Workplaces are transforming. The 9-to-5 cubicle office life, for a good reason, may become a distant memory sooner than we think. Employees all around the world want more work flexibility. In fact, 30% of the employees said they left a job because they didn't have enough work flexibility, and 31% of all LinkedIn members made it clear that flexible work was one of their primary concerns while considering a new job.
Employers seem to be listening to these demands, given that 78% of job postings since 2016 claim to have some form of the flexible working option. But what exactly is job flexibility or what are flexible jobs?
Some employers may consider it "flexible" to arrive at 9:15 instead of 9:00. On the other hand, a flexible job could mean full-time remote work in a 4-day workweek system or on alternate workday schedules. To completely understand it, let's dive in further.
What are flexible jobs?
Flexible jobs are those where you get the ability to work under non-traditional business hours, do your job outside the traditional office environment, or complete your work at a time and place of your choice.
Non-traditional 9-5 jobs can be considered flexible by definition. There are different types of "flexible schedule jobs" you can consider depending on your needs.
1. Alternatively
The schedule is outside normal business hours and includes late or early shifts. You can work 40 hours, but that compresses into fewer days with longer hours.
2. Flexible
You can set your work hours, work a split shift, or lay out your hours throughout the day. As long as your tasks are completed on time, all is good.
3. Freelance
You are a self-employed person who determines what you want to do and when you want to do it.
4. Flexible part-time job
Your work schedules are around 34 hours a week or less.
5. Seasonal
It involves short-term work temporarily based on your employer’s needs, such as busy holiday shopping seasons.
Flexible jobs that pay well
1. Blogger
Blogging can be a very lucrative career depending on the size and niche of your blog. A blogger can generate revenue through displaying ads, affiliate marketing, selling courses, and promoting online products because he has a loyal blog audience. If content creation is your passion and expertise, create a blog today and start making money.
Average Hourly Wage: Varies
Educational Requirements: None
2. Data Scientists
The job of a data scientist is one of those flexible jobs that pay well. Data scientists are in high demand due to the massive amount of data collected by the world's largest companies. To properly manage and analyze this data, most companies hire data scientists to provide their expertise.
The data science career is flexible because most of the work can usually be done remotely. In addition to working for large companies, data scientists also have the opportunity to work part-time or as freelancers. They are typically generously rewarded for their deep understanding of machine learning, statistical modeling, and other expertise.
Average hourly rate: $49.97
Education requirements: Master’s degree
Also read: Top 20 highest paying remote jobs in 2022
3. Dietician
Dieticians and nutritionists are food and nutrition experts whose job is to advise their clients on what and how to eat to achieve specific health or physical goals.
They modify their client's diets to provide treatment for conditions such as cholesterol. As the general public is becoming more and more health conscious, the demand for dieticians and nutritionists is continuing to grow. Dietitians can get a job in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and private practitioners. However, they can also work remotely, supporting patient needs through phone and video calls. Due to all these reasons, a dietician becomes one of the most prominent careers that pay well.
Average hourly wage: $30.33
Educational requirements: Bachelor's degree
4. Dog-walking
Walking your dog may not seem like the most lucrative occupation, but by attracting a significant number of customers, you can earn as much or more than your average full-time salary. Apps like Barkly Pets and PetBacker make it easy to find dog walking opportunities online and slowly build your reputation in the industry. You can even start a dog-walking business and turn it into a long-term career, thereby making dog-walking one of the best flexible jobs that pay well.
Average hourly wage: $12.86
Education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
5. Electrician
An electrician is an expert who specializes in the installation, design, and maintenance of electrical systems in various types of buildings. Most electricians begin their careers by attending an apprenticeship program or technical school. Once the skills are established, many electricians choose to become self-employed to have better autonomy regarding their work schedule. As of 2020, electricians earn an average of $56,900 per year, according to the BLS.
Average hourly wage: $27.36
Educational Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
6. Genetic Counselor
A genetic counselor is a medical expert who works with individuals or families to help them comprehend how their family line and DNA can affect their health. For example, identifying the risk of inherited diseases and conditions. Genetic counselors can choose to work part-time, full-time, or freelance. As of 2020, the average salary for a genetic counselor is around $89,000, and the top 10% make more than $120,000 a year.
Average hourly wage: $43.13
Educational requirements: Master's degree
7. Graphic Designer
If you're creative and have a keen interest in a variety of artwork and design projects, graphic design can be a suitable career path for you. Graphic designing, a flexible job that pays well, typically revolves around developing product concepts, laying out instructional materials, and visualizing and creating graphics. As a graphic designer, you can work in-house at a company, or as a freelancer, you can find your clients on sites such as Upwork, AllRemote, and Fiverr. Working independently with clients gives the designer the flexibility to schedule and charge on their terms.
Average hourly wage: $25.66
Educational requirements: Bachelor's degree
8. Interior Architect
Thanks to technology like Zoom, Google Meet, and design software, an interior designer can now work from the comfort of his own home and communicate with his clients. The qualifications needed to become an interior designer vary from state to state, but designers typically must pass the National Council of Interior Design exam.
Average hourly wage: $27.43
Educational requirements: Bachelor's degree
9. Massage Therapist
Consider pursuing a career in massage therapy if the usual 9 to 5 career doesn't fit your ideal lifestyle. Massage therapists have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings including hotels, resorts, healthcare facilities, client homes, and even cruise ships. A career in massage therapy can be either part-time or full-time, based on your preference and your client's need. This is perfect for those who value flexibility. Plus, massage therapist training doesn't require a college degree, which saves you a lot of money on tuition.
Average hourly wage: $20.97
Education Requirement: Post-secondary non-degree award
10. Online Tutor
Becoming an online educator or tutor is a great career option for people having expertise in a particular subject and who love teaching. Today, there are many websites such as Chegg and eTutorWorld that allow tutors to serve students from anywhere in the world. Hourly rates may vary depending on the topic, the subject, the time needed, and the experience level. However, with online tutoring, you can work as long as you like. This is a great career option for those who prefer flexibility over a fixed schedule. Moreover, tutoring requires minimum hardware roles and therefore it is an easy high paying job.
Average hourly wage: $24.23
Educational requirements: Bachelor's degree
11. Personal Trainer
If you have a passion for and keen interest in fitness and a healthy lifestyle, then the job of a Personal Trainer is an interesting and rewarding career option for you.
Some personal trainer certifications only take him 3-4 months to complete. Once certified, you can acquire customers and carve out your niche. A successful personal trainer often uses his social media to promote himself and attract celebrity clients. Establishing your position in the industry allows you to charge higher hourly rates for your services.
Average hourly wage: $19.48
Educational Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
12. Photographer
Photographers can showcase their talents and skills in a variety of industries. For example, fashion, sports, concerts, advertising, industry, weddings, food, and travel. Depending on the level of your interests and skills, you can branch out into different fields as a freelance photographer. For people who have a hard-core interest in photography, it is an easy high paying job that is also flexible. If you've always been interested in photography, why not give it a try as a pro?
Average hourly wage: $19.85
Educational Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Also read: How to invoice as an independent contractor?
13. Sales Representative
Salespeople are responsible for promoting the company's products and services by recognizing leads and educating prospects. Today, many companies allow salespeople to create their own schedules and even work from home. If you have a passion for selling and prefer a commission-based salary, consider becoming a salesperson with a flexible career and unlimited income potential.
Average hourly wage: $26.41
Educational Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
14. Social Media Manager
With the growing popularity of social media, almost all businesses require a social media manager who can help them grow their presence in the digital world, thereby, making social media management one of the most promising careers that pay well.
A social media manager's responsibilities include executing social media campaigns, analyzing key metrics to improve performance, and creating engaging content to promote your business. In addition to working with a company's marketing team, social media managers can also work freelance or start their agency.
Average hourly wage: $68.03
Educational requirements: Bachelor's degree
15. Software Consultant
Software consultants typically have profound experience and expertise in software engineering or software development. To be on pace with the latest technology and software trends, many organizations hire software consultants to provide their expertise in the field. Additionally, having a great resume and portfolio can help you attract clients online and earn a lucrative income.
Average hourly wage: $45.06
Educational requirements: Bachelor's degree
16. Software Developer
Almost every industry uses software for its smooth functioning. Hiring professional software developers is very important for companies to differentiate themselves from their competitors while simultaneously providing better products and services. A software developer's prime job is to develop software and give solutions that meet the needs of users.
Becoming a software engineer requires a solid understanding of programming languages and engineering principles.
Average hourly wage: $52.95
Educational requirements: Bachelor's degree
17. Speech-language Pathologist
A speech-language pathologist is a medical expert who provides voice rehabilitation and treatment for people with speech and language disorders. Speech-language pathologists can work in schools, and clinics and they can also practice privately, hence, making a career that pays well. Most choose to work full-time, but part-time is also an available option. Due to the extensive training required, speech-language pathologists earn a lucrative salary averaging $83,240 per year (BLS).
Average hourly wage: $38.69
Educational requirements: Master's degree
18. Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant provides virtual administrative services to his employer from a remote location. As e-commerce businesses are on the rise, virtual assistants are required to help these businesses scale and sustain growth. A virtual assistant's responsibilities typically range from making phone calls, managing emails and accounts, and handling customer service.
Average hourly wage: $19.71
Education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
19. Web Designer
One of the most efficient ways to prove a company's credibility today is to build a strong online presence through a well-designed website. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for web designers and web developers is expected to grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029, a relatively faster pace than other jobs and industries. If building websites is your passion, you can make it your profession and start a web design business.
Average hourly wage: $37.12
Educational Requirements: Associate's Degree