Online jobs are an amazing way to make some money on your own time. Whether you’re looking for a side gig or a career overhaul, there is always work to be found on your computer.
Many online jobs are considered to be “passive” money earners, like blogs or ebooks, where you put in a lot of effort that doesn’t necessarily pay off immediately.
But what if you need some online work that’s going to get you a paycheck before that next car payment is due?
Don’t fret, because there are still plenty of options. Here are five of the best online jobs that start paying right away. Who knows, you may even be able to turn it into your full-time gig.
Top Online Jobs That Pay Immediately
1. Sell Your Creativity
Are you creative with your words? Are you good at coming up with names? If yes, PickyDomains could be a good side hustle for you.
It’s one of several online services that connect web developers with creative names for their new sites.
After all, there’s a certain craft to designing domain names, and not all website owners have the patience for it. Many of them will gladly pay for a pre-chosen domain name that fits their website.
Here’s how it works: You create as many domain name ideas as you can think of, and then they’re posted on the website. If someone selects your domain name, you get paid for it.
It’s that simple! And even if you don’t get chosen, you’re not out anything other than a few minutes of your time.
Read also: 6 Great Jobs for Moms Can Get With No Experience
2. Complete Simple Tasks Online
There are a lot of simple, no-frills online jobs that pay per task.
Sites like Amazon MTurk offer plenty of online chores that can be completed in a matter of minutes.
It’s not exactly stimulating work, but it’s very easy. So if you’ve got some time to kill, why not spend it completing some online assignments?
The pay is all over the place, depending on the job and the site you go through. Some jobs may only be a dollar or two, while others might pay much more.
No matter your skillset, you’ll be able to find something to do.
Know your way around website UI? Then visit a review website and give your feedback.
Do you love to write? Then whip up an article or two. There are also transcription and translation tasks for those who know their way around grammar.
Even if you think you have no skills, don’t worry, some tasks are no more difficult than filling out a survey.
3. Microtasks
If Amazon MTurk isn’t quite your thing, there are still plenty of fish in that vast online sea.
Microworkers is a similar site that provides micro jobs that need to be completed and pays you when you finish them.
You might find yourself filling out forms or participating in forum discussions – regardless of the task, you’ll get paid something. This is a great way to kill time and make some cash from an online job all at once.
4. Review Software
If you own a computer, odds are you’re something of an expert on at least some computer software, even if you don’t realize it.
That word processor that you’ve been using for all your work documents? Let people know how well it works.
Your collage editor? Review it. Even something as silly or fun as a “picture to cross-stitch pattern” converter could make for a great product review.
Or maybe your last bit software purchase was a complete disaster. Craft a cautionary review and warn others not to buy it. Independent sites like Softwarejudge don’t require reviews to be positive. They’ll pay you for your honest feelings.
5. Online Tutoring
If you have an interest in education, you can earn handsome money by tutoring students online.
The demand for online tutors of all subjects has been rising with the digital age, allowing people to connect with one another over vast distances. No longer do you have to live in a city to have access to all the best teachers. You may also find some excellent tutors in Melbourne to help you with your maths learning.
You can get started on sites like Tutor.com and VIPKids. If you’ve got a knack for teaching, then this is the perfect fit.
English classes are the most common, and you aren’t required to create your curriculum or have any foreign language skills.
Tutoring is a very flexible job, as well, and you’ll be able to select your availability and how many classes you want to lead. All you’ll need is a quiet room, stable internet, and a decent headset!
But what skills are important for a new job?
If you are looking to get a job that pays immediately and allows you to support yourself in this mid-pandemic world; gaining the skills you need to thrive is key.
Spending even just one hour a week on personal development can make a huge impact on your prospects in the job market in the future.
There are a few key skills you should take the time to learn during quarantine to increase your chances of career success in 2021. So while you do complete some of the jobs we’ve outlined above for quick cash, also invest in your future by learning these key career skills!
Management
Becoming a manager is a difficult concept for a lot of people – because it involves bossing people around and making tough decisions.
There are however many online courses and workshops which teach management skills, and you can use the Recognition of Prior Learning programme to gain a recognised certification for these skills.
Management is a key step in the career ladder, so make sure you are ready for the step up.
Communication
You may think communication is simply common sense; however where a business is concerned it can be more complex.
If you are a shy or introverted individual, learning how to effectively communicate with others is a key skill to learn.
You will also do well to understand how to communicate with different levels of authority from an assistant worker to CEO. This skill will get you noticed and will help you build a path to career success.
Whatever you do, don’t wait!
Don’t let the overwhelming number of options keep you from getting started with a successful side job.
Jump right in with any of the top online jobs that catch your eye. None of these require long-term commitment so you can always switch it up later or double-up with another side job to earn even more when you’re ready.
About The Author
Christine Yaged is a co-founding partner and Chief Product Officer of FinanceBuzz. Christine launches and scales brands. She is passionate about technology, digital marketing, and people.