When you think of careers best suited for the family caregiver, you may think of high-paying, high-power careers which will have the most payout for time spent away. The only problem is that settling into a career like that takes time; time you don't have if your family member is already dependent. When that is the case, freelancing is your best bet. These freelancing careers take the least amount of time and money to get started.
1. Freelance Writer
You can write from home on your own schedule, which makes it a great fit for caregivers. It does take some time to build up a solid paycheck, but the opportunities for greater pay are endless. If you aren't confident in your writing skills, take a free course before you jump in.
2. Voiceover Specialist
This job takes a little more time to set up, and requires seclusion and silence while you're doing it. You will need sound editing software, a good microphone, a computer with internet access, and a sound-dampened room.
Heavy blankets work in a pinch for sound dampening, so if money is tight, invest in a great microphone over sound-proofing. You can find voiceover training courses and tips online to help you get started.
3. Graphic Designer
If you have an eye for good art, especially in advertisements and logos, consider freelancing as a graphic designer. This is another job that you can do whenever you have time. All you will need is a scanner, a computer, and design software.
Gimp is the best free graphic design software available at the moment, but there are a ton of affordable programs on the market. You do not need a degree to succeed at this; like many freelance jobs, the clients are more interested in what you can do than where you learned how to do it. Affordable online courses will give you the foundation you need to get started.
4. Customer Service Representative
You may have spoken to one before while trying to reach a company past office hours. Many customer service, technical support, and answering service employees work remotely from home rather than an office.
5. Translator
For caregivers fluent in other languages, translating foreign documents online or being a liaison between people or organizations are a great opportunity to exercise your skills.
6. Teacher
There are many rewarding opportunities available online to teach students through phone, email, in-person, or real-time online sessions.
7. Expert Consultant
Many caregivers have valuable skills which they can successfully apply online. Create how-to videos, answer questions, or give professional expert advice to others, while getting paid for your opinions.
8. Seamstress
Are you a wizard when equipped with needle and thread? You can be a seamstress or tailor from your home and do clothing alterations. If quilting is more your thing, you can make and sell quilts (t-shirt quilts are growing in popularity and people are willing to pay quite a bit for someone to make these personalized quilts for them). Designing and making your own fashions are always an option to. Websites such as Etsy and Shopenvy allow you to sell your creations online.
9. Sales Representative
There are numerous companies that seek online or over-the-phone sales representatives.
10. Household Cleaner
Cleaning services are always in demand, and you can typically set your own schedule! Cleaning houses can be a great way to bring in some extra money while still providing the care your senior needs.
11. Babysitter
Babysitting sounds like a demanding task when you're already caring for a senior loved one. Seniors and little ones, however, often get along well together! Try babysitting for a friend or family member or opening an in-home daycare. If your loved one has many medical appointments, it may be useful to have a helper or substitute daycare worker, or to keep only a couple of kids who can go with you to appointments.
12. Caterer
Catering allows you to use your skills throughout the day as you prepare food or baked goods for your customers. If you're going to cater, keep your schedule in mind as you make appointments. Baking and decorating cakes? Arrange for your customers to come to you whenever possible. As an added bonus, you and your loved one will get to sample all those yummy baked goods.
13. Entrepreneur
A talent for creating things might make an online store through a site such as Etsy a fit. You have complete control over the entire process from start to finish. And if you don't have time to make your own products, try buying and selling product on sites such as eBay and Amazon.
Although there are many online opportunities that would pay for your skills, be wary of scams and online phishing. Confirm that the website you are applying for is legitimate and accredited before releasing personal details.
At Caring Senior Service we are always ready to help seniors and their families by providing professional advice and services. As you consider ways to give support to your aging parents or relatives, consider including us in your plans. Find the Caring Senior Service near you.
