Thanks to the Internet, you don't have to be a writer to work from home. There are plenty of other freelancing jobs available as well.
Because I'm a writer and professional blogger, many of my posts revolve around the freelance writing.
Many aspiring solopreneurs ask me if there are other freelancing jobs that can be done at home. They aren't comfortable with writing, but want to enjoy the freedom that comes with freelancing.
I thought I'd take a little time today to share a few of the freelancing jobs you can do from home.
Software and Web Development
You can offer software and web development services from home fairly easily. Whether you are building an app for someone else, or creating a web site, it's a relatively simple matter to work from home.
In some cases, you can even telecommute for a company (but then I guess you're not freelancing anymore). Almost anything that requires working mainly with the computer can be done on a freelance basis, and any sort of software and web development, including coding, can be done from home.
Public Relations and Marketing
If you are a pro at public relations and marketing functions (they often overlap — especially online — but they are two different things), you can offer your services as a freelancer.
Freelancing jobs that include these functions are often a little more involved than just sitting down and writing, or creating lines of code. You might need to hop on to a chat, or even pick up the phone.
These can be great freelancing jobs if you know what you are doing, and can get results. They involve planning, coordination, an ability to manage others remotely, and a knowledge of the principles involved with public relations and marketing. But it can be a lot of fun to hire out as a freelancer on a project-by-project basis, rather than working at a single company all the time.
Graphic Design
One of my friends works as a freelance graphic designer. He designs ebooks, pretties up web sites, and does anything that requires image manipulation and design. I have training on Photoshop and InDesign, but I'm still quite slow at these programs, and it's much easier to just have someone else do it.
I know someone else who designs logos. This is one of the great freelancing jobs in a time when solopreneurs are coming into their own, and when people need to rebrand and re-design every so often.
If you are good with images, and you have an eye for what looks good, freelance graphic design might be the job for you.
Editing
Some people don't like writing, but they love editing. I am not one of these people. I hate editing. SO MUCH. In fact, I hired an editor for my book, because even hate editing my own work. Freelancing editing can be a fulfilling job for someone who doesn't enjoy writing, but still enjoys the written word. You can help people fix their mistakes, and provide insight to writers and aspiring writers.
And it's easy to do from home. Tools like “track changes” and the ability to save different versions of your documents can help you follow the evolution of the piece.
Start a Business
Of course, when you do freelancing jobs you sill have to deal with the fact that you might not really be your own boss. You have to answer to clients, so sometimes it feels like you have a ton of bosses.
If you don't really like the idea of client work, you can start a business. There are plenty of ways to easily start a business, from affiliate marketing, to selling your handicrafts, to setting up drop-shipping.
You really don't have to confine yourself to freelancing jobs, even if you want to work from home.
