No matter how good you are at something, you can always get better. And no matter how much you know, you can always benefit from learning more.
The more you know and the more skills you have, the more likely it is you’ll qualify for and land better-paying work at home jobs.
Luckily the internet has made it so easy for us to learn new skills. There are some very good free and paid resources online that enable you to learn skills employers are looking for.
No doubt when skimming through work from home job descriptions, you’ve seen requirements that include superior typing skills, writing skills, knowledge of WordPress, Microsoft Word, Excel — the list goes on.
And it’s either stuff you simply don’t know, or stuff you know, but you’re not good enough at to feel confident applying. As a result, you just bypass those job leads and look for something you are qualified for.
Well guess what? You can learn those skills — don’t think for one minute that you can’t. And the internet has made it so easy to do!
Below I’ve listed some online resources for cheap online courses to help you land some of the higher-paying work at home jobs.
Top Affordable And Free Online Learning Platforms
1. Udemy
Udemy is a treasure trove of knowledge, offering over 18,000 courses across various subjects. Whether you’re looking to master Microsoft Excel, delve into digital marketing, or even pick up a new hobby like photography, Udemy has something for everyone.
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Cost: Courses range from free to around $300, with frequent discounts available.
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Features: Lifetime access to purchased courses, learn at your own pace, and a plethora of user reviews to guide your choices.
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Ideal For: Individuals seeking flexibility and a wide array of course topics.
2. Skillshare
Skillshare operates on a subscription model, granting you unlimited access to thousands of classes. From creative writing to web development, the platform emphasizes project-based learning, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios.
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Cost: Free trial available; premium membership at $15/month or $99/year.
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Features: Engage with a community of learners, participate in class projects, and receive feedback from instructors.
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Ideal For: Creative professionals and those looking to build a portfolio.
3. GCF LearnFree
GCF LearnFree offers entirely free courses focusing on essential skills. Whether you’re new to computers or looking to brush up on Microsoft Office, this platform provides straightforward tutorials to get you up to speed.
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Cost: Completely free.
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Features: Self-paced lessons, interactive exercises, and no registration required.
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Ideal For: Beginners seeking foundational knowledge in computer literacy and office software.
4. Coursera
Coursera partners with top universities and organizations to offer courses on a multitude of topics. While many courses are free to audit, obtaining a certificate typically requires a fee.
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Cost: Free to audit; certificates available for a fee.
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Features: University-level instruction, peer-reviewed assignments, and flexible deadlines.
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Ideal For: Learners seeking academic-style courses and certifications.
5. edX
Similar to Coursera, edX provides access to courses from institutions like Harvard and MIT. You can audit classes for free or pay for a verified certificate.
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Cost: Free to audit; certificates available for a fee.
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Features: High-quality course materials, discussion forums, and graded assignments.
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Ideal For: Individuals aiming for a structured learning experience with reputable institutions.
Tips for Maximizing Your Online Learning Experience
Set Goals
Figure out what skills you want to learn and how they line up with your desired at-home job.
Create a Schedule
Decide on specific times during the week to spend on learning so you’re being consistent.
Apply Your Skills
Use what you’ve learned as often as you can — through projects you’re doing personally or freelance work — to gain the practical experience.
Stay Updated
The digital landscape is always changing, and it can be tough to keep up. Commit to learning new things from now on so you stay ahead.
To Sum Up …
BONUS – Get My Work at Home E-Book Bundle For Just $5 Right Now (8 E-Books Total)
If you are wanting even MORE links to jobs across a ton of categories (virtual assisting, data entry, transcription, and more), you may want to download my work at home e-book bundle.
It includes the following e-books ($1 each if you buy them individually):
DOWNLOAD IT HERE.
You will get an email with a link to download the PDF files after your purchase.
Thank you!

Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 14 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.