5 Side Hustles You Can Do From Home

Need to make extra money but need to do it from home? You’re in good company.

According to AARP’s Value of Experience Survey, 36% of all workers age 40 and older are caregivers for an adult, typically a partner/spouse or parent, and report having to work remotely.

If you’re caregiving for a loved one and need flexible work you can do from home, AARP Foundation is here to help. Explore five possibilities for remote work that you can do with a laptop and some training, should you need it.

1. Virtual Assistant ($17 an hour)

Virtual assistants are the modern version of administrative assistants — or what we used to call secretaries. As the job title implies, you’ll be working remotely for your client — or clients.

As a virtual assistant, you may be asked to manage schedules, arrange meetings, coordinate newsletters, oversee social media, or perform market research. It will all depend on the role and what your client, who could be a small business owner, entrepreneur, or top executive, needs help with.

If you have an administrative background or strong organizational, communication, and time management skills, virtual assistant work could be a great fit. Learn more from the International Virtual Assistants Association a nonprofit trade association that provides continuing education, networking opportunities, and a listing in a membership directory.

2. Proofreader or Copy Editor ($19-25 an hour)

Are you good with grammar, spelling, and punctuation? Do you have a sharp eye for detail? Then you could moonlight as a copy editor or proofreader.

While similar, each role is slightly different. Copy editors make sure the author’s text is clear, readable, and error-free. Proofreaders correct errors the author or copyeditor may have missed in the final version or “proof.”

A variety of industries hire freelancers for their copyediting and proofreading needs, including publishing, healthcare, life sciences, marketing agencies, and colleges and universities.

Two professional organizations — The Society for Editing (ACES) and the Editorial Freelancer’s Association (eFa) — offer training, professional support, and job listings that can help you break into this work-from-home role.

3. Social Media Manager ($26 an hour)

Do you have a customer service or marketing background? Or are you great at getting likes on your posts from your online community? Companies are always looking for social media managers to create and manage their online identity and connect with their customers online.

While roles vary, in general you’ll create content to post on channels like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and other platforms. You’ll also respond to online comments, direct people who comment to appropriate channels, and analyze the data from online campaigns.

A degree isn’t always necessary to break into social media management, but having a strong understanding of the different social media channels and good communication skills are a must. Many of the online scheduling platforms like HubSpot, HootSuite, and Sprout Social offer online training, and HubSpot offers a free certification.

To learn more about training and opportunities, check out the Social Media Marketing Society from Social Media Examiner.

4. Bookkeeper ($19 an hour)

Are you organized and detail-oriented? Do you like working with numbers? Bookkeeping may be the right work-from-home job for you.

As an online bookkeeper, you’ll work remotely, providing financial record-keeping of the day-to-day transactions for businesses. Typically, you’ll focus on accounts receivable and accounts payable, recording the data and generating financial reports.

A college degree isn’t required for most bookkeeping jobs but a training course is a good idea. Getting a certification will also make you more marketable to potential clients.

Learn more about what’s involved, including self-study courses at the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.

5. Tech Support Specialist ($20 an hour)

If you have a background in computers or customer service, this could be a perfect fit. Tech support specialists troubleshoot computer issues and provide guidance to users to solve the problems they are experiencing. For this kind of role, you need to have strong communication skills and knowledge of common computer systems.

In addition to being analytical, organized, and patient, you’ll need a college degree. Staying current on industry certifications is also recommended.

Find more resources at HelpDesk Chapters (HDC),  a membership-based organization for technical support professionals to connect, share, and collaborate with like-minded professionals.

Source for hourly wages: FlexJobs.