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Having more than a couple of hours a day to simply do nothing can be good for you. It boosts creativity, allowing the mind and body to relax. It also recharges a person and prepares them for other activities for the day. However, for some people, too much downtime is counterproductive.
One study from the University of Cincinnati and Baylor University even revealed that when individuals have increased “time affluence” (also known as an abundance of free time), they are more likely to make impulsive, material purchases. In turn, this can actually make them feel less satisfied.
It’s your choice what to do with your downtime, however. You can use it to explore areas for self-growth or use it to make some extra money. If you prefer the latter, however, this post offers several ways to earn some in your spare time.
Try Data Entry Work
Most beginners in online freelancing begin with data entry. As it is, data entry work is a fairly vast industry. You could begin with encoding a PDF file into Excel, updating product descriptions, copy-paste names, numbers, and addresses-these are just some of the many work that a data entry clerk does.
Most of these gigs require little to no experience and can be done virtually anywhere. The salary depends on the complexity of the job. Many reputable companies now outsource their data entry professionals as work from home becomes the norm.
Be a Pet-sitter/ Walker
If you are fond of animals, this job is excellent for you. Pet-sitting is basically babysitting a pet — taking care of its food and needs. Some animals, like dogs, need more than just being watched at home; they also need to be walked around for exercise and to lessen their anxiety. Pet-walking is a bonus, especially if you are an active person who likes being outdoors.
Pet-sitting can be a highly rewarding experience. You’ll get an opportunity to take care and bond with a pet. In turn, the animal gives his trust and affection to you, the carer. Not to mention the excellent amount of pay you get per hour.
Look Into Product Testing
Do you think you have good judgment? Do you have what it takes to provide honest, unbiased reviews? And do you like receiving new products before they are released on the market to the public? Then product testing is for you.
For people who are doing freelance product testing, most of the testing is in-home usage tests (IHUT). The products are tested in real-life situations and you, the tester, provide feedback to the company. If it sounds fairly straightforward, that’s because it really is.
As a product tester, you could test just about anything. For instance, you could delve into beauty product testing, home product testing, and even food product testing. However, being a product tester does require dedication and commitment, even if for just a few hours per day. The companies sending their products to you will expect some honest feedback regarding their product, and it could be before, during, or after using the product. You need to provide what they expect, though, so you cannot just cancel out at the very last moment if you change your mind.
The pay rate for product testers can range from just keeping the product to receiving a certain amount. It depends on the company, but it is undoubtedly better than idling!
Teach Online
You can opt to teach online if you have specific skills you’d love to share. The most popular online teaching jobs are English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching. Usually, you would be teaching students who need to improve their written and spoken English.
However, to teach ESL, you would need to have a bachelor’s degree most of the time. Several ESL companies accept undergraduates as an exception, provided they pass the training. There are also certifications preferred (like TEFL and TESOL), but some companies don’t require them.
Other companies help you get these certifications while you work as a teacher for them. The rates vary among different companies, but the pay is generally better if you are a native English speaker. These gigs will help you make the most out of your spare time if you’re the one who loves to turn idle time into some cash. You can do these part-time, for additional pocket money. However, no matter what you decide to do, don’t forget that getting a little rest is also an integral part of a balanced life!
