work-from-home and per diem opportunities. Some jobs available in this field include medical records clerk, claims analyst, inpatient medical coder and coding specialist.
3. Tutoring
If staring out at a sea of faces in a classroom isn’t your thing (but teaching still is), you can find your groove as a tutor. Providing a one-on-one learning experience for students of any and all ages, tutors often provide assistance in specific subjects.
Degrees/Experience Required: To work as a tutor, you’ll most likely need a bachelor's degree, along with any degrees affiliated with your area of expertise. Most employers prefer tutors to have previous tutoring and/or teaching experience.
Types of Jobs Available: Tutors typically work around a student’s schedule, so after school, evening and weekend appointments are common — it's important that you're willing to accommodate this type of work schedule. But tutors are no longer limited by location; many teach their students virtually, allowing a student in Burbank, Calif., to learn how to multiply mixed fractions by lessons from a tutor in Boise, Idaho. Job titles that are commonly associated with tutoring jobs include regional tutoring coordinator, SAT (or other standardized-test-specific) tutor, education and training assistant and homework help center associate.
4. Freelance graphic design
As visual creatures, graphic designers create images that help convey the needs of their clients. Whether it’s to promote a company’s service or product, or help to create or hone a brand’s identity, graphic designers bring their artistic skills, knowledge of trends and creativity to the table.
Degrees/Experience Required: Experience and an expert eye for the 'next big thing' is what potential employers are looking for when hiring graphic designers. While some companies require a bachelor's degree and agency experience, all graphic designers should be fully fluent in programs such as Quark and the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.). Similar to writing, graphic design is another field where your portfolio, connections and prior experience may weigh more heavily than education, depending on the job or specific client.
Types of Jobs Available: Graphic designers can work either full-time or part-time positions. They can opt to work remotely or in an office, depending on the job. Many times, the available positions are contract jobs, ranging from a few months to up to a year or more. Some job titles associated with graphic designers include art director, commercial artist, mobile visual designer and creative director.
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