There’s a reason why songs are written about the monotony of the “rat race” or 9-5 lifestyle; these career roles aren’t for everyone. Some thrive by working at night. Others have busy families or kids to take care of, which limits their work availability. Some just don’t want a traditional job. If this sounds like you, it’s a good idea to learn about alternative career options that can let you set a more flexible schedule and work environment.
1. Writer
A writing career comes in many forms; some writers, like marketing copywriters, may have a traditional desk job. Other writers may have a flexible, work-from-home schedule. It’s very common for writers to freelance, where they control their work schedule, clients, and projects without being an employee. While you’ll have to do a lot of work to market yourself and find clients, you can do so anywhere at any time. There is no limit to the type of writing you can freelance, and if you become skilled in more than one writing style, you may be able to secure more clients. Technical writing, copywriting, and blog writing are popular writing jobs.
You can also become a ghostwriter, where you’ll use your writing skills to pen someone else’s fictional or nonfictional stories. There are even children’s book ghostwriters who help story ideas for kids come to life on paper. If you’re good at writing, this can be an interesting career path. Editing or proofreading are some skills you can use as well. The market is very competitive, so be prepared to learn some marketing skills.
2. Graphic Designer
Similar to writers, many graphic designers will freelance their work so they have more freedom over their schedule and projects. Graphic designers help create attractive imagery and logos for a certain business or brand, typically using a style guide. You can design your graphics at any time of the day as long as you meet your deadlines, unless you work for a specific employer that requires a set schedule from you. Browse job listings for remote or freelance graphic design jobs.
3. Artist
Graphic designers are not artists, and vice versa. While graphic designers use an artistic eye to create attractive images from preset assets, artists will use drawing skills and color theory to create artwork from scratch. Many artists are independent contractors, working at their own pace with a wide variety of clients. Artists will take commissions from these clients for a set rate or fee. If you’re skilled at drawing or painting, you may find a lot of money in the profession, but like writers, you’ll have to know how to find the right clientele.
4. Web Designer
Many web designers are able to work at their own pace to create or edit an attractive website for a specific brand, product, or business. It’s not unusual to find web designers working on a freelance or independent contractor basis. You will need a set amount of time to perform the coding and editing tasks, but you can make these edits whenever works best for you as long as you’re meeting a deadline. You’ll need some coding, design, and tech education, but you’ll have a lot of opportunities if you’re qualified.
5. Rideshare or Delivery Driver
While most people don’t rely on rideshare gigs as a lifelong career, many enjoy the simplicity and flexibility they bring. If you only need secondary or side income, you can accept ride or delivery requests anytime you’d like, 24/7. You’ll typically work as an independent contractor off a rideshare or delivery app like Lyft or DoorDash. You can choose the ride or delivery at your own pace, and the higher your rating, the more access to jobs you’ll get. If you have a car and don’t mind driving a lot, this might be an excellent gig for you.
6. Tutor
A tutor helps educate clients on specific subjects to help them excel in classroom settings. You can choose to tutor any age group or subject you’d like, but you’ll need to work on a client-by-client or freelance basis to enjoy a flexible schedule. Traditional classroom education jobs won’t give you the freedom you desire. There are even online tutors where you can do your job from the comfort of your home. However, you will likely need formal education in the subject of your choice to get started.
7. Influencer or Blogger
If you’re confident in your ability to draw in a crowd, you may try your luck as an influencer or a blogger. Influencers create social media content for entertainment and promotional purposes, typically for a certain niche like beauty, travel, or wellness.
In a similar vein, bloggers will normally create their website based on a certain theme or subject, but some can cover a variety of content. Blogs usually involve written content with the intent to entertain, inform, or advertise. Bloggers take a more behind-the-scenes role than influencers, but both careers require excelling in content creation skills. You can create content at your own pace on your own time, but you’ll need to know marketing inside and out to make a living.
8. Real Estate Agent or Investor
The real estate industry can be friendly for many who require a career with a flexible schedule. While real estate agents will typically operate during the daytime hours, they will have their own set of clients and can schedule showings and meetings at their own convenience.
Real estate agents help home buyers and sellers through the process and can earn commission based on a successful sale or purchase. Alternatively, you can invest in real estate yourself and earn rental income. You’ll need some upfront capital, but you’ll be able to work according to your own schedule most of the time.
Final Thoughts
A career should allow you to live a lifestyle you’re comfortable with. A traditional 9-5 can be incredibly difficult for many, especially if you’re particularly young. If you’re having trouble finding a career that can meet your scheduling needs, try to find options that require you to choose clients at your own pace. Freelancing, tutoring, web design, ride-sharing, and blogging are some of the typical options, but you can find a career that works with you in any industry if you’re creative enough.