There are plenty of legitimate work at home careers that you can pursue, and there’s no need to spend thousands of dollars on education.
In most cases, to create a successful career you’ll have to continue on a specific path. That is; enroll in the right schools, study the right subjects, and pass with flying colors.
This is a challenge for most people, and nowadays the traditional careers are not as attractive as they once were.
This leads to massive college drop-out rates as most people are opting out of the system to pursue their own goals and passions.
Interestingly, United States has one of the highest college drop-out rates in the world. (source)
Why College Isn’t Cutting It For Everyone?
There are many factors that contribute to the drop-out rate, but I believe the core reasons could be high tuition fees and lack of motivation.
Lack of motivation because there is a huge percentage of students that have absolutely no passion for their lessons and subjects.
Or they simply study because they think it’s what they’re supposed to do. It’s the next step.
These people end up dropping out all together because they don’t think it’s worth the trouble.
Though I recommend pursuing an education, if that’s not in your interests, there are other options too.
You don’t need to have all the diplomas and certificates in the world to start making cash!
If you did drop-out recently or you’re considering dropping out, I’m here to provide you with some alternative online-careers that you can start right now.
These are simple jobs that anyone can do and all you need is a computer with internet access.
And as you continue to acquire clients and experience, a blooming career can start in no-time.
So let’s take a look at some work at home careers!
Our Legitimate Work at Home Careers List:
Home Career #1 Freelance Writing:
Freelance writing is one of the easiest ways to make money from the internet. Anyone who can string together sentences that make sense can start working as a freelance writer.
Have written essays in school? Then you can make money writing articles online.
But of course, if you want to tap into the higher paying markets, more skills are required.
You’ll need to learn about keyword optimization, research, text format, and much more.
Websites always need content, it’s the prime factor that improves search engine rank.
And most people are too busy to write it themselves.
Still, if you’re looking for some fast cash, this is one career that you can start right off the bat.
For more lucrative jobs, I recommend narrowing down your areas of expertise.
There are plenty of companies and magazines that need high-quality articles on specific topics.
Home Career #2: Copywriter and Sales Writing
Copy-writing is the act of writing content that converts; advertisements, sales pages, landing pages, and anything else related to sales.
This is where most of the money is made, and it’s not as difficult to get into, a basic knowledge of sales and copy-writing techniques is all that’s required.
I suggest that you take a look at some of the greatest sales writing books, and there are also a lot of free resources that you can use to improve your skills.
It makes sense, companies always are looking to improve sales, and they’re always interested in people who can do that for them.
So if you learn how to make sales online, whether through sales pages or informational articles, that’s an extremely valuable skill.
There are always people who need sales pages done, and they will pay top-dollar for the right writers.
Home Career #3: Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistant work can be quite time consuming but if you’re easy to get along with and are good at following orders and completing tasks, this is an excellent idea.
Some virtual assistants can earn more than $30/hour, depending on your skills.
In most cases, if you don’t have experience, it’ll be hard to jump right into this high-paying work, but not impossible.
Home Career #4: Search Engine Optimization Specialist
If you work online, there’s a good chance that you have came across hundreds of “SEO Companies”.
Well, at this point in time, Search Engine Optimization can be considered a career.
If you learn how to rank websites and articles for specific keywords, that’s an extremely useful skill.
Website owners always need to increase their rank because that brings in more traffic which in turn leads to more sales.
And everyone wants more sales.
The problem is there are a lot of junk search engine optimization scams and products out there, so it’s important that you offer legitimate services.
But there’s plenty of room for growth and specialization.
And you can apply these skills to boost your own website and make even more cash.
Home Career #5: Web Design
Even though there are plenty of tools to create a website for free, there is still a demand for quality website designers.
Learning how to design graphics, write code, and build a beautiful, highly responsive website, is a skill set that will always be in demand.
There are plenty of website designers that are making big bucks due to their quality services.
It can take work to build up the skills required to make a top-notch website, but the rewards are worth it.
Not to mention that it’s easy to create a website design company online, and most of the work can be outsourced.
The Best Home Career: Your Own Online Business
So there are plenty of work at home careers that you can start today, and no diplomas are required.
Though working online for someone else is an excellent way to make fast cash when you need it, I think it’s much better to learn how to make your own business.
I like online business because once you know how to get them up and running, you’ve really created quite an asset.
The online world works 24/7 and grows daily by the 1,000’s. If you’re open to learn and want to create your own online business, you should do it. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done personally.
How To Get Started Online?
There’s an online business training course that covers all of the careers mentioned above, and much more.
It’ll show you how to build a website and how to turn it into a money-making machine.
And you’ll also be able to private message other members, get help when you need it and chat with people in the Community, an invaluable feature.
It’s free to get started, free to check out and I highly recommend it.
Take a look at my in-depth review here.
Do you have other ideas for legitimate work at home careers? We’re all ears here, let us know and we’ll get back to you right away.
Hey Todd, Very inspiring. 100% agreed with what you mentioned above “I do not need all diplomas to start making cash”.You are right.
Back then I study hard, very hard because I have being taught so and in order to perform and not be left behind. I was stressed and frustrated in the training I went through today at Wealthy Affiliate.
Now I am happy with what I am doing now. Working freelance at time and performing in what my strength is in the online world.
I am not a good writer but this doesn’t stop me from venturing forward with my online journey. This is what makes me happy and I like to achieve this kind of fulfillment.
As long as I follow the right method and strategies that WA teaches, I know I’ll do fine.
Thumbs up
Hey Maxx,
I wasn’t the best writer when I first started and still find myself looking back at post I put together years ago and I’m my worst critic.
One cool thing WA pointed out to me in the beginning is that every skill can be improved upon. They use the Michael Jordon example of getting cut in High School basketball and then going on to being one of the best players in history.
As you continue to work on your writing, start looking at other writers or bloggers style and you can improve upon your own.
As your online business becomes profitable, you can hire content writers.
As a matter of fact Human Proof Designs has a great deal on article packs that are keyword researched and targeted to your niche.
Hope this helps,
Todd
Hi there Todd! I really wish I had the education to know how to start an online business before I went to college. I would have never gone.
I personal feel it is a waste of time especially when it is a financial burden.
However, learning about the legitimate work at home careers have now inspired me to change the way I think and look at it as me receiving a degree except as I continue to learn online business I’ll be making more money instead of just receiving a piece of paper that I hope will make me some money one day.
Wealthy Affiliate is definitely a great program to get started.
Actually it is the only program that I’ve found to give it to me straight and detailed. And I appreciate that and you for writing this post!
Best Wishes to you!
You too Jamie, best wishes.
Thanks for your awesome feedback on this post and our content. Much appreciated!
Wealthy Affiliate is a wonderful source for anyone ready to learn and take action and are serious about creating a real source for an online career, business, passive income source, etc..
It is refreshing to have them as my go to source for education, support, and inspiration.
Using their training system, I’ve created a guide to ranking content naturally that targets your niche.
You should get it… Targeted Traffic eBook.
Best,
Todd
Hi Todd,
Those are a bunch of great ideas on how you can work from home. I don’t have skills to do any of those things so I chose to join Wealthy Affiliates. I hope I can learn everything I need to know to make money online. I like what I see so far. The owner welcomed me as soon as I logged in.
Thanks,
Juan
Hi Juan,
Thanks for your feedback on our legitimate work at home careers post and on WA. Their community support is incredible.
You might be surprised what you can do if you really tap into Wealthy Affiliate’s training center.
It’s almost like an obsession when you first start.
But you can learn some incredibly valuable skills at Wealthy Affiliate. I did and still am. It’s just the challenge of keeping up with all their weekly webinars.
Every time I do, I get something of value that improves my online business.
Since you’re a member, buzz on over to the Live Training Classes. Check out their latest 4 week Niche Case Study series.
It’s freaking awesome and not based on building a site that takes a long time, but based on a single product for faster results.
Check it out,
Todd
There are some great ideas here, Todd. Love the information, very helpful and your page looks great.
Thank you for giving this old lady much food for thought, especially as a writer, it sounds like there are many options out there where I could put my skills to good use whilst working from home, setting my own hours, and working around my own needs.
Thanks again,
Claire x
Thanks Claire for your feedback on our post. Niche websites are great and you can always build more content.
That’s great that you’re a writer, you’ll do well with online business. Some go into videos, but there’s a niche for everyone.
Best,
Todd
I think your article is very well written and definitely targets the right jobs and ways to make money online. I didn’t know that being a virtual assistant can make $30 per hour – that’s almost $60,000 working from home! Not a bad job to look into, especially considering how worthless college is becoming for many people. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Ariel,
There are legit jobs and careers people can do at home. In general, I think it’s best to start your own niche affiliate website.
Create an authority website or multiple product based sites. The key is that if you create a really helpful site with solid content that helps people, you can make a hell of a lot more than 60K a year. How about per month?
There’s no limits online with an online business. It’s a huge freaking market and all’s you have to do is to tap into one cool niche or do the multiple niche approach.
For those that are entrepreneurs that want to make re-occurring income, go with online business.
Need training?
Go with Wealthy Affiliate.
This is what I did and I think the results of their training is fantastic.
Todd
Great article, it’s tough to find legit work at home careers, and many are searching.
When I first started looking for a job I could from home I focused heavily on choosing one that I could take with me when I traveled or if I wanted to up and move to another part of the country.
Time and Freedom was my driving factor. And everything on your lists provides that.
I actually do affiliate marketing and have three websites I blog on to create revenue.
I am getting ready to add a fourth soon. So I agree whole heartily with your best choice pick of learning how to do that. It’s worked for me!
Nice TD, good for you. That’s great feedback for others that are looking for this type of freedom.
It was my dream too and I freaking love it, it’s so cool to have an online business that works for you.
The initial work pays off time and time again.
At this point, you have 2 options in my mind.
Take the time to learn how to build your own site and get your education on at Wealthy Affiliate.
Or..
Get a jump start on your niche affiliate site using Human Proof Designs niche site building service.
If you’ve got the money that would help accelerate your online career, but Wealthy Affiliate also just put up a Niche Website Case Study about building sites based on a single product.
Easier to rank and quicker to see profits, but won’t replace the earning power of a niche authoritative site.
Anyways, here’s some options.
Thanks,
Todd
Hi, Todd my name is Randy I will be joining wealthyaffilliates jan I 2017. I,m a newbee and I tried to make money online for years never made a penny.
My only chid Jamie who now is 16 wants to help me out with wealthy affiliate too. We had power leads but never made money and I spent hours online trying to make us some money.
We lost money by scams but now Jamie found wealthy affiliate. Jamie said the website checked out like 100% good so were happy about that.
My wife Cindy and myself were both on disability due to a lot of problems we live month to month. This is one reason we’re trying to make money online.
We can Todd, I put hours on the computer and Jamie and I put in 110%. Like Jamie says daddy we can not get traffic to our site but were not stupid, we just have to get over that first step.
I feel were getting realy close we also had a webite with income jack.com. All we had to do was to get 4 people and we would be making very good money but Jamie and I could not get one person.
Alan the owner from income jack says he gets 5 to 10 new people per day if you only knew how hard me and Jamie work. But like I said to Jamie once we’re over the hump it will be the biggest thrill in our lives.
We will start making money online for the first time in our lives how happy that day will feel just meeting you online gave use a big lift.
I feel wealthy aff.com is the right place for us. Sometimes just the way you feel you know your in the right place.
Please email Jamie myself,my wife cindy, I,m sure you could help and share the way in a nice profesinal way so when we get wealty aff.com going.
We will be doing it in a great way it can only get better if you knew where you’re going. I’m sure you have seen people like my family before not knowing what to do next but you have to start some place.
Todd I hope you could understand what we said I’m not the best speller, I want to thank you very very much. I feel like a friend of my family.
We are the nicest people you will meet now will learn to grow wealth online were very happy we meet you were happy were with the best website online from my family to yours have a merry Christmas and a happy new year THANK YOU VERY MUCH RANDY CINDY JAMIE
Hi Randy,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I think you and your family will love Wealthy Affiliate. You can certainly sign up for free right here to check them out.
If you’re going to create a successful online business, having the structured training material is key.
You’ll have to take action on what you learn and create you website (really your online business) one day at a time.
You’ll also learn how to create free traffic. I’d encourage you guys to take the training one day at a time. For your daughter, let her know that there is a young guy who started with WA a couple of years ago, he’s 19 and making over $6,500/month.
You only need Wealthy Affiliates training for now, I go with Jaaxy to do my keyword research. The rest is about you creating content that helps out a niche audience, that’s it.
So make sure you review your grammar and spelling. I had to do it too, you just get used to it.
I wish you the best of luck and you’ll have all the support you need inside WA. (Click Here to Sign Up for the Free Wealthy Affiliate Starter Membership)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family too.
Todd
Hey Todd,
Great article. So many people waste their time at college or high school when they could be out making a career online. Agree with all you have written.
I joined Wealthy Affiliate recently and it really is the best place to start an online business.
I only went to year 9 at school and don’t regret leaving early for a minute. I learned so much in the real world.
How is your experience with WA. I love it 🙂
Kev
Hi Kev,
Thanks so much for taking the time to read our post. And you are 100% correct. I’ve got a post here that I wrote 2 years ago about the debate of going to college. Click Here to see if you really need to go to college.
It’s got a section that I researched that’s loaded with famous people who dropped out of College and High School.
There’s absolutely no correlation as to one’s success from going to college.
But time and time again we see that it’s one’s desire to learn and take action that makes the difference in success and mediocrity.
My experience with Wealthy Affiliate has been amazing. It’s been over 2 1/2 years for me as a member and I’ll never leave.
I’ve got a great site that makes full time income and grows weekly. This business has allowed me to take my webmaster skills and apply them to other avenues in life as well.
Good to know you and see you inside WA.
Cheers,
Todd
There are plenty of legitimate work at home careers that you can pursue, and there’s no need to spend thousands of dollars on education.
In most cases, to create a successful career you’ll have to continue on a specific path. That is; enroll in the right schools, study the right subjects, and pass with flying colors.
This is a challenge for most people, and nowadays the traditional careers are not as attractive as they once were.
This leads to massive college drop-out rates as most people are opting out of the system to pursue their own goals and passions.
Interestingly, United States has one of the highest college drop-out rates in the world.
Hey Davon,
Times change and colleges are twice the price they should be.
Those that are flexible and adapt will succeed the quickest and ultimately have a better quality of life.
Online business, especially when based on a passion, a skill set, or interest can lead to extremely successful online businesses.
You can easily get a niche site going and start bringing income in. As you improve your skills, traffic increases and the results pay off.
The cool thing with an online business is that you can get paid time and time again for the work you did once.
Great points and thanks for your feedback.
Hi Todd,
I am desperate to have a conversation with you. Please tell me how this is possible. The topic of the discussion would be, my current application process for going to occupational therapy school, my business ideas, and getting your objective perspective on a few things you have already overcome. I am sure you are very busy. I will fly to Colombia soon, I have skype, cellphone, and e-mail. Just let me know how I can speak with you and compensate you for your time. I live in Florida.
Hi Robert,
I send me a private message at Wealthy Affiliate and we’ll set something up.
Sounds like life is going awesome for you. Sometimes it’s tough when you have so many cool choices in life.
Look forward to speaking with you inside WA – Todd
I have been looking on the internet for two or three years for ways to make a little extra cash.
A lot i looked at wanted more money than i was willing to invest.
I like your idea of leaning some skills than monetize those skills.
Are you making any money online? If you are what area’s are making you the most working on other peoples sites or your own site. Let me know what works.
Thanks: JOE
Hi Joe,
I make full time income online and I’ve been doing so for about a year and a half.
I make the most money on affiliate commissions and this is what I think is the best way to start any online business. But you can also make money through advertising and email marketing, etc. as well as add this in conjunction with affiliate marketing to make income from multiple sources.
You can even make money selling stuff on Facebook are importing and selling on Amazon.
But I like affiliate marketing because there’s no risk and if you have a really good affiliate that’s beneficial to a large number of people within a specific niche, you can make a lot of money online.
I would say that you Shouldn’t focus on money so much at this point. I know that seems counterintuitive, but take the dollar signs out of the equation for now.
Instead focus on products that you know about, passion, a hobby, an interest to learn about something. As long as whatever interests you has products or services associated with it, you can make money online.
You need to start by building a foundation to your online business and then you need to follow a structured and proven path to success.
I found this using The Wealthy Affiliate training center. You just need to be open to learning and willing to take action
Thanks,
Todd
Hi Todd,
Thanks for the list. I am a stay-at-home/work-from-home mom and I make ends meet by writing for my own blog, content writing for other blogs, selling 2nd hand stuff on eBay and offering my graphic design services in Odesk.
May I add that if you sign up in Wealthy Affiliate, you can earn money by writing training inside the platform, too!
I have tried it 3x and I got paid $5 per training that I wrote, but it’s good because no one will disapprove what you write, as long as it is not plagiarised and is helpful.
Regards,
Pitin
Hi Pitin,
Thanks for your feedback, that mean a great deal coming from a work at home mom like yourself.
Good tips as well. That’s amazing about the WA training’s. I’ve never discovered that route with Wealthy Affiliate but I thought I knew everything about these guys.
That’s a great way to help others and make a little extra on the side.
Keep focusing on your blog and strive to put in 2-3 posts per week. If you do this and have some good products to promote, you should be able to get rid of the side jobs.
Thanks,
Todd
Its a remarkable website you have, lovely concept.
Thanks Collin, much appreciated. I just did what most would do, I sought out a way to create a legitimate online business that could turn into a career that I could do from home or while traveling.
That was the inspiration, after that you just dive into the project and start creating helpful content and a helpful website.
It’s an ongoing project that allows you to grow your monthly income while continuing to build and learn. If you’re open for learning and taking action, you can create your own work at home lifestyle.
Get started right here!
Cheers,
Todd
I agree 100% with your opinion that more and more people are pursuing college degrees that don’t know what they’re interested in.
We live in a world where there’s so much freedom yet some people, due to external influences, choose to major in things that they don’t love!
What a pity!
Thankfully, the options you’ve outlined can help such people, like me, work on their passions in a way that they can not only live their passions but get rich off them.
Personally, I study IT and have an interest in design so web design sounds pretty good to me!
Thanks for the wonderful share!
Hey Cerulean,
Thanks for your feedback, good to hear. Taking a skill, hobby, special knowledge set or even a profession can be a great way to create a niche based online business.
Take something and turn it into a resource for a specific niche audience is the key to success. If you can reach that audience, provide a service or product, you can make really great and consistent income online.
Cheers,
Todd