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Are you looking for slower paced jobs that are low stress?

The jobs listed in this article are aimed at people looking for high paying, low stress jobs that are actually fun and easy to get started.

Let’s begin.

14 Low Stress Jobs that Pay Well Without a Degree

1. Online Proofreading

woman reading a book

Proofreaders, function as final quality control on text before it is printed and published.

The job of a proofreader is to check the text is well written, easily readable and grammatically correct.

They are hired to work on a range of publications including subtitles, articles, research papers, email newsletters, blogs and books.

The role involves identifying and rectifying spelling mistakes, incorrect grammar, incorrect capitalization, and punctuation errors.

Proofreading is a slow paced job that do not require any qualifications, but a strong understanding of the written language is a necessity.

Check out this free online video workshop to understand how to start and run a proofreading business at home.

Proofreading jobs are available online on gig sites like Fivver and Upwork.

Here are some other sites that often hire online proofreaders to work from home:

  • ClickWorker
  • Guru
  • LionBridge
  • We Work Remotely
  • Clear Voice
  • Polished Paper
  • Babbletype
  • Writing Jobz
  • Gramlee
  • Cambridge Proofreading

 

2. Blog Writer

A blog writer is a person that writes an informative article online about a specific topic.

For example, you are reading a blog now focused on the topic of low stress jobs.

You can self-publish a blog that you monetize through selling ad space or be a freelancer producing work for other people.

As a beginner, you want to write for a company where you will receive guidance.

A strong grasp of your chosen language in written form is required to ensure spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation are all immaculate.

On many blogs you will be the final person to check the article, there is not always a proofreader to check your work.

Blog writing jobs are widely available on gig sites, where you can apply or receive requests to fulfil projects.

Check out these job sites for slow paced jobs as a blog writer:

  • Upwork
  • Pro Blogger
  • Freelancer
  • Blogging Pro
  • Media Bistro
  • People Per Hour

 

3. Freelance Photographer

woman holding a folder and a camera.

This is one of the best jobs with flexible hours.

A freelance photographer works for themselves, setting their hours, schedule and choosing the jobs they do.

Photos are taken on behalf of a client, you could be photographing weddings, family photoshoots, wildlife, product images for advertising, cars, or anything you have a passion for.

Freelance photographers will often do voluntary work initially, sometimes as part of an educational course, to build up their portfolio.

Clients will want to see your work before they make you an offer.

As you gain more experience and increase your portfolio, you can choose to specialise in a niche or keep your options open to all kinds of work.

Getty Images and Shutterstock are two of the photography specific sites where you will find freelance photography work, as well as generic gig sites.

An alternative low stress career to consider is that of a freelance photo editor. Read our interview here with Katie who earned over $75,000 as a freelance wedding photo editor. 

 

4. Illustrator

Another example of a slow paced job is that of a freelance illustrator.

An illustrator creates visual representations of text to enhance an explanation and make it clearer to understand.

Illustrations are intended to simplify often difficult to understand text, this is why illustrations are included in children’s books to aid children as they learn to read.

To be an illustrator you need to be a good artist.

There are no set requirements or qualifications, but most illustrators have a degree in illustration or similar art-related topics such as Graphic Design.

Build a portfolio of your work that you can display when applying for illustration jobs.

HireAnIllustrator is an illustration specific site allowing illustrators to display their work and be approached by clients.

Check out our full interview with Angela who earns $4,000 per month illustrating couples portraits, wedding invites and ebook covers for bloggers.

 

5. Transcriptionist

A transcriptionist is someone who types spoken words from recorded audio onto a computer document.

Formatting the document, in the way the company you are working for determines, is the key skill to learn but training is usually provided before your first job is assigned.

Typing at a speed of 60 words a minute is a standard requirement for transcription work, and you will also need to have good hearing and a quality audio system as some files can have poor sound quality, background noise or be very quiet.

GoTranscript and TranscribeMe are two popular sites for finding work, particularly if you are a beginner, and there are multiple other transcription specific sites.


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You can find transcription work on generic gig economy sites but signing up to a transcription site will provide a better opportunity for regular work.

Here are over 30 sites for beginner level, transcription jobs from home.

 

6. Bake and Sell Dog Treats on Etsy

dog treat business.

Did you know that you can bake and sell dog treats from your own kitchen?

The treats will have to be prepared and baked in a licensed condition and the products approved by the relevant licensing authority.

The only skill required for this job is the knowledge of how to bake dog treats.

To make things easy, here is a detailed post on dog treat recipes, how to price and package your dog treats and also how to legally sell them.

In the post you will learn how Kristin started her own dog treat business at home and sold them on Etsy.

 

7. Pet Sitting

Pet sitting is the same as babysitting, but you look after pets instead of babies.

Pet sitters are required when pet owners are away, usually for at least one night, and the sitter will usually stay in the pet owners home with the pet.

It might be possible to look after pets in your own home depending on the owner’s preferences and the pet’s behaviour.

No skills are required for this job, but you will need to understand the required care and behaviour of the animal you are looking after.

Pet owners will provide the food and routine they want you to follow regarding feeding and walking times.

Rover and PawShake are popular sites aimed at matching pet owners with sitters.

You can find opportunities on job search engines, but it is difficult to find pet sitting jobs in your area.

 

8. Dog Walking

Dog walkers provide a service to clients who are often preoccupied during the day, with work commitments or travel, allowing their pets to get exercise.

Dog walkers take multiple dogs out at the same, normally no more than four. This provides a good opportunity to increase earnings but will depend on your physical capabilities, the type of dog, and the owners.

Dog walking does not require any qualifications. But you must be physically able (some dogs will be strong and like to pull), understand the behaviours of different breeds, and be able to recognise any health problems.

Gaining qualifications in topics such as animal first aid and animal care will help your application stand out.

WeLovePets and Rover are common sites used for finding dog walking jobs, but you can also promote yourself locally through shop window ads and using social media sites.

 

9. Respondent Jobs

A respondent is someone that takes part in research studies either through surveys or focus groups, these groups can be via online video calls or in-person events.

There are no specific requirements to be able to register as a respondent, but certain research opportunities will have specified criteria such as location, previous job roles, or the technology you use.

You will be able to apply for most studies and a screening questionnaire will identify if you are suitable for the given task.

Respondent.io is the biggest website offering respondent jobs, it is free to join, and payments will vary on each study. On average, you can expect to earn between $100-$400 per study.

 

10. Data Entry

Data entry is when a person enters data into software on a computer, using input devices such as a keyboard or scanner.

The data is typically from a paper document and this process is to allow businesses to store their data electronically.

A typing speed of 50-60 words per minute is desirable for data entry jobs and you will need a basic understanding of the computer software you will use.

There are tools online that will measure your typing speed, make sure you meet the requirements before applying for a job and learn keyboard shortcuts that will improve your typing efficiency.

Data entry jobs are very common as both office-based and work from home roles, there are plenty of opportunities available on gig sites and job search engines.

 

11. Librarian

A librarian is a professional who works in a library aiding those who require access to information.

A librarian manages and organizes the physical publications within the library.

With advances in technology meaning a lot of materials are now available on computers, librarians are skilled in helping people access online information.

Librarians need to be organised to maintain the library, have excellent communication, customer service.

The supervision skills for dealing with library customers and a good understanding of computer skills to aid people is vital for this role.

Librarian jobs can be found through job search engines, or you can contact libraries directly for information on this career.

 

12. Bakers

Bakers are tradespeople who work in a bakery and bake flour-based products in a concentrated heat source such as an oven.

Relevant food hygiene qualifications are needed for working with food, depending on which country you live in.

Knowledge of bakery and food production methods are also required.

Bakers can attend culinary classes to improve their skills and knowledge, but no formal qualifications are required to be a baker.

Jobs can be found by using typical job searching sites or if you are attending culinary classes, ask for help in finding work as a baker.

 

13. Painters

A painter is an artist that paints pictures, not to be confused with the trade profession of a painter who paints walls.

No qualifications are needed to be a painter, but many fine artists will obtain a degree in Arts or Fine Arts.

It is recommended to gain a qualification as through this process you will be able to define the style you want to paint and the specific paint you will use.

Painters are freelance and will produce work for individual clients or produce their work to sell.

 

14. Florists

Otherwise known as floral designers, florists artistically arranges and sells cut flowers and plants, such as bouquets and wreaths.

A floristry certification is recommended, but not required if you want to become a florist as it will set you apart from others.

Apprenticeships and on-the-job training will be given by most employers to people that are new to floristry.

Floristry is a skill you can use to set up your own business, but you want to have qualifications in place before following this route.

Work can be found through either starting your own business or applying for jobs through regular channels such as job search engines.