The idea of being your own boss can be extremely appealing when it comes to achieving a good work-life balance. Having a flexible job can include making your own hours, taking on projects that interest you, and meeting professionals from different industries. Flexible jobs are great for those who want to keep some freedom in their personal life and pursue specific life goals.
What are the most flexible jobs?
Part-Time Jobs
The most common flexible jobs usually fall under the category of part-time work. Part-time jobs give college students times to focus on school, while also saving for the future. Roles like cashiers and baristas are popular among students looking to build soft skills and keep a flexible schedule.
Freelance Jobs
Freelancers are also masters at keeping their jobs flexible. Usually companies hire freelancers for singular projects, which allows them to do as little or as much work as they can handle.
Contractor Jobs
Similar to a freelancer, contractors are hired out by a company to work on projects for them. Both are able to make their hours as long as the work gets done by a certain point. The only difference is that freelancers can take on as many clients as they desire, while contractors usually work for one company at a time.
In what jobs can I make my own hours?
Setting your own work schedule can greatly up both your productivity and overall happiness. If this seems appealing to you, consider the following roles that allow you to make your own hours:
- Consultants
- Freelance Writers/Editors
- Sales Representatives
- Real Estate Agents
- Hair Stylists
- Medical Transcriptionists
How much do flexible jobs pay?
Like all jobs, the salary that you will receive depends on where you live and what kind of job you have. If you’re a contractor or freelancer, your years of experience and previous roles could determine your pay.
Keep in mind that most employers do not offer benefits, like health insurance, to contractors and part time workers!
How to find a flexible job near me?
When searching for flexible jobs near you, entry-level or otherwise, it’s always best to use the Handshake job filter and keyword search. Start by searching the available jobs and entering the job title, city you want to work in, or terms like “contractor” or “freelance” if those apply to you.
How to find a flexible job online?
Consider the following points about finding a flexible online job:
- Assess what you’re good at and consider doing consulting or freelance work that allows you to work from home and plan your own schedule.
- Search Handshake and your school’s local job boards for virtual positions opening up soon and apply!
- Get in touch with your network (professional and personal) and inquire about any virtual job openings at their companies.
- If you currently have a job that you would like to be remote, have an honest conversation with your manager about transitioning to a more virtual friendly position.
Want more information on this? Check out our article all about the best online jobs for college students.
How to find a flexible job with a bachelor’s degree?
While getting a flexible job is possible without one, having a bachelor’s degree can greatly increase your chances. When looking for a flexible job, consider your degree and the skills that you learned during undergrad and in other internships/jobs. Research jobs that are common for your degree and apply accordingly.
What should I put on my resume?
Many places hiring contractors and part-time employees are looking for similar keywords in resumes, but what makes the right candidate is listing the skills that make you stand out.
List your past experiences
Even if you’ve never had a job in this field before, you definitely have skills from past experiences you can offer. From mentorships, internships, to school projects that you did–there are always skills you can pull from your life that apply. Applying to online jobs for college students isn’t too different from applying for a regular in-office job.
Soft skills
Six soft skills that might make you a better candidate on your resume:
- Quick learner
- Natural leader
- Organized
- Accountable
- Detail oriented
- Collaborative
Technical skills
If this won’t be your first job, then you may have some technical skills from previous jobs to add to your resume. It’s always a good idea to mention that you have strong industry specific skills, know how to manage projects, or have had experience leading and also being a teamplayer.
What should I write in my cover letter?
Besides your stellar resume, your cover letter is another chance to really sell yourself as a future virtual employee or freelancer.
Four things you should include in your cover letter:
- Previous experiences and how they apply to the role you are applying for
- Why you’re interested in working with them
- Specific projects they’ve worked on that you admire
- If contracting or freelancing, why you personally are capable of help them
Check out this article with proper formatting techniques and more in depth information about the perfect cover letter.