Let’s be honest: COVID-19 hit many of us close to home. While some professionals were let go from their jobs or furloughed without pay, others were faced with having to vacate their offices and work entirely remotely. This is quickly becoming the norm as companies shifted their focus from in-office to home office, hiring for an influx of remote roles. In fact, employees are reportedly happier and more productive when working from home, with the median salary for remote workers approximately 8.3 percent higher than non-remote workers in the same role. If you work in an industry you don’t like, however, now is the perfect time to launch a business from home.

Luckily, it is easier and more affordable than ever; since future trends indicate that remote work is here to stay. Why not seize this opportunity to finally be your own boss? Gone are the days of rolling out of bed before the sun comes up, only to realize it’s Saturday and not a workday. No more stepping on Lego blocks on your way to the bathroom. No more spilling coffee on your blazer on the way to the office. Pandemic or not, let’s get out of our own way and take charge of our financial future.

Firstly, it is important to note that you simply cannot just up and quit your day job. You need to devise an exit strategy so that, when the time comes, you have a plan in place (as well as some savings) to make the transition a smooth one. Try sitting down in a quiet place and put pen to paper, creating both a timeline of events as well as actionable steps you can take on a daily/weekly basis to initiate your business plan, establishing an overview of your market positioning, financial projections and your unique competitive advantages. Who knows? If you find that you have a knack for it, perhaps drafting business plans for fellow entrepreneurs is your calling.

Here are 10 tried and true money making businesses you can start TODAY:

Affiliate Marketing For those unfamiliar with affiliate marketing, it’s simply referral marketing where you earn a commission. Let’s say that you have a website and write a review on a book you loved with a link to it on Amazon. Without affiliate marketing, Amazon would receive 100% of that sale, but if you are a registered affiliate with Amazon, when the visitor clicks the affiliate link and buys the book, Amazon will pay you a percentage of the sale. People love affiliate marketing because they can start earning money passively with few startup costs.

Begin a Blog  Blogging is inexpensive and easy to start doing. It can be as simple as just writing about your favorite music or food and, eventually, you can start generating money from your site. You have many options for getting your blog up and running – but we recommend you use the free WordPress option or Blogger, which is a commercial-free platform. Both have similar features regarding functionality and design, and both can be monetized, but only through their respective ad networks. Using a free platform may limit your earning potential at first, but it gives you the initial foundation for building an audience.

Get Coding Frontend, backend and every type of code in between, coding requires zero in-person interaction with your clients – it is truly a remote option for work. One skill you will want to carry over from the in-person world, however, is active listening. Developing a solid connection with the client is just as important as developing the code for their website. If you keep them top of mind, you can ensure that you’re going to meet their development needs and exceed their expectations.

Social Media Pro Do you have a talent for social media? There are a lot of organizations who need someone to manage their social media accounts, and some may even want you to completely develop a social media strategy for them. As a social media manager, you can also use your skills to manage the social media accounts for individuals. Influencer marketing has quickly become a multibillion-dollar industry, and many influencers rely on agencies and remote marketing professionals to help them run their social networks.

Audio or Video Editor As of March 2021, there were 1.75 million podcasts available to listeners. For this reason, brands are turning to audio and visual content to connect with consumers. The catch 22 is that many do not have the time to invest in the production of this content. If audio and video editing blow your hair back, your demands will be met in this fast-paced industry. And haven’t you always wanted that at-home recording studio?

Writer You don’t need to be an English major to be a freelance writer, but it’s actually an excellent way to make a living if you enjoy it. A writer must be versatile, as assignments can range from technical to creative and everything in between, based upon your given skillset. Writers typically earn per word, which increases with years of experience. After you’ve been freelancing for a few months, you should have enough samples, testimonials and experience to give you the leverage to go after better-paying clients.

Graphic Designer Many businesses are in need of someone to assist in designing their logos, websites and visual ads. If you have a degree or certification in this area, you can make a comfortable annual salary of $45,000 or more. The more skilled you are, the more you earn and the more clients you’ll likely get through word of mouth.

Virtual Recruiter This is pretty much the same as an in-house recruiter except you get to work wherever you want. The other major difference is that you search the web to find the right employee for the right position. You’re responsible for screening the applicant and being a part of the interviewing and negotiation process. Some recruiters are paid upwards of $125 an hour for building resume templates.

Internet Security Specialist As an internet security specialist, you monitor networks for security threats and implement security standards. You may also install data protection systems as well. Given the attention that online security has been receiving, this job is expected to grow steadily over the next several years.

Consulting If you have experience and knowledge in a specific area, then consider sharing it with others. For example, if you’re an accountant or lawyer, you can provide advice to small businesses for a pretty penny. Ca-ching! You can also consult with businesses on how to use a new software program or even how to become more environmentally friendly. Yes, we’re green now people. Interested in more work-from-home options? Follow us on social media HERE and we will share some resources and tips to find the right remote work job for you!