Do you work independently or in teams? Would you prefer to work in a quiet environment? Do you feel nauseous and find yourself clenching your fists during team meetings?
If the answer is yes, you’ve probably dreamed of working alone. For some of us, the idea of waking up every morning and pursuing our goals is the ultimate dream.
Finding a career that suits your lifestyle and mindset doesn’t have to be challenging. More and more people are embracing this trend.
Perhaps you’re an introvert who works most effectively alone. Maybe you work from home because it’s more convenient to commute from a rural area. Travelling enthusiasts who are also digital nomads may find this lifestyle particularly appealing.
It’s also possible that you’re simply one of many people who prefer to work independently from home. In that case, you’re not alone.
There are routes you can take, no matter how your career is currently shaped. There are plenty of jobs that allow you to work independently and earn a decent salary.
We’ll explore some of the top roles for those who enjoy working independently and earning a respectable income in the process.
What Benefits Come With Working Independently
Before we delve into the jobs that allow for it, let’s first discuss the potential advantages of working alone. You may choose to work independently for a variety of reasons, not least of which is that you won’t have to deal with office politics (result!). Here are a few things to consider:
Working Independently Allows You to Choose Your Environment
Working alone is a great option if you prefer a quiet space without distractions. In addition to your home office, you can work from a coffee shop, library, or any other location that enables you to work optimally.
When working alone, you have the freedom to decide how often you interact with others.
Office environments can be the worst if you’re introverted or simply prefer not to be easily distracted.
You might have well-meaning colleagues drop by your desk several times a day for a chat, or you might be unexpectedly pulled into meetings.
On the other hand, when working independently, you can decide how often to respond to emails, answer calls, and attend work-related meetings.
From Anywhere in the World, You Can Work Independently
According to Forbes Magazine, the number of digital nomads has grown recently.
The lifestyle choice isn’t too complicated. Pack your laptop and work from anywhere in the world, whether it’s an office in Shanghai or a beach in Hawaii. The choice is yours.
You can set yourself free by learning more about the jobs that allow you to work independently. Now that you don’t have to commute to an office, you can work from anywhere you like. If you have a strong desire to travel, this is the best approach.
When Working Independently, You Can Manage Your Time and Yourself
Being micromanaged is arguably one of the most frustrating aspects of working with others. If your line manager is constantly looking over your shoulder, you’re likely to want to work alone. That’s something you can achieve.
You’ll be able to prioritise your needs and have complete control over your schedule if you secure a role where you can work independently. Although you may need to meet deadlines, you have the freedom to decide how and when to complete your work.
9 High-paying Jobs You Can Do From Home Independently
Are you ready to embark on a solo journey? If you’re planning to make the switch, you should explore the best jobs for those who prefer working independently.
There are plenty of jobs available that allow you to manage your own time and schedule, as well as earn a decent salary. If you’re looking for some inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. Here are nine great options.
1. Affiliate Marketer
Affiliate marketing is the first creative career on our list of jobs for people who prefer to work independently. Many people are unaware that you can turn your passions into a passive source of income.
For example, if you review games online, you might be able to work as an affiliate marketer in the video game industry.
In the UK, affiliate marketers earn an average of around £50,000 per year. That’s not exactly a meagre salary.
Of course, this is an administratively intensive role. You’ll need to approach advertisers to be sponsored by your publication, which should already have a significant readership. If you do it right, you might find that you start earning money while working independently.
2. Pet Sitter
It might surprise you to know that looking after people’s dogs and cats while they’re away can earn you money. This type of job is ideal for people who want to travel the world and stay in people’s homes.
When you work as a professional pet sitter, you can expect to earn up to £20,000 per year. That’s a decent salary for a solo, low-key role.
But you should also consider the benefits of this route, particularly the opportunity to work with animals.
Looking for work as a pet sitter? You can check out Rover or PetBacker.
3. Online Business
One of the easiest ways for someone who wants to work independently to make money is through online sales. You first need to decide what your products will be. There are various options available to you, including furniture that you refurbish, eBooks, and crafts that you make and sell.
Another example is dropshipping. This means that you can work with a manufacturer or supplier instead of having to buy all your stock at once. So, when a customer buys a product from your website, it’s shipped directly to them.
Needless to say, the success of your store will determine how much money you make. It might make sense to start this as a side hustle and build it up to a full-time income.
4. Transcriber
Are you good at spotting details? Do you have excellent listening skills? If so, you could consider applying for jobs as a transcriber. This is one of the most common jobs that you can do independently. And when you work online with an agency, you can often do it remotely.
The average salary for transcribers is expected to be around £15 per hour. You take audio recordings and transcribe them verbatim. Accuracy is crucial here. You should therefore hone your skills before applying for these roles. Jobs for transcribers are available at Happy Scribe.
5. Bookkeeper
Accountants, particularly bookkeepers, are always in high demand, and these roles are increasingly being filled online. This is a great fit if you have strong mathematical and analytical skills. However, unlike an accountant, you don’t necessarily need a qualification like a Chartered Accountant (ACA) to become a bookkeeper.
The average salary for a bookkeeper is around £40,000 per year. The exact amount you can earn depends on factors like the number of clients you have and your specific bookkeeping expertise. You can find remote bookkeeping jobs or build your client base using platforms like Remote.co.
6. Photographer
If you enjoy taking photos as a hobby, you might consider pursuing it as a full-time job. Becoming a freelance photographer can allow you to increase your income and work independently. When you first start in this creative field, you can expect to earn around £16 per hour.
7. Online English Tutor
Do you enjoy sharing your knowledge? Is English your native language? Getting a TEFL or other online teaching qualification could be beneficial.
If you’re fully qualified for this sector, your hourly rate can range from £8 to £32. It’s worth exploring TEFL for jobs and courses.
8. Website Designer
Those with a creative flair could consider exploring the field of web design. Although this is a specialised skill, you can work independently and earn a decent salary with it. When working with design clients, these professionals can expect to earn around £20 per hour.
Understanding visual design, user experience design, and the Adobe suite are prerequisites for becoming a web designer. You could choose to get a degree in this field or take an evening course.
Explore projects on UpWork and the Design Job Board to get a sense of how web design works.
9. Virtual Assistant
If you don’t have specialised skills and want to work independently, you should consider becoming a virtual assistant. These online professionals can earn around £15 per hour, and it’s one of the best jobs that allows you to work from home independently.
In this role, you’ll essentially be someone’s right-hand person. Virtual assistants often manage administrative tasks like emailing and scheduling. Start by looking for work on a website like Belay.
Today, Find Ways to Work Independently
You can and will create a career and lifestyle that you love. In this post, we’ve given you an overview of a few jobs where you can work independently and earn a decent income. But ultimately, the path you take will be largely determined by your own unique set of skills.
If you’ve decided to work alone, don’t let anything hold you back. There’s no better time than the present to start applying or retraining for a new role.
To help you manage your finances while you’re transitioning careers, consider creating a financial plan for yourself.
