When the global pandemic hit, many people lost their jobs or had their hours reduced. This affected their finances, and they had to look for different ways in which they could continue to generate an income. Luckily, we live in a technology and virtual era that allows us to find different ways to become self-employed and afford to pay our bills. With my experience as a self-employed professional, I was able to come up with six jobs you can do from your home with a computer or a smartphone.
1. Professional Photographer
You can become a professional photographer from the comfort of your own home. Product photography has a big demand, because most businesses with a website require photos of their products to show their customers what they will be buying. It is something you can easily learn how to do, even if you start with your phone’s camera. What you would need is a cheap light box and a decent camera that will allow you to take good quality pictures. After that, you should be able to edit them with Photoshop or any other photo editing software. Editing your pictures will help them stand out and look professional, so it would be easier for you to sell them. If you don’t know how to work any type of software, you can find freelancers to do it for a reduced fee.
2. Website Development
Website development means building, creating, and maintaining a website. A website developer is in charge of writing the script to design the site. This is an easy and affordable skill to learn; there are plenty of platforms you can use online that will teach you exactly how to get started in this business. Developing a website is a great way to make extra revenue, and some sites can even be sold for over $10,000. All you need to do is learn the process and start designing attractive websites that will make companies want to hire you.
3. Graphic Design
Graphic design is a visual communication and problem-solving skill that is done through iconography, illustration, photography, and typography. It is a job that can be done manually–many like to design their graphics drawing and painting by hand–as well as virtually. If you decide to do it virtually, you will need to learn how to use Photoshop or other image editing software. Once you know how to do this, you can sell your services to companies who are looking to create a logo or a brand image. Many eCommerce businesses are looking for graphic designers who can edit their images to create something more appealing to their customers. You can do this from the comfort of your own home and earn a good income.
4. Digital Marketing
There are different types of marketing that companies implement. One of them is digital marketing, which uses the Internet and any other online-based digital technologies to promote products and services. If you have social media accounts, you can easily learn how to do this. You need to know exactly how to showcase the product or the service in an appealing light.
Nowadays, most companies hire digital marketing experts to create paid ads for Facebook or Google. You can start by selling the product to your clients and work with the money they provide you. It is a great way to generate an income.
5. Video Editing
Video editing is the manipulation and organization of video shots. It can be used to create different types of content: films, television shows, advertisements, and even video essays. It is a skill in demand and extremely easy to learn. Most computers nowadays come with video editing software already installed; otherwise, you can find affordable ones online. Once you learn how to do it well, you can offer your services to companies who offer different services or products. Find out what appeals the most to you and figure out how video editing can help you get there. Many YouTubers started editing their own videos and grew a business from that skill.
6. Drop Shipping
With many businesses doing their sales online, a great job opportunity you can do from home is drop shopping. This means retailers who do not have goods in stock transfer their customers’ orders and shipping details to the manufacturer, another retailer, or a wholesaler who will make sure the product is shipped. This is a job that will cost you no money to start. You can begin by moving things around and this will lead to more opportunities.
Learning how to do these six jobs means learning new skills that will make you a more rounded professional. An advantage to learning all six of them is that you could combine them and start your own business. If you do some quick research, you will see eCommerce is big right now, and combining these skills can lead you to creating your own eCommerce business.
Losing your job or having your hours reduced can be incredibly stressful. It can lead to negative thoughts and feelings because we live in a society where we need to constantly be generating an income. But we also live in a time that allows us access to resources to learn new skills. These six jobs are easy to learn from home and will help you earn money in times of need.
