A while back, I wrote a piece on how to earn a full-time living from home. Since then, several of my readers have gotten in touch to say that they’re interested in following my lead and making a similar transition. One particular individual wanted to know what is possible if he or she lives in a small town in Kentucky. Specifically, what are the options for working remotely and making money online?
I’ve been toying with the idea of moving to Kentucky (partly for the cost-of-living and partly because I’ve always wanted to see the Bluegrass State in person) and recently figured out the details of how I could make money online there. I figured that since most of the country is experiencing some form of economic expansion, there had to be a way to monetize one’s talents and turn them into a profitable venture.
The Downsides Of Working In A Traditional Job
Let’s be honest, most people don’t enjoy going to work every day. The thought of getting out of bed after a long winter’s nap and driving to a cramped office space full of people you don’t know and don’t care about is probably enough to make anyone shudder. But until fairly recently, that was the reality for pretty much everyone in the country. The routine of going to school or getting your degree, finding a job, getting promoted, and then planning your wedding was the American Dream. But today, that dream is no longer available to more than half of the country’s adult population.
In the last few years, the number of people who are able to work remotely is increasing. Many large firms such as Google and Facebook have established internal offices in less populated areas of the country, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. In some cases, these offices are even available for remote employees. If you live in a small town in Kentucky, this kind of opportunity doesn’t exist. Your options for getting a job are extremely limited. In fact, there are only two ways to make money in Kentucky:
1. Become A Doctor Or Nurse
The first and probably most obvious way to make money in Kentucky is to become a doctor or nurse. There are several opportunities in both fields lying around the state, and thousands are now working remotely as a doctor or nurse. To start your career with a bang, apply to the University of Kentucky HealthCareers programs and consider whether or not to join the nursing or physician associate program.
2. Start A Blog
Blogs aren’t just for fun these days. Many large firms such as Google and General Electric have discovered the power of the internet and its ability to drive revenue. If you’ve got a sizable audience, you can use your blog to pitch products to potential customers. By describing what you’ve got here and engaging with your audience, you can drive hundreds or thousands of dollars in sales each week.
Kentucky Has Its Pluses
While it’s true that Kentucky doesn’t offer many opportunities for remotely working professionals, it does have its perks. The biggest plus is probably the cost of living. Inflation has risen sharply in recent years, but housing and utilities are still relatively affordable. The second biggest plus is the beautiful, peaceful lifestyle that comes with living in a small town. No one wants to rush through their day, stressing about work or commuting. Everything in Kentucky seems to revolve around taking life easy.
On the downside, the cost of living in Kentucky is still relatively high. Gas prices are at an all-time high, and although property taxes have decreased, the cost of living has increased. The unemployment rate is also higher than the national average, hovering around 6%. Finally, travel can be quite tedious. You won’t get a lot of choices when it comes to restaurants and nightlife, so you’ll probably end up going home after work most of the time. At least traffic is usually an easy problem to fix with a GPS.
No matter where you are in Kentucky, there’s always something to do. From boating on the Kentucky Lake to visiting the historical sites in Louisville, there’s a lot to see. One particular place you must check out is the Bluegrass National Bank Classic, an annual motorcycle race that takes place in April. The small town of Richmond, where I’m from, is right next to Lexington, the state’s capital. If you’ve never been there, it’s a great opportunity to get out of town for a while and catch a glimpse of what the state is like. You can also visit the horse farms and meet some of the country’s finest equestrians. If you’re a fan of history, you can visit the Battle of Lexington, site of the opening battle of the Revolutionary War in 1775. Or if you’re feeling creative, you can even organize your own reenactment of one of the pivotal battles of the Civil War!
One of the best things about Kentucky is the diverse population. You’ll find people from all over the country and all walks of life. There are people of all colors, races, and creeds, and the towns and cities are bursting with life, color, and movement. If you’re looking for a new challenge in your life, Kentucky is a place to consider. While the upsides might not appeal to everyone, the cost of living ensures that there’s a large audience for this article.