Choose your own hours with these 8 job ideas

With two-thirds of UK workers ranking work-life balance more valuable than pay, it makes sense that there are a growing number of people seeking roles where they can choose their own hours.

Being able to set your own working schedule is advantageous for so many reasons. For example, it allows parents to work around their childcare needs, individuals to juggle earning a living alongside other commitments and night owls to complete tasks at a time that suits them.

Here at companiions, we enable people to set their own availability and get paid for helping those that need an extra pair of hands. This means we’re in the know when it comes to jobs where you can choose your own hours, so keep reading if you are looking for inspiration.

Consultant

Do you have expert knowledge on a subject or a wealth of experience in a particular sector? If so, you could earn money as a consultant. Consultants offer their services to both businesses and individuals, giving professional advice and opinion. This is usually on a temporary or contract basis until the needs of the client have been met.

So, if for example, you are skilled in social media, you could support a fledgling business in setting up profiles across several platforms and help create its initial social media marketing strategy.

You don’t need to have specific qualifications to become a consultant, but some clients do prefer those who have a degree in the subject they are consulting on.

Translator

If you are fluent in more than one language, becoming a translator is worth considering. Many translator roles are available as freelance, work-from-home positions where you can carry out the work as and when you want to, so long as you meet the client's deadline for completion.

Many different types of copy require translation, so you can niche down to a particular area if you prefer. For example, you could focus on the translation of academic papers, video scripts or product descriptions.

Become a companiion

For a role that is as rewarding as it is flexible, why not become a companiion? As a companion, you can provide on-demand support for people in your local area. It could be doing the school run for working parents, providing friendship to a widowed older person, or carrying out household chores for someone recovering from surgery.

With companiions, you have the freedom to select the jobs that best suit your personality, skills and hours through our easy-to-use mobile app. What’s more, you can set your own rate, up to £25 an hour.

Data entry

If you have a good level of computer literacy, an eye for accuracy, and the ability to work to a deadline, data entry may be just the thing you are looking for. Plus, a job in data entry can lead you into a variety of industries since companies across many sectors hire for such positions.

Data entry generally involves inputting information or updating records in a database or computer. There is a broad range in the level of responsibility given to data entry professionals. For example, entry-level roles may involve inputting the answers from surveys into a spreadsheet whereas more senior positions may involve interpreting and deciding what to do with that data.

Upcycle

Upcycling involves taking items such as furniture and giving them a new lease of life by repairing, repainting and/or refinishing them. Upcycling can be a time and labour-intensive way to earn money as it involves finding and collecting items, transforming them, and then also selling them. However, if you like scouring for a bargain, are DIY-inclined and have some creative flair, it can be really rewarding to create a unique piece that someone will proudly display in their home.

Teach English as a second language (TESL)

Native English speakers are often sought after by individuals whose first language is not English but who want to learn how to speak it. This could be because they live in a country where the language is used, they are travelling for work or they feel it will help their future prospects.

You don't need any specific qualifications to become a TESL teacher but finding employment can be easier if you do have English qualifications. As a TESL teacher, you can choose to work with adults, children or both and provide lessons in person or online.

Take commissions

If you are adept at a craft or have a particular artistic skill, you could use this to generate income during hours of your choosing. For example, if you are a talented artist, you could create portraits for clients or if you are a skilled carpenter, you could craft bespoke furniture for paying customers.

The great thing about commission work is that you can set your fee and the lead time for the work to be completed. It can be helpful to have a portfolio to show people so you can always start by doing discounted pieces for family and friends first. Once you are ready for full-price commissions, there are a range of ways to find customers. You could head to craft fairs, advertise on social media or create a profile on an online marketplace such as Etsy.

Get blogging

Blogging is a great way to hone your writing and IT skills, build your online presence and talk about a subject you are passionate about. Plus, there is money to be made through advertising, affiliate links, sponsored content and paid subscriptions.

Blogging won't necessarily start generating income straight away but if you are willing to spend the time to write and post consistently, it can become a great way to earn money. The great thing about blogging is that you don't have to be at your computer all hours of the day. Instead, you can write as and when the mood takes you, and then schedule content to go live on the site at a later date.

Hopefully these ideas will help to inspire ways in which you can earn money and choose your own hours. If you want to start today, don’t forget to download the companiions app where you can get paid to help others in your local area.