As many college students know, taking online classes offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities. A lack of face to face contact with peers and instructors can be difficult to adjust to for some, but opens a door of flexibility for others.
As someone who has taken an array of online classes at the high school and university levels, I certainly understand that working while at school is immensely helpful.
These six jobs work well with a flexible online schooling schedule. It’s possible to actually feel like you’re in charge of your scheduling while working and attending school, and these jobs are a gateway to this type of unique freedom.
Nanny or Caregiver
Oftentimes, being a nanny can offer some really flexible work schedules. I have friends who have gone to school online while working as a nanny. They were able to complete their homework at work, while their clients kids took naps.
While I’ve never worked as a nanny specifically, I have worked as a caregiver while I was attending college. My client was a 90-year old man, who often took naps himself, and I remember getting a lot of homework done from my laptop during those times.
Nothing is better for a college student then being able to double up; completing school work while getting paid to work at your regular job.
Driver
Forget the old-school taxi driver job! Working for a contemporary ride services like Uber is a great way for college students to get extra money. All you need is a solid, newer car, and a decent driving record.
The best part about being an Uber or Lyft driver, is that you work only when you want to. And these companies can even assist you in financing a new car!
Freelance Writer
While my own freelance career took off after attending college, I can certainly see how this line of work would be ideal for those still attending school. If you really enjoy writing and blogging, getting started is probably much easier than you’d expect.
Start by finding blogs that you are personally interested in writing for, start by asking yourself, “what are my genuine areas of interest?” Develop a writing resume and then reach out to website that pay per article.
This is exactly how I started as a freelance writer, and I couldn’t be happier with my career choice. The following two resources were great resources for finding sites that actually pay per piece:
Make A Living Writing: Websites That Pay Writers 2015: These 79 Sites Offer $50 and Up
The Write Life: 9 Online Gold Mines for Finding Paid Freelance Writing Jobs
Writers in Charge: 45+ Authentic Websites that Will Pay You to Write
Starbucks Barista
You may be wondering, “why is Starbucks on this list? Barista work seems like an outlier.”
But in fact, it isn’t at all.
As an ex-Starbucks barista, I can say that the corporate giant actually has some great incentives for employees attending college, such as awesome insurance benefits, weekly tips, and even tuition reimbursement for Arizona State University students! What’s better than your job paying for your college tuition?
Music Instructor
If you are musically inclined and have any experience teaching, working as a music instructor can be a job that is rewarding both personally and for your wallet!
Teaching beginning guitar or piano lessons can usually earn about $50/hour. Many students want half hour lessons starting out and that’s okay! The key is to build up a repertoire of clients seeking music instruction, and go from there.
Free websites such as Craigslist’s lessons & tutoring section are great ways to start building up clients. Good old fashioned flyering at relevant locations also works well!
Web Store Owner
Sites like Etsy and Big Cartel allows anyone to create a web store, with little internet overhead. Do you enjoy screen-printing and have an idea for a t-shirt design that you are confident people would buy? Maybe you love making beautiful crafty accessories such as buttons, lapel pins, or other earrings?
Online storefronts are a great option for this type of work. And best of all, you can run the business from the comfort of your home. Your only limit is your own creativity!
Featured photo credit: Gratisography via gratisography.com
