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8 Flexible Jobs That Let You Set Your Own Working Hours

Working a typical eight-hour shift isn’t the right solution for everyone. Some people work better at night, some early in the morning. Some people work better in shorter bursts, while others take a long time to get their job completed. On top of it all, no one wants to have to deal with a job that entirely takes over their life. Thankfully, many jobs let you set your working hours and be your own boss.

Jobs to do on your own are more common than ever. This is due, in part, to computer technology. Many jobs can be done from home or a remote location. You can work for yourself and work in your own time. Or, you can work for another business remotely.

Some businesses allow you to come and go as you please (as long as the work gets done). They allow you to work when you can. The job that is best for you depends on your preferences and the hours you desire to put in each day.

Jobs that let you live your life are becoming more popular all the time. People want to spend less time in an office, and more time fulfilling themselves with friends, family, and more. If you’re tired of the daily grind or a typical 9 to 5 shift, it might be time to look for an own-hours job.

What Are the Best Jobs for Setting Your Own Hours?

This guide will cover jobs that can be done if you want to work on a flexible basis. Setting your hours doesn’t necessarily mean working part-time. It allows you to select the hours that are best for you to be most productive. Some people can do so much in just a few hours, that they don’t need a ‘full time’ schedule to be productive.

The working world is changing as more employers and employees alike are starting to realize that people need different types of work environments to fulfill their potential. Flexible jobs are becoming increasingly popular. So, if you have a particular skill set or are willing to train, you may be able to get a job that lets you set your hours sooner than you think.

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Let’s look at some of the best jobs where you can have flexibility, still find fulfillment, and make a competitive salary.

  1. Blogging

If you’ve always had a knack for writing, why not turn it into a digital career? Blogging started off as a form of online journaling. But, it has adapted and shifted its general look quite a bit over the past several years. Now, creative individuals can blog about anything from food and recipes to entertainment and world news. Essentially, you get paid to write about the topics that interest you.

The upside of blogging is that you can write any time of day, and there is no hard-and-fast rule about how many hours you have to work. The downside to this is that it can take time to build up a steady following or fan base.

If no one is reading your blog, you’re not going to make any money from it. It takes consistent work and upkeep to make sure your blog stays relevant. But, you can do this whenever you’d like.

Bloggers can make money in a variety of different ways. A few of the most popular options are sponsored posts, putting ads on their blog, and using affiliate links.

For example, a popular food blogger may have a post sponsored by a famous salsa company, in which they use their salsa to create a recipe. As long as they mention that product several times within the blog post, that company will pay them a certain amount of money.

While it can take some time to get a blog off the ground, it’s entirely possible if you have solid and interesting content that people want to read. No formal training or education is necessarily required to start a blog. But, you may gain experience from an online course.

You can set up your own online business. It’s a great job that fits around family life. Remember, it takes time to get established.

  1. Ride Share Driver

Over the past few years, ride-sharing apps have become increasingly popular. People like them because they are convenient, easy to use, and may be cheaper than hailing a cab. Companies like Lyft and Uber are currently at the top of the list.

What’s the good news? If you have a clean driving record and pass the other requirements, it can be pretty easy to become a driver for Lyft or Uber. Keep in mind that both you and your car have to meet each company’s requirements. If you’re driving something that isn’t safe or might break down, this won’t be the best job for you.

The best part about being a ride-share driver is that you can work whenever you want, as often as you’d like. Once you’re registered as a driver, you turn on the app to work. When someone needs a ride, you’ll get a notification, and you can pick them up.

Some people in bigger cities have been able to create a full-time job out of this. Others consider it part-time work, or an excellent way to make extra money on the side. Whatever goal you have in mind, it’s an ideal option for anyone who doesn’t want strict hours.

  1. Transcriptionist

If you’re a skilled typist and listener, a transcription job could be perfect for you. Transcriptionists are required in many industries. This includes healthcare to entertainment. The type of transcriptionist you want to be will affect how much training or schooling is needed. For the most part, though, being a qualified transcriptionist comes down to how quickly and accurately you can type when hearing an audio file or someone speaking.

Medical transcription is one of the most popular sections of this particular career. As a medical transcriptionist, you’ll need a high school diploma. You’ll also have to complete a short transcriptionist training program. These programs usually last about six months, up to two years.

Medical transcriptionists create reports and work on other documents. They transcribe audio from doctors and specialists. Medical transcriptionists need a bit more training because they need a knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and more.

Other transcription jobs can be done on a totally freelance basis. There are websites designed for freelance transcriptionists to pick up work as often as they’d like. The audio you might transcribe could range from podcasts to business meeting reports.

You only need a computer and a way to hear an audio file to get started. You can work in the middle of the night if you’d like. As long as you’re able to make specific deadlines with each document, this is an excellent job for choosing your own hours.

Types of jobs where you work at a time that suits you

  1. Phlebotomist

You might not look at the healthcare industry and think there aren’t many flexible jobs. That may have been true several years ago. But, this industry is changing. The medical industry is seeing tremendous growth that doesn’t show any signs of slowing down soon. Because of this growth, more employees are needed for specific jobs. One of those jobs is in phlebotomy.

It’s the job of a phlebotomist to draw blood from patients for different types of testing. More people than ever are getting blood drawn. This is because there is more technology now that allows us to be able to test more from an individual’s blood. Because there is such a high demand for phlebotomists, may hospitals and clinics are willing to give their phlebotomists more flexible schedules. You may be able to work part-time, or on a rotating shift.

Some phlebotomists even go out on their own and work on a ‘freelance’ basis on a traveling phlebotomist. This means you can pick and choose which events and locations you want to offer your services to. You can’t ignore every offer that comes along if you want a successful career. But, being able to be more selective about where and when you work can give you more time with your family and friends.

To become a phlebotomist, it takes about a year of training. You could also take a 3-year degree course and get certified if you prefer.

  1. Tutor

The great thing about being a tutor nowadays is you can either do it in person or digitally. Becoming a tutor usually requires a four-year degree from an accredited university. That doesn’t mean your degree necessarily has to be in education. If your major was in math or biology, for example, you could be a great qualified tutor in those areas.

Becoming a tutor is all about your skills and knowledge, and how you can use them to help others succeed. The more experience and success you have, the easier it will likely be for you to get a job doing this.

Tutors can work with all age groups. It’s a great way to help young minds and grow your skill set at the same time, especially in subjects you enjoy.

As stated above, you can either choose to work locally or digitally. You can market yourself in local schools, community colleges, etc., for tutoring help. Or, you can go through certain websites like Tutor.com and help students in need digitally. In most cases, all you need is a webcam and microphone.

If you’d like to make a career out of tutoring, you’ll need to build up a steady client base. But, you can usually set your hours, and may only have to work a few hours each day to make an excellent salary. You are in full control of how many students you take on, how much you might charge, and how long each tutoring session should be.

  1. Hairstylist

If you want to be able to set your hours but don’t want a work-from-home job, consider becoming a hairstylist. This is a job for someone who is already passionate about hair and beauty. But, if you’ve ever been interested in this field, it’s a great way to meet new people all the time and give yourself a flexible schedule.

Hairstylists often work flexible hours based on need and their client base. You can either choose to work for a salon or work on your own and ‘rent’ chair space from an existing salon for your clients. Whatever you decide to do, you can usually have a substantial input in your schedule and how often you work each day.

As of now, a license is required to become a stylist in all 50 states. Licensing usually requires a high school diploma and completion of an accredited cosmetology school.

flexible work where you decide your own hours

  1. Massage Therapist

Many massage therapists are either self-employed or are contracted out by clinics. You can schedule your clients based on your calendar, and create more free time for yourself. Massage therapy is more than something that feels good and relaxing. It is now recognized as a beneficial healing method that can help with anything from depression to injuries.

Massage therapists can either work from home if they can create the right environment or in a spa or clinic. Aside from just providing massages, they have several other responsibilities.

Some of the duties include:

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  • Creating a calming and relaxing environment
  • Ensuring each client is always comfortable
  • Checking the progress of their clients
  • Discussing individual needs (pain levels, stress, etc.)

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A massage therapy education program needs to be completed before you can become licensed to be a therapist in the United States. Not every state currently requires official licensing, but it’s recommended. A training program can take over 1,000 hours of work, which can sometimes take up to two years. Once you complete your training, you can take a massage therapist licensing exam.

Whether you want to work in a spa, from your home, in a hospital or rehab clinic, or even at a resort or on a cruise ship, there are endless opportunities for massage therapists. It’s a great way to help people and give them comfort while working your own hours and not stressing yourself out too!

  1. Personal Trainer

If you have a passion for fitness and want to share that with others, you may want to consider becoming a personal trainer. Personal trainers can either work with a gym or fitness center or on their own. It does mean you have to build up a client base, but once you get a few solid clients, word of mouth can usually help to do this for you.

Personal trainers work with their clients to determine individual needs and wants. No two clients are the same, as everyone has different health and fitness goals. As a trainer, you’re responsible for creating plans and workout routines that fit with each of your clients’ goals. This includes a workout plan, as well as nutritional advice. It’s not always just about looking good in the gym. Most people who turn to a personal trainer are looking for a lifestyle change and want to be healthier.

Not all employers need their personal trainers to have a college degree. So, if you choose to be a freelance trainer, you probably don’t need one. But, it’s recommended that you do. A degree in a health or fitness-related field can be beneficial. It will make it easier for you to get hired at a gym or wellness center. You can also use your education and accolades to promote and market yourself if you’re going to be a trainer on your own.

Trainers can set their hours by working out the details with each of their clients. But, you may need to be flexible at times depending on the needs of each of your clients. Their schedule will always come before your own. Still, it’s hardly ever a 9 to 5 job, and there is rarely a long shift involved.

Starting a Job with Flexible Working Hours

As you can see, jobs that offer flexibility can be found in many different industries. Most of them don’t even take a lot of extra schooling or training. But, in most cases, you’ll have to market or promote yourself well to find consistent work.

We hope this guide has given you some ideas on different jobs you can try if you’re looking for a more flexible schedule. There’s a good chance something you’re interested can work for you. Finding a job that you’re happy with can offer you more freedom, and give you more time to live your life. Due to technology and the changing working world, these jobs are becoming easier to find than ever before.