9 Self Employment Ideas To Make Money!

Table of Contents

"Illustration of a person holding a document and a pen, representing the process of renewing an LLC

Share This Post

Currently, there are over 10 million self-employed people in the US, which only accounts for around 6% of the country’s workforce.

It’s understandable why this number is so low though; while you’d benefit from being your own boss, everything rests on your shoulders. There’s high risk, and not many small businesses make it past a few years.

Yet trading in your traditional job for a self-owned business can be everything you’ve ever dreamed of. You just have to pick the right concept.

Read on for some great self-employment ideas you can consider if you need inspiration.

9 Self Employment Ideas

1. Consulting

Chances are, you’ve built up years of experience and knowledge in your career. You may have also done this with hobbies and interests.

Either way, you’re an expert in a specific area, so put this to good use by becoming a consultant. People will value what you have to say, so they’ll be more than happy to pay for consulting services.

 

2. Coaching or Personal Training

This is similar to consulting, but more specific; you’ll be helping people shape their lives for the better in areas such as fitness, life coaching, business coaching, or career development.

Your services can be most effective in one-on-one settings, but keep your mind open. Some workplaces may want group training sessions, and these can pay well. However, not everyone is cut out to deliver large-scale interactions, so factor in your comfort level here.

 

3. Tutoring

Have you always had a knack for academic topics? Then make use of that knowledge effectively by tutoring students.

Historically, pupils have always needed assistance with studying. However, this issue has become amplified by the pandemic. There aren’t enough tutors for students, so when it comes to self-employed job ideas, this one can be lucrative.

There’s lots of flexibility here too. You can go the more traditional route and go to pupils’ houses, have them come to yours, or meet in a space like a library. 

However, you can make things much more convenient by offering online tutoring. All you and your tutees have to do is log on with a steady internet connection to conduct your sessions.

4. Pet Services

If you have an affinity toward animals, then it’ll be fulfilling to offer pet services to your local community. This is one of the most ideal work-for-yourself ideas possible since you don’t answer to anyone but yourself.

Think about your strengths and tailor your pet services that way. For example, you can provide pet sitting, dog walking, grooming, or even pet training classes.

 

5. Event Planning

Most people don’t have a clue as to how to effectively plan an event so it goes smoothly. Not to mention, it’s their big day, so they don’t want to be stressed out about the details either.

Those with a penchant for organization and order will thrive as an event planner. You can help both individuals and businesses plan and coordinate events, ranging from weddings to corporate conferences.

You’ll have to do a lot of networking though, especially if you want to get good deals with vendors. In addition, you’ll have to work hard at maintaining excellent relationships with these people and companies.

 

6. Food Services

If you enjoy spending time in the kitchen, then why not make money off your creations? There are many opportunities here too, so you won’t be stuck in a small box.

For example, if you’re an avid baker, then you can sell custom cakes and pastries. Or if you’re a Mexican food aficionado, you can buy a food truck and sell street food at local events. Another idea is to start a catering business if you can handle large orders without majorly stressing out.

Do note that you’ll most likely need to get a food safety license or certification.

self owned business baking
You can have self owned business baking if you have the skills!

7. Content Creation

Content creation is one of the best ideas for self-employment if you’d rather avoid in-person interactions. It’s great for monetizing your passions while sharing your knowledge with others who are just as enthusiastic about the topics as you are.

You can start a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast. You may not be able to make money on these things at first, but as time goes on and your audience grows, you can earn an income through ads, sponsorships, or merchandise sales.

Before you do that though, you should get business registration services through Business Anywhere. We’ll set up your LLC in a timely fashion so everything you’re doing is above board.

 

8. E-commerce

Another on the list of self-employed ideas from home is ecommerce. You can start an online store and sell products through platforms like Shopify and Etsy.

If you’re talented and can make your own arts and crafts, then you can sell your handmade items. Otherwise, consider selling vintage items, digital products, or other goods.

Whatever you choose, ensure you know the best practices so you’re set up for success.

 

9. Real Estate

Real estate is a solid self-employed career to pick, as you’ll exercise your local know-how by being a trusted real estate agent. However, it takes a lot of hard work and testing to get your license, so make sure to study up.

If you have a bit of extra cash and don’t like the idea of becoming a realtor, you can invest in property and manage rentals instead. Being a landlord can bring in some passive income, and you may even be able to combine this with other ideas on this list.

 

Consider These Self-Employment Ideas

As you can see, there are plenty of self-employment ideas, and these don’t even scratch the surface. The world’s your oyster, so think about what you’re good at, then put together a business plan from there.

Once you get your company set up, you can become a self-sufficient person who doesn’t rely on another business or boss to earn a decent living. That in itself will be worth the hard work and risks you take to create your own business.

Make self-employment easier by signing up for a Business Anywhere account. Our services will allow you to fully focus on your passion, while we take the hassle out of setting it all up!

About Author

Picture of Rick Mak

Rick Mak

Rick Mak is a global entrepreneur and business strategist with over 30 years of hands-on experience in international business, finance, and company formation. Since 2001, he has helped register tens of thousands of LLCs and corporations across all 50 U.S. states for founders, digital nomads, and remote entrepreneurs. He holds degrees in International Business, Finance, and Economics, and master’s degrees in both Entrepreneurship and International Law. Rick has personally started, bought, or sold over a dozen companies and has spoken at hundreds of conferences worldwide on topics including offshore structuring, tax optimization, and asset protection. Rick’s work and insights have been featured in major media outlets such as Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, Street Insider, and Mirror Review.
“I’ve used many LLC formation services before, but this one is the best I’ve ever used—super simple and fast!” “Excellent service, quick turnaround, very professional—exactly what I needed as a non-US resident.”
You can read more feedback from thousands of satisfied entrepreneurs on the Business Anywhere testimonials page. As a contributor to Business Anywhere, Rick shares actionable guidance drawn from decades of cross-border business experience—helping entrepreneurs launch and scale legally, tax-efficiently, and with confidence. To learn more about how we ensure accuracy, transparency, and quality in our content, read our editorial guidelines.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get updates and learn from the best

More To Explore

Image of a woman sitting on the floor working on her company learning how to start an LLC
LLC
How to Start an LLC: 2025 Guide for Starting an LLC in all 50 States

Are you ready to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality? With over 33 million small businesses thriving in the U.S., forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a smart choice for aspiring business owners. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of starting an LLC, from choosing the perfect name to navigating ongoing compliance. Discover the key benefits of an LLC, including personal asset protection, tax flexibility, and reduced paperwork. Whether you’re a digital nomad or a remote worker, learn how to establish a solid foundation for your business and embrace the freedom of entrepreneurship!

can i be my own registered agent
Business
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent? What Business Owners Need to Know

Are you considering being your own registered agent for your LLC or corporation? While it may seem like a cost-effective choice, this decision comes with significant risks that many entrepreneurs overlook. From exposing your home address in public records to the potential for missed legal documents, the drawbacks can far outweigh the savings. Discover the essential responsibilities of a registered agent, the legal requirements across different states, and why professional registered agent services might be the smarter choice for your business. Read on to learn how to protect your privacy and ensure compliance while building your entrepreneurial dream.

image of solo 401k written on a yellow notepad
LLC
Solo 401k for LLC Owners: Ultimate 2025 Guide to Limits, Tax Savings & Setup

Are you an LLC owner looking to supercharge your retirement savings? Discover the power of a Solo 401(k) plan, which allows you to save up to $70,000 in 2025—ten times more than a regular IRA! This comprehensive guide reveals everything you need to know about eligibility, contribution limits, and tax benefits tailored specifically for business owners like you. Learn how to maximize your retirement potential while enjoying significant tax breaks and investment flexibility. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to secure your financial future—dive into our ultimate guide now!

Do You Want To Boost Your Business?