8 Decent-Paying Jobs In Singapore That You Can Do From Bed

Covid-19 has caused a fundamental shift in the way we work. Prior to the pandemic, employers demanded that we head to an office to do our work. Now, many jobs have been relocated to the home thanks to the use of the Internet, which gives us greater opportunities to earn a living without needing to step out of the house or sacrifice our care for our little ones. Below, we share with you eight home-based jobs that you can do here in Singapore.

Do note that income from these jobs will vary greatly based on the nature of the project, any prior experience you have and many more factors. As such, we chose to omit any earning estimates. That said, a quick Google search or browse through freelance opportunities marketplaces such as Fiverr and Upwork can give you a rough idea. Another way to get started is to tap on informal or LinkedIn networks - creative agencies are often on the lookout to work with freelancers. If you have a portfolio to share, it doesn't hurt to send across a friendly email to suss out opportunities.

Web design

Web designing refers to the creation of websites. Consequently, knowledge of programming languages such as CSS, HTML and JavaScript is necessary. Those who want to flex their creative muscles can also explore various design elements from typography (choice of fonts) to web layout and more. Experience with UI/UX will also give you a leg up as you can make the website better for the target users.

If your client is okay with plug-and-play options that don’t require much customisation, providers such as Squarespace, Wix and WordPress are popular solutions. Instead, you can help them create the backbone, beautify and make the website more user-friendly.

Tutoring

With the rise of online communication platforms such as Zoom because of the Covid-19 pandemic, a lot of in-person jobs can now be done via a call over the Internet. Tutoring is one of these jobs. Use the share screen function on Zoom so that both parties look at the same document as you teach. The Internet also allows you to reach a wider network, so you don’t have to be limited to school-going children and teach someone in China English, for example, while being in Singapore.

Writing

The field of writing is very broad and can range from copy and content writing to financial and script writing. Depending on your interest and expertise, delve into a specific form and share your way with words in writing such as academic papers, press releases, advertising copies, blog posts and more. If you’re a newbie to the field, consider starting a blog or creating mock writings first so prospective clients can get a sense of your writing before they commission work. Proofreading and editing are also possibilities here too

Data entry

Data entry is a viable option for those with exceptional concentration and attention to detail. Simple data entry work could be the manual transferring of information from one document to another, usually into a system or software such as Excel that makes it easier for further data processing. Other facades of the job include picking out errors and inconsistencies and other means to ensure that the data is accurate and complete. Higher level work would involve some form of data organising, processing and reporting in order to make meaning of all the information.

Completing surveys

Paid surveys are a form of conducting market research. It consists of filling up forms or hopping on a call with someone else to share your insight and opinion regarding a product or service. Do note that completing surveys would require you to give up some personal information about yourself - your age, demographic, etc. - so if you aren’t comfortable divulging, consider something else.

Working in a call centre

A call centre could service many different needs. Customer service is one aspect, such as helping people deal with a lost credit card or an issue with their telecoms provider. It could also be to conduct surveys and market research or as a sales representative to canvass business. Either way, working at a call centre requires you to be able to quick-witted to achieve the goals necessary for the job. A call centre job could also benefit those needing regular working hours.

Transcribing and translating

Transcription is the process of converting speech in audio form to text while translation requires moving text from one language to another without losing its meaning. Both require language proficiency, but the latter might require a deeper understanding of a language’s cultural usage, especially regarding slang and abbreviations. Either option would also require you to clean up the text to ensure fidelity and fluency. You might also need expertise if the content relates to technical knowledge such as medical and legal documentation. Those with little patience might want to skip transcription as not all recordings might be perfectly recorded.

Designing graphics

Designing graphics ranging from wedding cards and posters to infographics and marketing materials could be the job for the creatively inclined. You need a keen eye for composition, colours and more and you would also need to learn how to use design software such as Adobe Illustrator. Free websites such as Canva, however, would be a great starting point for those starting out though they are limited in the possibilities you can make.