Jobs that you can work your own hours

Are you looking for an easy part-time job? There are many options available, depending on your expertise and needs.

Perhaps you want a second job that’s less demanding than your first. Or maybe you’re in school and want to earn some extra money while still having time for your studies. You might need a weekend job, or simply want to boost your income with a part-time job that isn't too stressful.

Note

Before you start applying, remember that an “easy” or "best" job is in the eye of the worker. It all depends on what’s a good fit for you. What might seem to you like the easiest job ever could be challenging for someone without your skills or experience.

Keep that in mind when you’re reviewing job options and considering which jobs you could do without working too hard. Review tips for lining up a job that fits your needs and availability.

Key Takeaways

• Some of the best low-stress part-time jobs include freelance work, delivery jobs, and housesitting gigs. 
• Keep in mind that your idea of an easy job may be very different from someone else’s: know your stressors to find the best fit for you.
• Consider your skill set, schedule, and work preferences when looking for a part-time job to boost your income.
  

25 Easy Part-Time Jobs

Here’s a list of some of the best part-time jobs that can boost your earnings without increasing your stress levels:

1. Appointment Setter

If you have good communication skills, appointment setting could be the job for you. You'll be setting up appointments for salespeople, either in person or on the phone. Keep in mind that you may need to call prospective customers or follow up on leads generated by the company.

2. Brand Ambassador

If you’re a friendly people-person with enthusiasm and the ability to stand on your feet, and you can work flexible hours including weekends, this job might be a good fit. Brand ambassadors communicate, give away samples, and share product benefits with prospective customers.

3. Classroom or Library Monitor

Whether it’s in a classroom, library, gym, or on a bus, a monitor is responsible for keeping order and maintaining discipline. The job requirements include strong communication skills, and the ability to work with children. 

4. Customer Service 

If you like helping people, troubleshooting problems, and solving issues, a customer service job is worth considering. There are many different roles available and many customer service jobs involve online work, so you can work from home. The schedule is often flexible, so you may easily be able to work around your day job or school schedule. 

5. Data Entry 

Data entry is another job that can be done either online or on-site. You'll need to be able to type quickly and accurately. For some jobs, you'll need specialized skills like knowledge of legal or medical terminology. 

Note

Be aware that there are many online data entry scams, so take care to avoid them. One giveaway: data entry jobs that pay much more than the typical hourly wage of around $16.

6. Delivery Driver

Do you have a reliable car? Do you like driving? There are plenty of jobs available delivering food, flowers, packages, and anything else that is delivered directly to a customer’s front door. Some positions come with great perks, like free or discounted food, auto insurance discounts, roadside assistance, and a flexible schedule.

7. Fitness Instructor 

Do you spend a lot of time at the gym? Becoming a fitness instructor is a way to get paid for sharing your healthy lifestyle. Depending on your skill set, you could provide individual instruction as a personal trainer or teach group classes. 

8. Food/Product Demonstrations

Are you a foodie? Do you love to cook? Many grocery stores, product manufacturers, and specialty retailers hire part-time workers to demonstrate recipes and provide product tastings. If you’ve got kitchen skills, consider using them to earn some extra money. 

9. Freelance Work 

Freelancing is a way to use the skills you have already developed to boost your earnings. Many employers don't want to commit to adding an employee to the payroll, and freelance job opportunities are plentiful. You can work as much or as little as you want. If you're not sure what you could do, browse the job postings on Upwork or Outsourcely to get some ideas. 

10. Guest Services Representative

Hotels, clubs, museums, visitor centers, event spaces, children's activity venues, and other organizations need guest services associates to help things run smoothly. You could be taking reservations, planning a party, giving a tour, or hosting an event. The hours are flexible, and you can work on an event basis or a regular schedule. 

11. Hotel Concierge

If you have the scoop on the best places to dine and things to do in your community, a part-time job as a concierge at a hotel or resort will enable you to share your advice with guests. Staffing a concierge desk is an easy job option for someone with people skills. 

12. House Sitter/Caretaker

One of the best things about being a house sitter or a caretaker is that you don't have to do anything other than make sure the property you are watching is safe and secure. You may need to arrange repairs if there's a problem and perhaps do some routine maintenance. When you're working for the right client, it's not much different from hanging out at home. 

13. Market Research/Survey Caller 

One of the easiest types of phone calling jobs is conducting surveys or market research. You don’t have to try to sell anything. Rather, you’re asking questions or collecting information for your employer. 

14. Merchandiser 

Many greeting cards, flowers, newspapers, and other specialty items in stores are stocked by outside vendors. They hire part-time merchandisers to replenish displays, order stock, and set up promotions. The hours are part-time and flexible, and if you can lift boxes, this is an easy job to do. 

15. Newspaper Delivery

The paperboy (or -girl or -person) still exists. If you have early morning availability and a reliable car, delivering your local newspaper can earn you some extra money. You might also be able to get a gig delivering phone books. (Yes, those still exist, too!) 

16. Online Sales

Some people make a decent living selling on eBay or Amazon. Others use it as a way to supplement their income by selling online. If you're crafty, Etsy is an option for selling your wares. Does your closet need a clean-out? Sites like Poshmark make it very easy to sell your extra stuff.

17. Parking Attendant

The easiest parking job may well be booth attendant, where you dispense or take tickets and collect fees. If you’re a car buff, valet parking might be the job for you. The job pays around $11 an hour but depending on where you work, you may have the opportunity to park some very special vehicles. You’ll need a valid driver’s license for most positions.

18. Pet Sitter

Are you an animal lover? If you’ve got room in your home for a guest or two, you can earn money taking care of dogs, cats, and other pets while their owners are away. That’s the easiest way to do it, but pet sitters who come to the owner’s home are also in demand. Check out apps like Wag and Rover for easy ways to get started.

19. Retail

When you think about what makes a job easy, also think about what makes a job fun. Working for a huge mainstream retailer might not be your idea of a great job, but there are small local companies that could be an option. Think bookstore if you’re a book lover, pet store if you’re a pet lover, liquor store if you’re a wine connoisseur, or hardware store if you’re handy. 

20. Rideshare Driver

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies pitch themselves as one of the best ways to earn easy money. You can sign up online to get hired, you may be able to get paid instantly, and you can set your own schedule. Do keep in mind that you’ll need a reliable four-door vehicle, driver’s license, and insurance to get started. 

21. Restaurant Host

Working as a waiter or waitress is a common second job, but a host or hostess job may be easier for some. If you’re outgoing and friendly, can manage the guest flow if the restaurant doesn’t take reservations, and can juggle phone calls while you’re doing other tasks, this is an option to consider. 

22. Salon/Spa Front Desk/Reception

Are you able to multitask? Are your interpersonal skills top-notch? Front desk positions involve greeting clients, managing a schedule, and answering the phone. You may also handle product sales and give tours to new or prospective clients. 

23. Social Media Helper

Some of us can’t get too far away from our social accounts. If you’re one of those people who spends too much time on social, you can put it to good use and get paid for using your social media skills. Businesses, large and small, need help to promote their companies and engage with customers. 

24. Test Proctor

As with most of these jobs, you’ll need flexibility in your schedule. Some exams are offered on evenings and weekends, while others are online. Test proctors check identification, monitor the testing environment, report irregularities, and complete testing paperwork. 

25. Tutor

If you’re a college student or teacher, tutoring jobs in your area of expertise are a way to make extra money without a long-term commitment. For most jobs, you’ll need an academic background in the subject matter you wish to tutor. You’ll also need patience and excellent communication skills. 

How to Find the Best Part-Time Job

To find the right part-time job for you: 

Know Where to Look 

There’s no one best way to find a part-time job. It all depends on the type of job for which you’re applying. Craigslist is always a good source of part-time job listings. FlexJobs is an option for remote work. The top job sites are always an option for finding jobs to apply for. Use the advanced search options to qualify your search by type of job (e.g., part-time), job title, and location.

Check With Your Favorite Businesses 

Do you have a favorite store, coffee shop, gym, or salon where you’re a regular? Check to see if they are hiring. Customers can make the best employees, and you’ll have an in with the hiring manager. If you're interested in working from home, there are part-time jobs available in many different sectors.

Tap Your Network

Tell your friends, family, and neighbors that you’re looking for a part-time job that isn’t too stressful or demanding. Networking does work, and it’s among the top ways people get hired.

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