Self employment can be both fun and lucrative at any age. Put a talent or special skill to work by starting a small business at home. The ideas for a home based business are virtually unlimited, and working solo means there is only one person in charge.
Earning an income from any business opportunity as a self-employed person also means responsibility – keeping records, reporting to Social Security, and paying taxes. There's no getting around some employment hassles, but the paycheck and satisfaction are still worth the effort.
Create a Home Job by Using Skills, Talent, or Free Time
Home jobs require creativity, planning, and organization. Start small to see what can be accomplished, and then let the business grow into what one person can reasonably manage. For example, the person who is admired for hosting great kids' birthday parties might offer his or her services to a friend. Word spreads that the party was a huge success, the fee is reasonable, and the host is available for work.
Know a busy neighbor who would like to have a flower garden or who loves fresh vegetables? Offer to do light landscaping or tend a vegetable gardening for a fee. Take photos of the work and build a portfolio. A person talented in blanching and freezing fresh produce can quickly and easily turn these skills into cash by doing the work for others.
Job Ideas for a Small Business or Work at Home Employment
Busy friends, neighbors, and strangers would love to outsource errands and chores to someone else. Advertise online on Craigslist, and place ads in local and community newspapers. In no time at all one can start earning an income from a home business. Here is a sample job list that could turn errands, chores, or daily tasks into great money-making business opportunities. Start a business with one or a combination of services:
- Cleaning houses
- House-sitting for homeowners on vacation
- Companion care
- Running errands
- Planning childrens' parties
- Pet-sitting
- Maintaining a garden
- Blanching and freezing vegetables for a busy homeowner
- Grocery shopping
- After-school tutor
- Hauling items to thrift stores or recycling stations
- Raking yards and/or mowing lawns
- Decorating home interiors for seasons and/or holidays
- Decorating home exteriors and lawns for seasons and/or holidays
- Giving music lessons
- Handyman (or woman) repair
Retirees, young people, parents with children starting school, and persons who want to work from home and be their own boss, all can earn a full or part time income. Job ideas can range from pet-sitting services to minor home repair. Anyone can empower his life by becoming self employed. Finding a suitable, satisfying job that pays well may be as easy as taking over one or more errands or tasks others don't have time to do.
Mary King - Mary King is a Suite101 Topic Editor for the Caregiver Support and Home Management sections. She has authored 5 teen-based novels.
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