Are you looking for jobs that don't suck?
Welcome, welcome. I'm so glad you're here!
I've made it my life's mission to share what I know about making money in ways that don't make you want to claw your eyes out and crawl out of your skin when the alarm goes off in the morning. So… check these out!
Psst: If you don't have time to read the whole thing, click the table of contents to head straight to the sections that interest you most.
26 Awesome Jobs That Don't Suck Your Soul Out
Let's face it: any job can be a soul-sucker if you're just not that into it. The key to finding jobs that don't suck is to do something fulfilling!
My idea of a perfect job is a job that fits my life – not a job that I have to fit my life around.
I want to wake up when I want, do what I want whenever I want, so having a job that is SUPER flexible is important to me.
All the jobs in this list are flexible and can work for anyone's schedule. That's the beauty about these 25 jobs that don't suck! So, let's get into it.
1. Proofreader
Do you have a knack for catching typos and grammatical errors in just about everything you read? If you're looking for jobs that don't suck and you're a natural at catching errors, check out proofreading.
Yes… you can get paid to proofread… and it pays really well! Plus, you can work from wherever you want. This is a great job to do from home or while traveling.
If you're wondering who actually hires proofreaders, the answer is: every industry hires proofreaders. Everything that's published, whether online or offline, needs to be proofread. Blogs, news websites, ebooks, etc.
If you want to learn more about becoming a proofreader, check out this proofreading class by my friend Caitlin Pyle.
Caitlin is a professional proofreader and teaches others how to get started. Her class is a really valuable resource for people who just want to learn more about the career.
In the class, you'll learn:
- What proofreaders do and don't do
- How much you can earn as a proofreader
- 5 signs it's the perfect fit for you
- How to find the best proofreading jobs and high-paying clients
2. Virtual Assistant
Up next on our list of jobs that don't suck is virtual assisting. Becoming a virtual assistant is how I got started working online, and I still do it part-time!
So what exactly is a virtual assistant, and what do they do?
Virtual assistants offer many different kinds of services – hundreds, actually. The term virtual assistant (or VA for short) is a catch-all term to describe people who offer services to individuals and businesses online.
Virtual assistants can help with administrative tasks, marketing, social media posting, blogging, customer service, and so much more.
As a virtual assistant, you set your hours and your pay rates. Virtual assistants usually work part-time, because the starting hourly rate for a VA is around $25. But you can easily make $150 a day with this side hustle, so it's worth considering!
If you'd like to learn more about being a virtual assistant, check out my post: How To Become a Virtual Assistant (Even If You Have No Experience).
3. Survey Taker
While this isn't technically a job by the typical definition, it can be a great way to pad your wallet and make extra cash.
By using survey sites like Swagbucks or InboxDollars, you can make money in your spare time by taking surveys, playing games, and much more.
This job allows you to work whenever you want, so you aren't tied down to a set schedule – which most people prefer.
Be sure to sign up for Swagbucks here to claim your free $5!
4. Bookkeeper
I know, I know. I bet when you hear the word “bookkeeper” you think “BORING”.
But does $80 an hour sound boring?
Does working wherever you want, whenever you want sound boring?
If not, bookkeeping might be great for you! This is definitely one of my top picks for jobs that don't suck. The hourly rate and flexibility are where bookkeeping really shines!
And you can become a bookkeeper without going to school… Seriously.
Bookkeepers are often confused with accountants. The difference is that accountants require formal training and degrees, because accountants actually handle money and accounts.
Bookkeepers don't require formal training or degrees. Bookkeepers also don't handle money or accounts, they just take care of financial records and receipts!
If you like organizing, pay good attention to detail, and get excited at the thought of doing so from anywhere, I strongly encourage you to research becoming a bookkeeper.
5. Transcriptionist
Transcriptionists transcribe (or type) audio files into written format. These audio files come in the form of recordings, podcasts, YouTube videos, Facebook Live videos, and more.
Many people hire transcriptionists from court reporters to bloggers and more. Transcriptionists play a vital role in turning audio content into written content to be published in books, academic papers, blog articles, social media posts, and much more.
Transcriptionists can work from anywhere and set their own pay rates and hours, too.
If you want to learn more about transcription, you can take a free transcription mini-course from the leader in online transcription training, Janet Shaughnessy.
If a course isn't your thing, she also has a free ebook called: The Truth About Transcription. This book answers the most commonly asked questions about working as a transcriptionist.
6. Freelance Writer
Freelance writing has been one of my favorite jobs that don't suck my soul out to date.
I love freelance writing and I never get tired of it!
Freelance writers write for online blogs, news publications, social media, ecommerce websites, and so much more.
My favorite part about freelance writing is that it's the perfect job for introverts. You don't deal with customers or money, and most of the time you don't even have to talk to people!
Many of my freelance writing opportunities come from email, so that makes it perfect for people who don't like to talk on the phone or Zoom!
Freelance writing can be very lucrative. Beginner writers can expect to earn $100-$200 per article, and experienced writers can earn $600 or more per piece.
Check out this post if you want to learn more about freelance writing.
7. Blogger
Blogging is probably my favorite job, and it most definitely doesn't suck!
In case you're unfamiliar, a blog is an online publication. You're reading a blog right now!
Blogs earn money through affiliate marketing, advertising, sponsorships, digital and physical product sales, and more. The key to making money with a blog is having readers!
Blogging takes a while to learn and get the hang of, but it can pay off big time if you're committed.
Some bloggers can make $10k a month or more from their sites, so it's worth considering if you're willing to put in the work.
Learn how to start a blog here.
8. YouTuber
Yup, YouTubing is a job. And if you like making and editing videos, being a YouTuber is one of the best jobs that don't suck!
YouTube videos make money through affiliate marketing, advertising revenue, brand partnerships, digital product sales, physical product sales, and more. These videos can also be used to send traffic (aka your viewers) back to your website or social media or online store.
Like blogging, having success on YouTube comes down to getting traffic.
9. Social Media Manager
Do you LOVE social media? If you're looking for a job that doesn't suck and you spend most of your time on social media already, why not get paid for it?
Social media managers are in high demand and the pay is great, too.
The easiest way to get started as a social media manager is as a freelancer, especially if you don't have experience. But you can find businesses looking for a full-time social media manager employee, too.
Social media managers can specialize in one social platform or work with many.
Tasks include making and scheduling (or posting) social media posts, creating graphics, responding to comments, monitoring inboxes, doing influencer outreach, and more.
Interested? Here are 25 services you can offer as a social media manager.
10. Travel Photographer
Okay – what could be cooler than getting paid to travel and take epic photos?
I can't think of a single thing.
If I had any sort of talent or a skilled eye, travel photography would be my chosen gig! Alas, I am not gifted in that sense. But many people are!
If you have an eye for beautiful photos, composition, or just love capturing the raw beauty of nature, try your hand at travel photography.
You can also sell any kind of photos online to stock photo websites to earn money. You simply upload your best shots to stock photo websites and sit back while the money comes in. Learn more about selling your photos online here.
11. Gig Worker
The gig economy is thriving, and there's still room to get in on it no matter where you are!
Gig workers are Uber drivers, Door Dash drivers, Postmates delivery-persons, etc. The gig economy, or gig work, means performing gigs and tasks like food delivery and ride-sharing services for pay.
Gig work is a job that doesn't suck because you make all the rules! You choose what jobs you accept and when you work.
Some gig work companies, like DoorDash, allow you to work in any city that you choose (as long as the service is offered there.) That flexibility alone is alluring!
12. Website Designer
If you're around my age, you come from the Xanga, MySpace and Tumblr era. And if you were one of the kids coding your own custom themes and icons, website design might be a perfect fit for you!
You don't even need to learn code to be a website designer. These days, platforms like WordPress and drag-n-drop builders like Elementor make it easy for anyone to build a website.
If you have an eye for aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly website design, you can get paid big bucks for this. And you can do it wherever and whenever you want… double bonus.
13. Pet Walker
Who doesn't want to get paid to hang out with pets all day? Being a pet walker or pet sitter should be at the top of the list of jobs that don't suck.
With this side job, you can easily make $50 a day or more – so it sounds like a win win to me!
Find pet sitting jobs in Facebook groups, on marketplaces like Craigslist, or through pet-sitting gig apps like Rover.
Check out how this millennial is making $1,000 a week with Rover while RVing across the United States!
14. Amazon Seller
Are you looking for a lucrative job that doesn't suck that you could potentially make $100's a day with? Become a seller on the largest online marketplace!
You don't even have to hold inventory to be an Amazon seller. Amazon has a program called FBA – which stands for Fulfillment by Amazon. You source product and ship it directly to the Amazon warehouses and they will handle the selling and customer service for you.
The Selling family makes a full-time living as Amazon sellers while traveling the US in an RV. And they teach other people how to do it, too. If you want to learn how they do it, check out their free training here.
Or you can read this blog post: a beginners guide on selling with Amazon FBA.
15. Affiliate Marketer
Being an affiliate marketer is probably one of the coolest online jobs. Affiliate marketers recommend products and services to people who could benefit from them. When someone makes a purchase based on their recommendation, the affiliate gets a commission.
Affiliate marketing is how many bloggers make money. In fact, some of the links in this article lead to affiliate products! I would never recommend products or services that I didn't personally try, vet, or research.
Large stores and marketplaces have affiliate programs, too. Examples are Amazon, Walmart, REI, and more.
If you want to learn more about affiliate marketing and how to start, you can check out this article.
16. Ebook Author
Ebooks are short, easy-to-read digital books. Digital books can be sold for $3 to $30 a piece or more, depending on the type of content!
Ebooks are easy to write and can be sold anywhere: on social media, on Amazon, or on your own website. And once they're written, they can sell over and over again.
Ebooks can be a great source of passive income – that definitely makes being an ebook author a job that doesn't suck!
17. Digital Course Creator
Yet another job that doesn't suck: being a digital course creator.
Everyone has something they're better at than other people. Even if you don't think it's that big of a deal… I bet someone would pay you to learn it!
Do you have a special skill, hobby, or expertise? Create a digital course and sell it!
You can sell digital courses on a website or on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare. Udemy and Skillshare already have tons of students looking for material every day!
I created a course called The Virtual Assistant Accelerator. My digital course teaches how to become a virtual assistant to start earning money online. I sell this course through this website and blog!
My favorite part about creating and selling digital courses is that once you're done creating the course, most of your work is done. I still communicate with my students, but that's not hard work at all!
18. Coaching and Consulting
Up next on this list of jobs that don't suck: coaching and consulting. If you have a business or industry that you're knowledgable about, you can become a coach or a consultant!
Coaches and consultants provide insight and help clients make a plan of action. This can be done in many different industries – business and marketing is a popular one, but not the only one!
There is mindset coaching, spiritual coaching, business coaching, marketing consulting, and so much more.
19. Graphic Design
Graphic design doesn't suck, especially if you love doodling away on a computer or tablet.
And no, you don't need to go to school to be a graphic designer.
Unpopular opinion: I don't think you *need* to go to school to do many careers, other than highly trained people like doctors, lawyers, or other specialists.
Graphic designers do much more than design flyers and infographics. You can design T-shirts, mugs, leggings, prints, and so much more. Graphic designers do much more than design flyers and infographics. You can design T-shirts, mugs, leggings, prints, lapel pins and so much more. For example, the manufacturer GS-JJ.com offers a diverse range of custom products like custom lapel pins, keychains, stickers. You can turn your artwork to real life products.
You can sell your designs in a variety of ways, like print on demand, or take custom orders from clients. The sky is the limit!
20. Print on Demand
Print on demand is selling merchandise that you never actually touch. With print on demand, you create (or purchase) designs that can be printed on things like mugs, t-shirts, blankets, leggings, bags, and more.
Then, you create a storefront. It's super easy to do with services like TeeSpring. You simply upload your designs onto the products that you wish to sell, and they give you a link!
Then, you promote your designs. You can do this with a website, on social media, by running ads, YouTube, Pinterest, and more.
When people buy the products with your designs on them, you get paid and the company handles the printing and shipping. That's why it's called “print on demand”. The majority of the money goes to the company, but you get to choose what price you sell the products for and what profit you want to keep.
If you don't know how to make designs, you can always buy graphics online or hire a designer on a website like Fiverr to create custom work for you!
21. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is similar to print on demand. Dropshippers source products from wholesale manufacturers. Once they find products they want to sell, they create an online store. When they list products in the store, they charge 2-3x more than the wholesale price.
Then, when a customer places an order in their store, they take the customer's address and name and order the product from the manufacturer. The manufacturer ships the product to the customer, and the dropshipper keeps the difference in price as their profit.
With dropshipping, you never hold your own inventory or deal with shipping or order fulfillment. This is a great business model for travelers, and yes: it's totally legal.
22. Social Media Influencer
Being a social media influencer is one of the best careers that don't suck.
I know what you're thinking: how do you just *become* an influencer?
Contrary to popular belief, not all influencers “just got lucky” or are only influencers because they went viral.
Being a social media influencer is something you can actually work towards and have success with, and tons of influencers are proof!
And no, you don't have to have hundreds of thousands or millions of followers to be an influencer.
You can make money with just 1,000 followers.
There are different levels of influencers – the smaller tiers are called micro and nano-influencers.
You can make money as an influencer by working with brands, recommending affiliate products, creating and selling your own merchandise (like through print on demand), selling ebooks or digital courses, and much more.
23. National Park Jobs
Are you looking for physical jobs that don't suck? What could be better than working for the national parks?
National park jobs are plentiful throughout the country.
The national parks hire every season for workers in retail, hospitality, and food and beverage.
Most national park jobs come with free employee housing, and some even come with meal packages.
Getting paid to live and eat in a national park for a season… what?!
You can browse available national parks jobs on CoolWorks. Keep this website handy and check it all the time!
You can even filter by employee housing or by jobs with RV spots. So COOL.
24. Workamping
Workamping is working to camp. You can literally live at a campsite as a workamper… and get paid to do so.
Workamping is a popular job with full-time RVers who are looking to offset the costs of RVing. Workampers get a free campsite in exchange for part-time work. And, depending on where you work at, some workampers get a salary, too.
Workampers work as campground hosts, receptionists, do janitorial work, campground maintenance work, and much more.
I wrote a guide on finding paying workamping jobs here.
25. Online Tutoring
Have you ever considered being an online tutor?
A popular online tutoring job is through VIPKids, teaching kids in other countries how to speak english as a second language.
As an english tutor, you choose your own hours and how much you work. You can also work from anywhere that has an internet connection!
26. Sell Handmade Goods
Makers gonna make. And if that's you… why not get paid for it? Escape the rat race and get paid to do what you love. Sell your handmade goods on platforms like Etsy!
Etsy is a great marketplace with hundreds of thousands of customers browsing every day. Etsy is a great place to get started selling your own creations, and later you can branch out into your own website, selling on social media, and more.
Related: 21 Best Side Hustles for Introverts
Final Thoughts on Jobs That Don't Suck
Some of these are awesome jobs no one knows about, and some of them are pretty well-known.
The key to finding a job that doesn't suck for you is to pick one that doesn't feel like work. If you have a hobby that you love, research how to monetize it!
There's a saying that goes: “Do what you love, and you'll never work another day in your life.”
Carrie Wilder
Carrie has a passion for location independence and nomadic lifestyles. After traveling full-time in an RV and living the van life, she created Making Money and Traveling to help others make the switch to a remote lifestyle. Learn more about Carrie on the About page or connect on social media below.Â
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