If you’ve been hunting for a job that doesn’t lock you into a 9-to-5, you’re not in the minority! More people than ever want to work from home on their own time. Thankfully, there are tons of flexible job options out there that actually let you set your schedule and work when it makes sense for your life.
I’ve covered “work whenever you want” jobs in the past, but it’s always good to share some updated content with you on the subject since this type of work is so sought-after.
Here are 20 ideas for you.
Virtual Assisting
Virtual assistants help business owners and entrepreneurs stay organized. Tasks can include inbox management, scheduling, social media, light bookkeeping, and more.
You can take on one client or several, and most of the work can be done around your availability. If you’re reliable and can juggle a few things at once, this is a great flexible gig.
You can work as a virtual assistant for:
Freelance Writing
Freelance writers create content for blogs, websites, marketing teams, and more. Some gigs are quick articles, others are long-form or even ghostwritten.
You can usually write on your own time, as long as you meet your deadlines. It helps if you can write fast and follow directions.
You can write for:
Online Selling
You can sell thrifted items, handmade goods, or vintage finds through platforms like eBay or Etsy. You control the listings, prices, and when you ship.
It takes some effort upfront, but once you get the hang of it, you can work entirely on your terms. Some people do this as a weekend hustle, others make it full-time.
Another great option is Shopify — this lets you skip the middleman and set up your own store. It’s cheap to start with them (free then just $1 a month for the first three months) and you don’t have to worry about listing fees, etc. like you would on marketplaces.
Transcription
Transcription work involves listening to audio and typing what you hear. Accuracy is key, and the faster you type, the more you can earn.
Most transcription companies let you log in when you want and choose the files you want to work on. It’s quiet, solo work you can do anytime.
Some companies that hire transcribers include:
AI Training
AI training jobs involve labeling content, categorizing data, or rating the accuracy of AI responses. It’s usually done through a web interface or mobile app.
This work is repetitive but super flexible. You can log in when you have time and stop whenever you need a break.
Some companies that look for AI trainers include:
Search Evaluation
Search engine evaluators rate search results to help improve accuracy for users. You’ll follow detailed instructions to judge how useful and relevant a result is.
It’s solo work and almost always asynchronous. Once you’re trained, you can pick up tasks whenever you’ve got time. Some of these companies also offer AI training work.
Companies that hire for search evaluation include:
Proofreading
Proofreaders check grammar, spelling, and formatting in written content. This could be anything from blog posts to academic papers.
If you’re detail-oriented and have a good grasp of grammar, it’s an easy job to fit into your day whenever you’re free.
You could potentially proofread for:
Customer Support
Some customer support roles are completely flexible, especially with companies that staff for chat or ticket systems instead of phones. You help customers with orders, troubleshoot problems, or answer questions.
As long as you’re within your assigned time block, you can often choose how many hours you want to work each week. Some companies even let you change your schedule weekly.
Some of the more flexible companies with customer support jobs include:
Data Entry
Data entry involves entering or updating information in spreadsheets, databases, or online systems. It’s straightforward and doesn’t require a lot of training.
Many data entry jobs are task-based and don’t require set hours. If you’re fast and accurate, this can be easy money during your downtime.
Some companies that have data entry work (keep in mind a lot of it is low-paying and just good for extra cash) include:
Academic Tutoring
Online tutoring for academic subjects is always in demand, especially math, science, and writing. Some platforms connect you with students in your time zone, others let you teach internationally.
You usually set your own availability, and sessions are booked around your schedule. This is great if you like teaching but hate being micromanaged.
You could work as a tutor for:
ESL Tutoring
Teaching English as a second language (ESL) to students abroad can be a flexible option. Lessons are often short and conversational.
You choose your hours and only teach when you’re available. Most companies provide the lesson materials, so there’s not a lot of prep work.
You could do ESL tutoring for:
Test Scoring
Online test scorers evaluate student essays or short-answer questions. Most of the work is seasonal, but it’s extremely flexible when available.
You’re trained on how to score and can log in anytime during open hours. It’s quiet, focused work with no interaction required.
You could score academic tests and essays for:
Food Delivery
Food delivery through apps is one of the most flexible gigs out there. You just turn on the app, accept deliveries when you want, and turn it off when you’re done.
You’ll need a car (or bike, depending on your city), but you can work around your own life. It’s not a work-from-home job, but the flexibility is hard to beat.
Consider doing this work for:
Selling Digital Products
If you have a knack for creating templates, planners, or printables, you can sell them online through marketplaces or your own shop.
Once your products are made and listed, the income becomes mostly passive. You handle things when you have time—no schedules, no clients.
Gold City Ventures has a free workshop you can check out on how to get started doing this.
Voiceover Work
Voiceover jobs can include commercials, narrations, audiobooks, and more. You’ll need a quiet space and a decent mic.
The work itself is often done completely on your time, and many projects let you record and submit without ever speaking to anyone live.
Some companies that look for voiceover artists include:
Microtasking
Microtasking platforms let you complete small jobs like tagging images, transcribing short audio clips, or categorizing products.
You can log in whenever you want and do a few tasks or a few hundred. It’s not huge money, but it adds up.
You could do this work for:
Selling Stock Photos
If you enjoy photography, you can upload your pictures to stock sites and earn royalties every time someone downloads them.
Once your portfolio is uploaded, this becomes a set-it-and-forget-it kind of hustle. You manage your time and content however you want.
You can sell stock photos for:
Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
You can list your services through apps and take jobs based on your own schedule. Some gigs are overnight pet sitting, others are quick walks.
This isn’t always home-based job (just depends if you care for the pets in your home or the client’s home), but it’s flexible and doesn’t involve staring at a screen all day. Great for animal lovers who want freedom.
Consider these companies to get the word out about your services:
Captioning
Captioning is similar to transcription, but involves syncing text with video. You’ll need good timing skills and a strong grasp of grammar.
Most captioning platforms let you choose your projects and work at your own pace. It’s solo work you can do anytime.
You can do captioning for:
Social Media Scheduling
Small businesses often hire help to schedule posts, respond to comments, and update profiles. This isn’t strategy work, just the day-to-day stuff.
It’s usually done with scheduling tools, so you don’t need to post live. That means you can prep content in batches whenever it fits your day.
You could check for openings to do this with:
Find More Flexible Work With FlexJobs
If you’re looking for remote jobs that let you truly set your own hours, FlexJobs is a great place to start.
It’s a trusted site that screens every listing, so you won’t waste time with scams or junk.
You’ll find everything from freelance gigs to part-time and full-time roles across hundreds of industries.
And you can try it out for just $2.95 for 14 days to see what’s out there without a big commitment!
Go here to check out FlexJobs.
As always, good luck to you in whatever you pursue!
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.