Education becomes more expensive with each passing day, while educational standards get more stringent. Courses are now demanding greater efforts, with higher grading thresholds and fierce competition from both national and international students. Furthermore, the cost of education over the past decade demonstrated an alarming increase. In 2005, the average student loan was $10,000. A decade later, it increased to a staggering $25,000. Meanwhile, minimum wage rates remained stagnant in comparison.
Given these circumstances, students nowadays are compelled to find work to fund their education. Online jobs might offer a solution, allowing more time for study compared to traditional, physical jobs.
Making a little extra shouldn’t be limited to jobs like washing dishes or serving coffee. There’re numerous exciting and versatile opportunities to earn a decent income online, spending just a few hours daily. For example, the global e-commerce market in 2014 was a whopping $200 billion. Wouldn’t you like a slice of that pie?
So, how can ambitious students earn money online?
Here are a few prerequisites:
An address, both physical and email for communication.
A PayPal ID to make/break payments.
A bank account.
A computer.
Basic office software such as MSOffice, OpenOffice, or Google Docs.
W2 information for employment eligibility.
Now, let’s explore some online platforms where you can apply your skills and start making steady income.
Freelancing Sites:
Although freelancing is touted as the easiest way to make money, it’s not necessarily the case in countries like the USA. Given their lower living costs, writers from countries like India, the Philippines, and Bangladesh often accept cheaper rates for the same work. Rather, it would be wiser to undertake specific projects that justify your time and skill investment. For instance, assignments like writing essays or theses require particular skills and usually offer higher returns.
The internet can be likened to a vast ocean teeming with opportunities for those willing and able to work online. The field of content creation, in particular, is a fertile ground for making money. Once you establish a good reputation as a writer, you can earn up to $500 a month, depending on your workload capacity.
Fiverr:
Fiverr.com allows you to sell any virtual services for $5 or more. It’s a fantastic platform to explore if what you’re good at has a market demand. You could possibly become an immediate hit on Fiverr. Earnings could range from $5-$50 per hour depending on the type and amount of work you can handle.
Surf and Earn:
Websites like Inbox Dollars and SwagBucks allow you to earn minor income simply by surfing the internet, playing online games, and using their browser extensions. You could earn up to $100 monthly from each site, relying on the available time you can afford.
Start a Blog:
Initiating and running a blog is another potential way of generating a steady income stream online. A blog requires nothing but a website, a dash of artistic flair, and an engaging subject. Your income as a blogger could vary depending on the effectiveness of your marketing strategies.
Take Online Surveys:
Taking part in paid surveys is an easy way to make a little extra money during your spare time. The more time you invest, the more earnings you can rake in.
Online Tutoring:
Online tutoring is fast gaining popularity over traditional tutoring. If you boast sound academic credentials, you can tutor any subject to middle and high school students. You could earn between $15-$40 per hour, depending on the subject and your expertise.
Finally, remember that developing an online income takes time, determination, and creativity. All the best in creating your online income stream!