The closure of businesses due to COVID-19 has impacted jobs and forced many out of work. Whether you are looking for supplemental income to make up for lost hours or for full-time employment, there are some options available online.
“I have been able to transition to working from home full time because of all of the opportunities to teach students English online,” said Charlottean Adalee Raubenheimer, who has been teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) from home for the past couple of years.
“Though the larger companies are often based in China, I also teach Turkish, Russian, Polish and Vietnamese students. There are many resources and videos online to help you get started. Personally, I’ve found that Qkids is one of the most flexible and beginner-friendly options.”
Whether teaching a language calls your name or if you’d rather focus on graphic design, tutoring or even taking surveys, here are some online jobs that can be done from the comfort of your couch to supplement or replace lost income.
(1) Freelance projects
From graphic design and web development, to data entry and accounting, some of these freelance sites offer jobs that span more than 200 categories.
Guru
More than 2,500 open jobs are currently posted ranging from creative writing and programming to data entry. Fill out an online profile and begin bidding for jobs. Payment is made via PayPal, Payoneer or direct deposit.
Fiverr
Transactions range from $5 to $10,000 and cover everything from voiceovers to administrative services. There are no subscription fees and freelancers keep 80% of each transaction.
Flexjobs
Flexjobs touts its prescreening process for jobs in more than 50 career categories ranging from entry-level to executive. The site does require a monthly or yearly subscription priced from $14.95 to $49.95.
Upwork
Social media managers, HR consultants, Microsoft Excel experts and customer service representatives are just some of the jobs featured on Upwork. The company keeps 5-20% of each transaction on a sliding scale.
(2) Take surveys
Earn money for taking a variety of surveys from popular brands.
Inbox Dollars
Play video games, watch TV, read emails and then take a survey. Surveys typically pay between $0.50 to $5 and take three to 25 minutes to complete.
Survey Junkie
All you need is a phone to take surveys with Survey Junkie. Earn points for each survey and get paid via PayPal or e-giftcards to places including Amazon and Target.
Swagbucks
Shop online, watch videos and answer surveys to earn Swagbucks points that can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.
Vindale Research
One of the oldest survey companies, Vindale Research pays in cash via PayPal and claims to feature the highest paid surveys in the industry.
(3) Teach English as a second language
Varying degrees and certifications are required based on the company and the level of students.
Qkids
Connects elementary children in China to native English speakers. Tutors must have U.S. or Canadian residency as well as a bachelor’s degree. The company also requires TESOL certification, which it assists tutors in obtaining.
Palfish
One-on-one tutoring is done via the Palfish app. Job seekers must have a bachelor’s degree or above. Pay ranges from $10-$30 per hour.
VIPKid
A bachelor’s degree, one year of teaching experience (can include coaching or tutoring) and eligibility to work in the U.S. or Canada is required. Tutors are paid for each 25 minute class and the pay scale goes up based on the number of classes you teach.
(4) Transcribe information
Translate audio, video and phone recordings. Most services require an English exam to be completed prior to being hired.
CastingWords
Get paid between $0.085 and $1 per audio minute. Pay scale is based on the grade the transcription gets assigned during the review process, and payments are made via PayPal every Friday. A brief test may be required at the time of application depending on your background information.
Crowdsurf
Crowdsurf offers transcription services in the education, entertainment and business space and requires transcribers to have a valid U.S. or Canadian ID. Pay ranges from $0.03-$0.20 per media minute, plus bonuses.
TranscribeMe!
With minimal requirements, TranscribeMe! Is great for entry level transcribers. Payment is weekly through PayPal and starts at $15 per audio hour.
Quicktate
No previous experience is required through Quicktate, though a typing quiz is administered. Pay varies based on the subject area being transcribed.
(5) Tutor students
Varying degrees of education are required depending on the subject and the age of the individuals being tutored. Many services start at the elementary level and go up through college and span subjects from computer science and accounting to astrophysics and writing.
Chegg
Tutor students from middle school through professional levels. Proof of college enrollment or graduation is required, and pay is $20 per hour.
Skooli
Earn $25 per hour with Skooli. Applicants are required to have either a bachelor’s degree or higher, a government issued teaching license in the corresponding subject and/or specialized instruction qualifications.
Studypool
Current college enrollment or a degree in higher education is required to be hired. Jobs are based on answering questions students post, and the pay varies based on the question. Studypool takes a percentage of earnings, but the site touts that tutors can make up to $7,500 monthly.
Tutors.com
Tutors create their own profiles and set their own pricing, with fees generally ranging from $25-$80, based on experience and subject. Jobs are available for anyone with a high school diploma or GED or above.
