The concept of freelancing is really quite simple, but many people are confused about the nature of the work. Unfortunately, “freelancing” is often associated with the “starving artist” image, which simply isn’t the case anymore. You don’t have to be an out-of-work artist to become a freelancing entrepreneur. You just need talent and, if applicable, education.
Some people are lucky enough to have an already-developed talent that can be converted into a money making opportunity. Others are less fortunate, and must attend classes and workshops to acquire the required skills of a particular industry. Regardless, anyone can make money as a freelancer is they are disciplined, focused and determined to succeed.
After researching various books and websites, I discovered that there are five specific freelancing careers that have just begun to really take hold in the world. These are careers that do require schooling – some more than others – but that can be learned at a trade school, and do not require a four-year degree. All of these jobs offer the freedom to work where you want, when you want, and to set your own prices.
1. Fitness Instructor
Do you love to work out? Can you see yourself practically living at the gym? If so, a career in fitness instruction might be right up your ally. Fitness instructors are among the highest-paid freelance workers, and their services are increasing in demand almost daily in our radically health-conscious society.
Fitness instructors (also called Personal Trainers) should love working with different types of people and should enjoy motivating others to succeed. They should also lead a healthy life style and model that lifestyle to clients and potential customers. They should have a detailed understanding of fitness equipment, health, diet, exercise and planning a routine. They should also be ISSA, ACE, NCSF, or NFPT certified.
As a fitness instructor, you can work out of your home, out of an office, or out of an already-established gym. You can obtain a DBA and come up with a company name, or you can work strictly as a freelancer. Fitness Instructors should be able to effectively market their service through conversation, advertising and word of mouth. Most fitness instructors earn between $40 and $100 per hour, depending on the clientele and the range of experience.
2. Dietician
Working under the health and fitness umbrella of jobs, dieticians and nutritionists are in high demand all over the country. There are several different branches under this career choice – clinical, personal, research, consulting, etc. – and a well-educated dietician can go wherever he or she chooses.
The most important factor in choosing this career is education. Many trade schools across the country offer degrees in dietetics, which is the main classification for this job. You learn about foods, vitamins, minerals, and balancing a healthy lifestyle. Often, dieticians and fitness instructors network together and share clients who wish to improve their quality of life from all directions.
The median salary in 2005 for a personal dietician was $78,000, and that number is continuing to grow. As a freelance dietician, you’ll be able to set your hours, your pay schedule, and make money on the side as a public speaker or as a writer of books. There are no limits to where you can take this freelance career!
3. Massage Therapist
Believe it or not, major companies are now providing massage therapy as part of their benefits plan. It is a proven fact that regular massage relieves stress and tension, helps patients heal faster from injuries and illnesses, provides relief from serious pain and helps people to achieve greater levels of relaxation. Because of this, massage therapists are in high demand, which is continuing to grow daily.
There are now massage therapy schools which students can attend to learn more about massage and to discover which direction they intend to take their careers. You can explore the more subtle branches of massage therapy, such as accupuncture, sports medicine, onsite corporate massage, and spa massage.
Massage therapists charge different rates depending on where they live. In areas with high standards of living, a therapist might make up to $200 per hour, while in other places, the average is $40 or $50 per hour. As you acquire more clients, your rates can increase, and you can explore other facets of freelancing in massage therapy.
4. Internet Tutor
Virtual tutoring is the newest craze in online learning, and it has taken affect all over the country. Every afternoon, thousands of kids log on to their computers and chat with Internet tutors who assist them with homework, papers, tests and quizzes. If you have a degree in education, or if you’ve completed at least two years of college (or trade school), you could become an Internet tutor.
Realistically, a degreed tutor can expect to make between $50 and $70 per hour as an Internet tutor. You can choose between participating in one-on-one sessions, or you can group students together who are covering the same unit. Internet tutors are even in demand for college students who need help with their classes. You can freelance with one of the many Internet tutoring sites, or you can create your own and work entirely for yourself.
5. Nanny
You might think that nannies are only for the Queen’s children, but think again! In this modern day and age, children are more often the product of homes where both parents work, neither of which want to end their careers. In this case, many families prefer to hire in-house help for their children rather than sending the tykes off to daycare for the day. Nannies are in constant demand all over the country, and an experienced childcare provider can make up to $30 per hour taking care of children.
Nannies should be certified in first aid, and it helps if they also have experience as a tutor. You can advertise your services and work on your own, or even start a business for nannies in your home town. This is an extremely lucrative career choice, and if you love children, why not? No long days at the office, no stamping of time sheets; just hours playing with children who will look up to you and need your guidance. I can’t think of anything more fulfilling than that!
