What if we said you can be independent while you are still studying? That you wouldn’t have to spend long hours at an office, or even expend for a separate place? Imagine paying for your courses and graduation!

One of the most exciting things about working is independence and accountability to no one. If you are still pursuing your higher education, you are probably dreaming of a day when you wouldn’t have to take a single penny from your parents anymore or worry about exhausting your pocket money.

The Internet is a boon if you wish to start earning early. There are so many free courses available online that provide such great insights into various fields. Moreover, social media connects more than just friends of friends! 

A laptop, an internet connection, a bank account, and a social media handle are all you require to start the journey of your financial independence as early as you want.

Starting early is more than just drawing some bucks. It is about gaining hands-on experience and having an upper hand by the time you graduate. It is about examining the industry you want a career in, learning its trade and exploring the options you have.

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If you are wondering how exactly you can start earning early, we are here to help you!

Here are a few ways you can start earning online as a student.

1. Freelancing

Freelancing is a fantastic emerging form of earning early. India is, in fact, the second-fastest growing freelance market in the world. Pick up a skill of your choice, streamline it, develop a process, create a portfolio and you are all set to attract prospects to start working!

Freelancing gives you an opportunity to work with various industries and earn just as high as corporate professionals over time! All you need is 3-4 hours of work every day.

2. Virtual Assistance

With the country currently riding on a massive wave of small businesses, there are many entrepreneurs out there, looking to outsource administrative work, handling basic organizational tasks, researching, correspondence, etc. 

You can provide these services at lower costs as a beginner and raise them as you gain experience. VA services give you a decent exposure to the inner workings of various businesses. 

3. Graphic designing

If aesthetics, designs, colors, creativity, and visuals are your thing, you can start graphic designing for clients. You don’t even need the advanced editing programs. Various editing apps are there to get you started and guide you to create impressive designs. It is highly viable not just because of the ever-growing marketing needs, but the basic need of communicating with less—whether for a business or a religious activity.

4. Video Marketing

Social media content today has a high consumption rate, and many businesses, big and small, are capitalizing on it. Video content is growing exponentially and you can mint some bucks out of it—by curating video content for your clients, incorporating an emotional connection for their audience.

5. Content writing

Content is something every single business needs. If you think you have the linguistic skills of a Grade 8 student in English, then you are good to start with content writing! Social media captions, blogs, newsletters – every form of marketing needs content, and the industry needs experts who can make it appealing.

6. Online tutoring

This is yet another way of earning good money if you hold command over a certain subject. Consider it as an outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic, but teaching is no longer a classroom-only activity. All you need is your brain and a video calling software, and the world can be your class. 

Also read: 11 things to take care of when you get your first job

Besides, with the growing consumption of recorded videos, you can also record yourself for certain sessions and create an online course out of it – a great way of making some passive income.

There are a myriad of options available to make money just by sparing a handful of hours of your day, without compromising on your studies. We’ve mentioned here the most viable and lucrative options. If you are comfortable with letting go of the convenience of working from a laptop at home or even from class, you can also consider the following:

1. Running a part-time shift at a local café/restaurant
2. Participating in market research activities
3. Babysitting/pet-sitting

The last word:

The world is full of opportunities today and everyone is looking for fresh talent and perceptions. There are so many ways we may have never even heard of. Explore the field of your choice or specialization. Talk to the veterans of the field. Learn from them and build a path for yourself. Financial independence can be a life-defining milestone and it feels great to attain it. Whether it is contributing to your family or simply saving for yourself, it changes you. Embrace it! 

But… don’t get swayed! Be mindful of how you use the money. 

Check our previous blog on Investing Tips for Gen Z