Are you always thinking, “I don’t want to work in an office anymore, what can I do?” You're not alone. The cubicle life is not for everyone, and the monotony of a nine-to-five job can take its toll on you.
Office politics, numerous useless meetings, micromanaging, and lack of job security are some aspects that can drain the life out of you. Not to mention the fact that sitting for several hours a day is unnatural for the human body and can lead to an early death.
Whatever your reason for wanting to leave office life, the good news is that you have several options to consider. With the world going digital, your ‘office’ could be your favorite café, your bedside table or a rented room in a different country.
There are also several other non-office, non-digital jobs you can pursue with the right qualifications. Let’s discuss them in detail:
Start a Digital Career
The amazing thing about digital career options is that you can work from wherever you want at your convenience. You have the choice to accept or reject a proposal if it does not meet your requirements. In most cases, all you need is a computer with speedy internet.
1. Freelance Writer
Freelance writing is one of the most lucrative online careers. If you’ve always loved to write and your English teacher was always impressed with your compositions and grammar, this is a great opportunity for you.
Start by checking sites like Upwork and grow your portfolio. Invest in a writing training program to know the ins and outs of freelance writing.
2. Editor/Reviewer
Editing is also a career with huge opportunities. Website owners are churning out lots of content day after day, and they need to ensure that their copy is flawless.
Are you that person that easily spots missing apostrophes and grammar errors? This could be the career for you. It would be a good idea to invest in a proofreading course to jumpstart your editing career.
3. SEO Consultant
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the pillar of any digital marketing strategy. With the plethora of information on the internet, businesses need to optimize their content and websites for visibility in search engines.
SEO consultants also carry out site audits, content marketing, keyword research, etc. You don’t have to master everything at once, take it one area at a time.
4. Social Media Manager
Businesses around the world have grown to appreciate that they cannot ignore social media. Social media is one of the fastest ways for companies to influence and engage with their leads and customers.
A social media manager will manage business social accounts by creating and posting content, engaging with followers, tracking digital marketing trends, etc.
5. YouTube Channel Owner
The YouTube platform is booming and several users have made a lucrative career out of it. Some users have even attained celebrity status thanks to YouTube. Decide what topic your channel will be about and who your target market is.
You won’t make money overnight. You must be willing to be consistent for a long time. Soon, you will start seeing results, and money of course (through ads and sponsorships).
6. Blogger
You’re probably already a blogger and wondering why this is on the list because your account balance is zero. Starting a blog is the easy part, but to make money from it you have to be intentional.
You can start earning from your blog by placing ads, selling memberships, including affiliate links, marketing your business with content, selling digital products, etc.
7. Freelance Graphics Designer
Graphics designers earn more money working from home. Their employment terms do not allow them to take on other projects. If you’re an employed graphics designer consider going freelance and work with as many clients as you want.
This also gives you the opportunity to stretch your creative skills as different clients have unique projects.
8. Web Designer
Building and designing a new website takes time and requires creative and technical skills. Every business must own a website to reach its leads, make sales and interact with its customers.
Companies are always on the look-out for freelance web designers to build, design, redesign, and update their websites.
9. Online Course Creator
Do you have a skill that people would be interested in learning? How about building a course and teaching it online? You can deliver lessons virtually to as many people are interested in the course. You have the freedom to create as many courses as your skills, knowledge, and experience allow.
10. Transcriptionist
A transcriptionist converts audios and videos into written content by listening and documenting word for word. Some audio or video material may have inconsistent volume or speakers with an accent you aren’t familiar with. You will require high-quality headphones and sharp concentration.
11. Customer Service Representative
As a freelance customer service representative, your job is to answer customers’ questions and help them resolve any issues they may have. You can do this via phone, email or chat.
Generally, companies will ask you to work a particular shift or you can choose which shift best suits your schedule. If you have extensive experience in a particular field, you can choose to specialize.
12. Data Entry Clerk
A data entry clerk enters and updates data from physical documents into a computer. This work is easy and suitable if you’re just starting out working online.
However, beware of scams on the internet. Many sites masquerading as companies looking for data entry clerks will ask you for a fee and promise you lots of money. Do your research to find legitimate opportunities.
Pursue a Non-Office Career
Here are some non-office careers you can pursue:
- Fitness instructor
- Life coach
- Commission-based re-seller
- Tour guide
- Event planner
- Caterer
- Dance instructor
- Construction manager
In Conclusion
Have you been saying to yourself lately, “I don’t want to work in an office anymore, what can I do?” Well, now you know what to do. We hope you can escape the nine-to-five drudgery with one or more of these options.
The great thing about most of these opportunities is that you don’t need a four-year degree to qualify. You can easily get training online and immediately start making money.
