Writer or Copy Editor 

If you have a knack for the written word, writing or editing may be a smart, flexible option for you. 

There are a lot of possible ways to land writing gigs, including: 

• querying print magazines;
• starting a writing business;
• blogging; or
• working for a content distribution company. 

There are usually no specific education requirements to land a role in the writing industry, but it's important to hone your skills before you begin submitting applications or queries. Many new writers tend to overestimate their abilities. You might want to have your work critiqued by a professional who can offer suggestions before you begin your job search. 

Income potential varies widely, depending upon experience and venue. New bloggers writing for their own sites might earn $4 a post, while those writing for larger online companies may earn $35 to $50 an article. Print writing is usually more lucrative than Web writing, ranging from $50 to $100 an hour or more, but it's also more challenging to secure the commission of print work.