Some of us are not very kicked about the prospect of being in a 9 to 5 job and given a chance would like to work not just according to our convenience but also pick and choose the assignments we would like to take up. Freelancing provides these opportunities. However it is important to note that while it has it's share of benefits, there is also some amount of uncertainty involved.

Teaching/ Coaching

One of the most respected professions of all time is teaching! Fortunately teaching isn't limited to academics nowadays. You can conduct regular workshops on any topic you specialize in - personality development, arts and craft, flower arrangement, cookery, environment awareness and social issues, vedic mathematics and even storytelling or yoga for kids!

Multimedia

The media boom in recent times has created an unprecedented demand for experienced professionals in the field of multimedia, animation and commercial art as well. They're sought after by media houses, software companies, advertising agencies and companies specializing in editing, animation and web designing to work on assignment basis. Though the projects demand creativity, originality and have strict deadlines, the returns more than justify the effort.

Foreign language translators

Globalization has made geographic history. Travel and trade between countries is now a daily affair. Multinational companies (MNC) have foreign delegates visiting them regularly but for short intervals & therefore always on the look out for multi-lingual freelancers. For those linguists who have a degree or a certificate in multiple foreign languages, translation assignments are exciting and well-paying options.

Online careers

The internet is a treasure trove of opportunities for those who want to work as freelancers without having to leave the comforts of their homes. Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs) companies mushrooming everywhere are constantly on the lookout for medical, legal and business transcriptionists. The best part is that you don't need a medical or legal background for these projects. Those who have a flair for writing can register on websites that offer creative writing and editing assignments. Coaching students across the globe online for a few hours daily is a good option for the academically inclined. Data-processing assignments like data entry and scanning, data capture and abstraction are also good options for those willing to devote a fixed number of hours everyday.

Consultancy

If you've got expertise and experience in a particular area, then you can become a freelance consultant. For example business consultants can help startups establish and grow their businesses.

The idiom 'Jack of all trades' is passé. If you specialize in more than one field, you can juggle different assignments as a freelancer and earn envious incomes!

Make money through hobbies

Hobbies don't really make you rich. Though you could make some handy 'pocket money', a hobby will seldom allow you enough leeway to take it up full time. What you could easily manage is to ensure that your hobby is self-sustaining. You could keep the hobby current; invest some money in it without spending an additional rupee. If you are passionate about your hobby, there will be facets to your skills that probably no one else is equipped with. It's just that over time, you have come to take these skills for granted and don't think too much of them now. So work on those 'quirks' that make you different from the rest of the people around you. It is these quirks that are rare to find and make what you have to offer unique.

Market yourself

Marketing yourself is crucial to your hobby becoming lucrative. Most of us are uncomfortable promoting ourselves. However, there are subtle ways to manage this.

There is no need to blatantly advertise your skill sets. You could bring it up in conversations. If anyone of your friends, relatives, etc is wondering how to better spend their summer vacations, ask them if they would like to learn an instrument from you.

Let your friends know that you have a small hobby business. Chances are they will be the best brand ambassadors you can get. Besides, it helps spread the word around. Of course, the best way to increase your clientele is by thoroughly impressing your current customers. Remember, they are the most effective mode of publicity for your venture.