About seven years ago, I wasn’t in a good place. I had finished my graduate degree, and was most eager to land my dream job; but to my despair, things didn’t work out in my favor. Many of us plan our lives out to the very last detail, with the hopes of making the best life possible for ourselves and (future) children, but it doesn’t always turn out how we plan.
When life takes a different (and at times, less desirable) turn from what we intended, it can be daunting. When our plans change, we get discouraged, and even angry; I know, I’ve been there. For those of you who are walking down that lonely, trying path, I’m here to tell you it’s okay – relax, breathe, there are many exciting options that await you!
As a military spouse, being on the move from location to location presents its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to the jobs that are available to us. We may have had a dream of completing a college degree, owning a business, or getting accepted into law school, but too often, our mission to serve in the military takes us on a detour, sometimes steering us far away from our own professional development.
When this happens, it’s easy to fall into what I call, surrender mode, turning a blind eye to potential career opportunities and any other means of earning an income. We simply adapt to our new roles; stay-at-home moms and dads that once had ambitions to do something, great.
What if I tell you, you can earn income with investing very little, or even no money at all in a lucrative venture. I’m sure this comes as no surprise to many of you. In today’s internet driven, global marketplace, a lot of people earn a living, never having to leave their homes.
There are a host of jobs that may not be your dream job, but can open new doors and create exciting opportunities for you to turn your ideas into income! Below, is a list of jobs that are on the rise, and guess what folks – they pay a pretty penny, and most cost nothing to start-up. So, check out these 20 self-starting careers that I’ve compiled to help jump-start your earning potential!
1. Author/writer
2. Freelancer (check out sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Guru.)
3. Game designer (if you already have experience/skills in this field)
4. Book cover designer
5. Editor/Proof reader
6. Consultant
7. Virtual Assistant
8. SEO Specialist (Search Engine Specialist)
9. YouTuber/Vlogger
10. Life Coach (we all have unique experiences and therefore lots to share!)
11. Beautician (certification can be completed in short span of time if you have a passion for helping with professional makeup and offering beauty tips.)
12. Hairdresser/Barber (training and certification required, with relatively short training time. Low cost to start-up.)
13. Landscaper/Yard maintenance. (requires some equipment to start up, but definitely doable.)
14. Baby sitter/ Nanny (no formal training required, but getting early childcare certification, CPR, and First Aid certifications are highly recommended! Referrals are also very helpful and can determine the amount of work you get.)
15. Pet sitting.
16. Online adjunct instructor/Tutor (for those with a bachelor’s degree or higher.)
17. Small crafts and handmade goods business owner. (can sell on Etsy or create own website. There are certain requirements that must be met before selling online, such as establishing an LLC, Doing Business As (DBA), or Sole Proprietor etc., tax Id’s, and other relevant permits depending on what you plan to sell. Be sure to do your research on the Secretary of State website, since requirements differ from state to state!)
18. Online retailer. Become an expert at learning the craft of arbitrage and drop shipping.
19. Cleaning Service. (Again, check for required permits, licenses, and other necessary documents prior to starting business.)
20. Catering and Event Planning. This is such an exciting job if you love planning parties and are a people person. If you’re interested in this gig, and have never planned an event before, there are plenty of resources and certifications that can be completed in a matter of weeks, and will have you planning social events in no time!)
So, which one of these jobs appeal to you? I hope this information gives you an idea of the diversity of work that’s available, whether you start your own business, or join forces with an organization!
In my next article, I’ll discuss the importance of using social media to promote your brand, and staying consistent with your goals. Thanks so much for reading, until next time!
Lei Faircloth, writes fiction under the penname, Sophie L. Osborne.
To learn more about her, visit: https://www.sophielosborne.com/
