Living with a chronic illness can be a challenge, particularly from a financial standpoint. In many cases, it can be difficult or impossible to hold a regular full-time job. Government benefits can help, but it’s often not enough to cover basic necessities or medical supplies you may need.
Working from home allows you to create your own schedule while tending to your health. Here are five legitimate ways to make money from home when you have a chronic illness.
1. Pet-Sitting
If you have some degree of mobility and a love for animals, pet-sitting may be a good option for you. Services like Dogvacay.com and Rover.com allow you to connect with local people who need someone to look after their pets while they’re away.
The great thing about using these types of services is that the company handles the entire transaction. All you have to do is sign up, list your availability, and accept jobs.
2. Rent Out a Room
If you have an extra room in your home, consider renting it out on Airbnb.com. You can choose to rent out your entire home, or just one room. This can be a great way to generate extra income, especially if you live in a desirable area. It’s also a great way to meet new people.
Just make sure that you check your local laws before listing your room on the site. You may also need to purchase additional insurance. Airbnb offers $1 million in liability coverage and $1 million in host protection.
3. Reselling
If you’re looking for a way to generate serious income from home, consider reselling. It’s a simple concept: you buy items at a bargain price, and resell it for a much higher price. Craigslist is a great place to find bargains, but you can also find items at flea markets, yard sales, and Goodwill stores.
If you don’t have the ability to travel outside of your home, you can shop online sales and discount e-tailers to find great deals on items you can resell.
4. Freelancing
Freelancing is a tried-and-true way to make money from home. Everyone has a valuable skill that they can sell, whether it’s writing, programming, web design, consulting, translation or teaching.
Websites like Upwork.com and Fiverr.com allow you to sell these valuable skills as a freelance worker. You can also work as a virtual assistant, completing administrative tasks for people.
It will take some time and effort to build your portfolio and convince clients to hire you, but it will be well worth it when you have a steady stream of repeat customers.
5. Teach an Online Course
Yes, you can make a lot of money creating courses and teaching students online through platforms like Skillshare.com and Udemy.com.
If you have a valuable skill and enjoy teaching others, this is a great opportunity to generate income. And if you build a following of students, you can easily create and sell more courses in the future.
These are just a few of the many ways you can make money at home with a chronic illness. Be resourceful, persistent and dedicated in your efforts, and you’ll find success.
