Key Takeaways
- These remote careers are beginner-accessible, scalable, and flexible for solo travelers.
- Each career includes startup tips, beginner platforms, and income ranges.
- Perfect for side hustlers, full-time travelers, and digital nomads who want freedom without burnout.
Working Anywhere, On Your Own Terms: List of Jobs You Can Do Remotely
Let’s be honest: the 9-to-5 grind doesn’t always fit a travel-heavy, freedom-loving lifestyle. I know, because I’m currently struggling with a full-time job while trying to see the world.
Whether you’re building your escape plan or are already in Bali with a backpack and a Wi-Fi signal, having a flexible, remote-friendly career can change everything. Below are 11 of the most solo-friendly, remote-first careers to consider, plus how to get started, what to expect for income, and realistic startup steps to take this month.
1. Virtual Assistant (VA)
Why it’s solo-friendly: Flexible hours, no formal degree required.
- What you do: Inbox management, social media scheduling, calendar planning, data entry.
- Where to start: Sign up on Upwork, Fiverr, or pitch directly to creators and solopreneurs.
- Income range: $20–$50/hour (Specialized VAs can charge more).
- Startup tip: Choose 2–3 services to specialize in (like email management or travel booking). Create a simple landing page or Linktree or Beacons to showcase your services.
2. Freelance Writer
Why it’s solo-friendly: You can work from anywhere and pick clients that align with your interests.
- What you do: Blog posts, ghostwriting, content writing, SEO articles.
- Where to start: Create a profile on Contena, ProBlogger, or use Substack to start your own newsletter.
- Income range: $0.10 to $1 per word; new writers may start at $30/article.
- Startup tip: Write 3 solid samples in a niche you enjoy (travel, wellness, finance, etc.). Use those to pitch brands or agencies.
3. Social Media Manager
Why it’s solo-friendly: You can work on monthly retainers and batch work ahead of time.
- What you do: Manage content calendars, write captions, analyze insights, and plan strategies.
- Where to start: Offer packages through Instagram, pitch to influencers or small businesses, or use PeoplePerHour.
- Income range: $500–$3,000/month per client.
- Startup tip: Offer one platform (Instagram or Pinterest) at first. Use Canva and Planoly to build your portfolio.
4. Graphic Designer
Why it’s solo-friendly: Most work is project-based and can be done completely independently.
- What you do: Logos, social media templates, ebooks, brand kits.
- Where to start: 99Designs, DesignCrowd, or your own online store.
- Income range: $30–$150/hour.
- Startup tip: Start with Canva or Figma. Offer $50 logo packages to friends and family for testimonials and build a Behance portfolio.
5. Online Course Creator
Why it’s solo-friendly: Build once, sell forever. Great for experts or teachers.
- What you do: Create video or written courses on a topic you know well.
- Where to start: Use Teachable, Thinkific, or Podia.
- Income range: $500–$10,000+/month depending on marketing.
- Startup tip: Create a mini-course first (30 mins of video or less). Teach one clear outcome.
6. Web Designer
Why it’s solo-friendly: High demand, scalable income, and repeat clients with site updates.
- What you do: Build websites using platforms like WordPress, Showit, or Squarespace.
- Where to start: Use Toptal, or create a portfolio site with 2-3 demo projects.
- Income range: $1,000–$8,000+/website.
- Startup tip: Learn 1 platform deeply. Offer “website-in-a-week” packages to test demand.
7. Voiceover Artist
Why it’s solo-friendly: All you need is a mic and a quiet place to record.
- What you do: Narrate audiobooks, explainer videos, commercials, and podcasts.
- Where to start: Use Voices.com, ACX, or Bunny Studio.
- Income range: $100–$500/hour.
- Startup tip: Buy a basic USB mic and record demos using public domain text. Create a profile on Fiverr.
8. E-commerce Store Owner (Dropshipping or Print on Demand)
Why it’s solo-friendly: Inventory-free and easily automated.
- What you do: Design and sell products (like t-shirts, mugs, planners).
- Where to start: Use Printful, Printify, or Shopify.
- Income range: $500–$5,000+/month depending on traffic.
- Startup tip: Niche down. Choose a target audience (like solo travelers or teachers) and focus on designs that speak to them.
9. Online Tutor or ESL Teacher
Why it’s solo-friendly: Choose your own hours and teach from anywhere with Wi-Fi.
- What you do: Teach English or subjects like math or science online.
- Where to start: Cambly, VIPKid, Outschool.
- Income range: $10–$50/hour.
- Startup tip: You don’t need a teaching degree to start with Cambly. Start part-time and teach during peak hours in other countries.
10. Affiliate Marketer / Blogger
Why it’s solo-friendly: Passive income once content is created.
- What you do: Recommend products and earn a commission from tracked links.
- Where to start: Amazon Affiliates, Impact, Skimlinks.
- Income range: $50–$10,000+/month.
- Startup tip: Start a free blog with WordPress or Substack. Focus on review posts or “best of” lists with affiliate links.
11. Online Community Manager
Why it’s solo-friendly: Remote-first role with opportunities to lead from behind the scenes.
- What you do: Moderate forums, engage with members, host virtual events, and manage social engagement.
- Where to start: Look for jobs on We Work Remotely or pitch podcast creators, coaches, and digital creators.
- Income range: $25–$60/hour or monthly retainers of $1,000+.
- Startup tip: Join existing Facebook or Slack groups. Learn community management tools like Circle or Mighty Networks.
Best Tips to Make Any Solo Career Work for You
- Build your routine around Wi-Fi: Know your timezone differences if working with global clients.
- Invest in tools early: Pay for Canva Pro, a good microphone, or a scheduling app to streamline.
- Choose recurring income when possible: Monthly retainers or passive product sales add stability.
- Show your face or voice: Personal branding builds faster when you’re visible online.
- Don’t wait for perfect: Start messy. Your skills and systems will grow with time.
Don’t forget, it’s better to try than to never have tried at all. It only takes a little bit of research to invest in something new. And there is nothing like investing in a new future. So get out there and good luck!
You’ll Also Like
Automated Job Application Tools
Learn how to use AI tools to auto-apply to remote roles, tailor your resume, and stop wasting hours on repetitive applications.
Streamline your job hunt →Becoming a PAID Content Creator
A beginner-friendly breakdown of how to get your first brand deals, pitch with confidence, and turn content into a real paycheck.
Check it out →What To Charge as a Content Creator
Use my rate framework to set fair prices, understand usage rights, and stop undercharging for the work you put into content.
Open rate calculator →Companies That Will Pay You to Travel
A list of programs and companies that mix income and travel, from remote-year style programs to cultural exchange and travel-based roles.
See the company list →
Super helpful article! Thanks for putting the resources together.
Of course! I’m glad it was helpful!