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Wonolo

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A “flexible” work schedule is on everybody’s wish list, but what about those of us who really do need to work alternative lifestyle jobs?

There are a number of reasons people need to work at times that aren’t the traditional 9-to-5 grind. Maybe you move often, like in the case of a military spouse or other careers. It could be that you take care of family or young kids and can’t work a rigid schedule. Another reason many are choosing more adjustable work is simple — they just like it that way.

5 jobs to support an alternative lifestyle

In 2017, 32% of respondents to one survey said they had left a job due to lack of flexibility. There are many other statistics to show that people want gig-based, remote, and alternative ways to earn a living. Now, there are more of these types of work opportunities than ever before.

Here are five of these great opportunities:

Tax-Preparer

Ben Franklin once said;

“…but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

No one is excited about tax time, but it could yield a great opportunity for an alternative lifestyle job. Becoming a certified tax preparer is less cumbersome than the requirements of a certified public accountant (CPA). The pay is (on average) less, but being a tax-preparer can be incredibly flexible.

Here are a few ways you can leverage this skill:

  • Get a Temporary Job: Wherever you are, there is likely to be an HR Block, or other tax office nearby. Every year, these places are on the lookout for help.
  • Start Your Own Business: Since everyone needs their taxes done, it’s easy to leverage your relationships to get your first customers. It’s also easy to email documents back and forth. No matter where you are, you can keep your clients and do their taxes.
  • Help Small Businesses: Most tax-preparation gigs are only a for a few months each year. However, small businesses often file quarterly taxes. Acquiring small business clients by helping them file their obligations will help bring income in on a regular basis.

Further Reading: Check out the Tax-Preparer Requirement page on the IRS website. It will show you what you need to get certified in the U.S.

Software Programming

If you have no desire or skill with technology, this one may not be for you. Although, for those who have experience in computer tech, this could be a worthwhile pursuit.

Programming is in high demand all across the globe. Opportunities for part-time, remote work, and other flexible conditions are everywhere. The drawback is having to learn to code, which can take time. You can take courses and learn at a faster pace, but there will likely be fees involved. There are also a number of resources online (i.e., video tutorials, in-depth guides) that can help you learn yourself.

Not for the faint of heart, but this is a career that promises a long-term alternative lifestyle.

Further Reading: Here’s an in-depth guide helping you decide if programming is a good fit for your needs.

Loan Signing Agent

Home loans are known for mounds of paperwork that all need to be signed properly. There are also many pages that will need to be notarized. Missed signatures and sporadic availability of homeowners have created the need for loan signing agents (LSAs).

A loan signing agent has a particular set of skills, including;

  • Prints or collects the paperwork
  • Meets with buyers
  • Explains each document and shows them where to sign
  • Notarizes the appropriate pages.
  • Delivers or ships the docs to the lender

For a traditional loan, each signing should take about an hour and can pay a $75-$150 flat fee. There may be certifications in your state, and you’ll need to become a notary in the state you live in, too. There is flexibility, but you will have to orchestrate times that work for you and the signers.

Further Reading: The National Notary Association has a great article on what a loan signing agent does and how to become one.

On-Demand Work On-demand warehouse jobs

Imagine the convenience of being able to pick up shifts only when and where you want to work. Not to mention in jobs that are easy-to-learn or ones you already know how to do. There are a number of reliable, high-profile companies who need temporary help from time-to-time.

Some of the on-demand jobs may include:

  • Event Staff: Serve tables, keep food warm, and many other tasks are necessary to put on a good party and keep it going. These events are constantly in need of short-term, flexible help.
  • General Labor: Those who are handy sometimes need other handy-persons to help them complete a job.
  • Warehouse: During peak seasons or unforeseen growth, warehouses may need help keeping up with demand. And, they’re always looking for qualified workers to fill shifts for absences and to help manage the workload, meaning you can easily pick up shifts when and where you want.

Further Reading: There are many more job types that we couldn’t list here, but Wonolo has put together two ebooks to help you discover the benefits of on-demand work.

Your Job (Remotely)

Remote work is here to stay. There are so many roles that can be done from anywhere with a phone and an internet connection. Is yours one of them?

Human resources, accounting, project management and hundreds of other careers can be remote. Your skill set may be one, too. If you’re currently employed, you may be able to negotiate a more flexible schedule arrangement. Perhaps not fully remote at first, but a couple of extra days at home would be a good start.

Further Reading: A short article explaining how to negotiate your own remote work agreement with your employer.

So, if you’re over the daily 9-to-5 grind, rest assured that there are plenty of ways to make a living with these and other alternative lifestyle jobs. Whether you want to pick up a few shifts staffing events or at a local warehouse, or you want to pursue a career such as tax preparation, opportunities abound, making it possible for anyone to discover the right job to support their lifestyle.