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This story originally appeared on Zippia.com.
In the not-so-distant past, virtually every job you could name had a strict and consistent schedule. In those days, it was quite difficult and rare to find a job that would allow you to choose your own work hours.
Over the past few years, however, those norms have been slowly and steadily changing. Today, modern telecommunication platforms such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, and Microsoft Teams have made it easier than ever before for employees to work from home and collaborate across great distances.
Furthermore the COVID-19 pandemic – which has forced so many millions of American employers to transition to a distributed workforce model – has only made these digital communication tools more sophisticated and ubiquitous.
And one of the significant benefits of working remotely – as anyone who has ever worked from home for an extended period of time will be able to attest – is that it frequently gives you the freedom to establish your own work schedule.
But remote jobs aren’t the only type of employment opportunity that can give you the freedom to establish your own weekly hours. There are also tons of freelance and contractor opportunities out there that can liberate you from the monotony of having to work the same schedule day in and day out.
Deciding if a job with a flexible schedule is right for you
Before we look at some examples of jobs with flexible schedules, it’s important for us to first emphasize that these jobs are not for everyone.
Determining whether or not a job with a flexible schedule will be right for you will depend on a variety of factors. These include, most notably, your budget, your skillset and your personality.
With those ideas in mind, here are three essential questions that you should always ask yourself before you accept an offer for a job with a flexible schedule:
“Will I be financially secure?” Many remote and freelance jobs — though not all of them — will not be able to pay as much as a full-time job with regular hours.
While money isn’t everything, it should certainly be carefully factored into your decision.
“Do I have the skills that will enable me to be competent in this role?” Flexible jobs can open the door to a lot of freedom, but only for those who can bring certain prerequisite skills to the table.
“Am I the type of person who will enjoy a job with a flexible work schedule?” Most importantly, you should take some time to reflect upon your personal work style and preferences.
Do you find it easy to stay on task and focused for long periods without a manager looking over your shoulder?
Are you a self-motivated individual who can avoid procrastination and deliver high-quality results on time?
If you answered “yes” to each of those questions, then a job with a flexible work schedule is very likely for you.
Here are many examples of modern jobs that will enable you to pick and choose your own working hours.
1. Freelance writer
Do you have a talent for wordplay and a passion for language? If so, you might consider pursuing a freelance writing job.
Copywriting and content writing are essential components to any successful employer branding strategy, which means that freelance writers tend to remain in fairly high demand across industries.
2. Freelance editor
Freelance editors – like their writer counterparts – also tend to be highly valued for their ability to condense, simplify and improve a business’s content messaging strategy.
If you love to read, write and correct your friends when they type “your” instead of “you’re” in a text message conversation, then a job as a freelance editor could be a good fit for you.
3. Freelance graphic designer
If you’re someone who’s passionate about creative designs and who is familiar with prominent digital design platforms (such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop), then we encourage you to check out some job opportunities as a freelance graphic designer.
4. Hairstylist
Independent hair stylists who can obtain their own salon or workspace not only have the opportunity to choose their own working hours – they can also practice their craft in a fun and social environment.
This is a great flexible job opportunity for anyone who loves spending time with people and who has a knack for hair care.
5. House sitter
As a house sitter, you’ll typically have the flexibility to decide when you’re going to complete your work-related duties, such as watering the plants, bringing in the mail, and cleaning up around the kitchen.
Working as a house sitter will also provide you with a private and quiet working environment, from which you can submit further job applications or complete additional freelance work.
6. Pet sitter/dog walker
If you love being around and taking care of animals, you should consider working as a pet sitter or dog walker.
Both of these gigs very often come with flexible hours, and they’re also a great chance to engage in some light exercise and spend some quality time with your furry friends.
7. Massage therapist
Massage therapy is a wonderful occupation for anyone who is passionate about the promotion of well-being and ease – both in themselves and in others.
It’s also a line of work that very often takes place on a by-appointment-only basis, which means that you’ll have lots of freedom and flexibility to choose your own work hours.
Just bear in mind that you’ll need to receive your certification before you’re able to start working as a massage therapist.
8. Personal fitness trainer
Are you the type of person who considers fitness to be less of a hobby and more of a lifestyle? Do you love to meet new people and share your passion for physical health with others?
If you answered “yes” to each of those questions, then a position as a personal fitness trainer will very likely be a great fit for you.
As a ride-share driver – working with a company such as Lyft or Uber – you’ll be able to choose your own hourly and daily work schedule. Even if you’re already working a full-time job, you can still drive in the evenings to earn a little extra cash.
10. Social media consultant
With each passing year, it’s becoming increasingly important for companies to build and maintain a sophisticated social media presence and marketing strategy.
The rise of social media within the modern business landscape has created a pressing need for employers across industries: To find and hire individuals who are social-media savvy and able to promote a brand through platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
11. Tour guide
Are you passionate about your town’s history and culture? Are you looking for a fun, engaging and lucrative way to share that passion with tourists and sightseers?
If so, then a job as a local tour guide could be an excellent option for you. And here’s the best part: More often than not, these jobs come with flexible scheduling options.
12. Tutor
Tutoring is a rewarding, simple and flexible way to earn a little extra cash.
If you have expertise in a specific field (such as mathematics, foreign languages, writing or science) and you enjoy helping others to develop their skills and confidence in the classroom, then a job as a tutor might very well be worth pursuing.
13. Substitute teacher
Substitute teachers are almost always in high demand across the country for their flexibility and ability to connect with diverse groups of students.
If you’re someone who loves to learn and who feels comfortable and confident addressing a room full of people, we encourage you to look into substitute teaching job opportunities in your area.
14. Data entry worker
Nowadays, countless companies are in dire need of data entry workers who can analyze and organize large amounts of data.
Very often, these sorts of jobs will allow you to choose your own hours each week – they frequently come with a time-sensitive daily or weekly quota as opposed to a rigid daily or weekly schedule.
All you need to get started (and get paid) as a data entry worker is a personal computer with reliable internet access, time management skills an affinity for numbers and keen attention to detail.
15. Language translator
If you speak more than one language, you can start capitalizing on that skill by working as a language translator.
There are tons of online sites that are actively seeking bilingual and multilingual individuals who are willing to work from home according to their own flexible schedule.
16. Search engine evaluator
As a search engine evaluator, you’ll essentially oversee online searches to ensure that a search engine generates accurate, quick and legitimate results. Working as a search engine evaluator is an undemanding and flexible way to earn a little extra money on the side.
17. Blogger
In recent years, blogging has become an increasingly common practice for brands and individuals who are seeking to promote themselves and share their thoughts on a wide variety of topics to a public audience.
The trouble is that many of these brands and individuals do not have the writing skills to produce high-quality blog content. Those who do – freelance bloggers, for example – have become an extremely valuable asset for many employers.
18. Nanny (or babysitter)
Working as a nanny or a babysitter is a big responsibility, but it can also pay off in a major way. Just bear in mind that many parents and nanny agencies will require that you receive a first-aid or CPR certification before you begin working.
If you’re willing to become a certified caregiver and you enjoy spending time with children, then a job as a nanny or babysitter will very likely be a great fit for you.
19. Delivery driver
Delivery drivers tend to earn comfortable wages (sometimes including tips) and enjoy flexible work hours.
This is a great option if you don’t mind spending long stretches of time behind the wheel and have a strong sense of direction.
20. Interior designer
Are you someone who’s always dreaming up new and innovative ways to make the inside of a room or a house feel more comfortable? If so, then you may be destined to be an interior designer.
This role will provide you with tons of opportunities to engage with people and put your creative energies to constructive use.
21. School test proctor
Universities and public schools are always in need of individuals who can attend and monitor academic testing events.
Working as a school test proctor is a fast, easy and flexible way to generate a little extra income.
22. Video editor
If you have a penchant for film and own your own recording and editing software, you may already have everything you need to begin working as a video editor.
Video editors typically don’t have much trouble finding clients because there are always brands out there seeking to improve their employer branding and outreach strategies through the medium of film.
23. Actuary
An actuary is someone who calculates and analyzes degrees of risk for insurance-related purposes.
To be hired as an actuary, you’ll need to be able to demonstrate a strong background in mathematics – and more specifically, you’ll need to be able to prove that you’re a skilled statistician and data analyst.
24. Virtual assistant
As a virtual assistant, you’ll have lots of flexibility to choose your own working hours, as well as the freedom to determine the types of clients that you assist.
In the dawning era of remote work, virtual assistants are becoming an increasingly common and important asset for a huge variety of entrepreneurs and businesses.
25. Research associate
Research associates need to be able to demonstrate strong concentration skills and acute attention to detail.
If you’re a self-starter who’s eager to learn and advance the frontiers of knowledge, then a job as a research associate may be a perfect fit for you.
26. Dietician
Are you passionate about physical health, nutrition and food? If so, then we urge you to look into job opportunities as a dietician.
As a dietician, you’ll be able to work closely with individuals to help them achieve their health and nutritional goals.
27. Salesperson
Many sales jobs are full-time, but several sales positions will provide you with flexible work options.
28. Web developer
Many web developers enjoy the freedom and flexibility to determine their own work hours.
Before you’ll be able to land a job as a web developer, however, you’ll first need to demonstrate a strong background in the field, as well as an ability to deliver projects on time.
29. Consultant
A consultant, simply put, is an individual who possesses a high degree of expert knowledge about a particular subject.
In turn, these individuals are hired by others who are seeking to put that knowledge to good use.
For example, if you’re particularly well-versed in the finer points of the finance industry, you may be sought out by a professional or a brand that is seeking some sort of specific financial advice.
So if you’re an expert in a particular field, you may want to look into consulting.
30. Professional recruiter
Recruiters serve as the intermediary between employers and job candidates, helping to find and facilitate the perfect matches between the two parties.
To begin working as a recruiter, you’ll need to have strong communication and organization skills. An affinity for sales doesn’t hurt your chances, either.
Disclosure: The information you read here is always objective. However, we sometimes receive compensation when you click links within our stories.
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