
Being your own boss is easier than you think. Top-notch entrepreneurial skills paired with the right profession can help you establish yourself as a freelancer.
Of course, having a freelance career requires tremendous self-discipline (no sleeping in on workdays!) but many workers have brought in a stable income by expanding their network and landing a constant stream of assignments. Here are 10 jobs where you can comfortably navigate as a freelancer.
Photographer
Many freelance photographers differentiate themselves with their work. Anyone who photographs weddings to those who travel to remote regions to pursue news stories can call themselves a freelance photographer, so it’s important to really hone your craft. Fees are often paid per diem and travel is sometimes reimbursed.
Writer
Writing for a variety of needs including news, ghostwriting, or even grant proposals is all part of the freelance writing umbrella. Many writers are focused on building their expertise and work hard to develop a distinct brand and voice. Assignments are given on a project basis and depend largely on previous experience and published works. Some writers are freelance journalists and must report their stories as well as write them.
Graphic designer
Working in print or online, graphic designers put together drawings or layouts of the visual page. Companies often hire designers to put their words into effective visuals and further the identity of specific brands. Designers work on a company’s visual materials and can design anything from simple company logos to promotional displays. Freelance designers are often paid by the hour.
Interior designer
A dream job for many, some interior designers focus on commercial spaces, while others design for private homes. Interior designers may also acquire specialized accreditation (like green living) and often find new clients through word-of-mouth referrals. Most interior designers balance designing several spaces at once and workload can be unsteady.
Web developer
With a steady stream of new companies or existing firms simply wanting a new look, building websites can be a great way to get constant freelance work. Many web developers are contracted by companies to work on specific projects.
IT consultant
With companies cutting down budgets, many IT specialists who once worked in-house have taken the freelance route. Most consultants work on helping firms stay ahead of current tech trends by implementing new software and IT systems like SAP and PeopleSoft. Some assignments can be for just a few months, while others can last up to a year or longer. Consultants focus on one project at a time, before jumping to the next.
Recruiter
A slowly improving economy means many recruiters are taking on small consulting assignments to find valuable candidates for specific roles. Depending on the recruiter’s expertise — such as finance or engineering — companies are willing to invest in outside help in order to find the perfect candidate.
Translator
As companies become more global, many work with translators on a project basis. Freelance translators need to have great language skills and turn work around quickly in order to land more opportunities. Many have full-time work experience before going out on their own.
Online community manager
As companies place a greater focus on social networking, they are also looking for freelancers to direct their brand online. Community managers update accounts like Facebook or Twitter on behalf of the company, as well as browse discussion boards to help build these marketing platforms. Managing communities can be fun but requires odd hours and significant computer screen time.
Copywriter
Creating powerful advertising copy takes talent and many firms give these tasks to expert copywriters who can make the company shine. Many copywriters have a marketing or journalism background and work on a consulting basis to produce web, broadcast or advertising copy.

August 31st, 2010 at 7:15 pm
True statement regarding IT consulting….
August 31st, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Please tell me more about freelance writing jobs and whom to contact. Thank you.
September 1st, 2010 at 12:08 am
You forgot tutoring/coaching, elder assistance, and other nurturing and helping activities.
September 1st, 2010 at 2:00 am
I am currently a recruiter for a Medical Staffing Company in the Dallas area. I am interested in part time recruiting work in addition to my full time job to make extra money. My job is Mon thru Thurs, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and off on Fridays. I can work after 5:00 p.m. central time and all day Friday central time. Thank you.
September 1st, 2010 at 4:07 am
I submited my comment, my compu is malfunctioning, I hope someone contact me.
Thank you.
M.M.Haviland
September 1st, 2010 at 4:27 am
Dear Sir
My name is Samian Noaman, I am a Kurdish & Arabic speaker, I have four years experience with US Army back i Iraq, so if there anything relate to this job I would like to apply for it
September 1st, 2010 at 8:52 am
This is an informative piece and has more than one career objective that I have been considering to try to bring in some money to pay the bills. Thanks!
September 1st, 2010 at 10:50 am
I have tried to do three of those as a freelance job, but I seem to be missing something to make it actually happen. Is there an article you can share or have written on how to make yourself known as a freelancer? Thanks!
September 1st, 2010 at 4:52 pm
I am very much interested on these freelance jobs. And even on internet marketing. Still working and developing my website though.
Wish someone will contact me for any possible job. I only work 6 hours a day so I got more time to do this.
Thank you and more power.
September 1st, 2010 at 5:47 pm
Interested in Italian translation.
But do not know how to start looking for
opportunities
September 4th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
I would be interested freelance recruiting or headhunting from home. It’s been tough trying to find something, and I’m back in school – I wish I knew where to start and work around my school schedule.
September 7th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
What would be great is some links how to get started on these! That are not all directly to CareerBuilder online sponsor online universities’ and colleges’ homepages.
September 9th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Has anyone had any experiences working with companies for the online community manager jobs. I would love to do this as I am on the computer all day long, up until about 11:00 pm. Thank you