With the rise of smartphones and the digital nomad lifestyle, more and more people are turning to the internet to help fund their travel adventures. For many, poker is a way to earn a living online and supplement their travel budget, but is it still possible to make money at poker? We took a look at the current status of online poker to see whether or not it is a viable career option.
Is Online Poker Still a Viable Option?
With the growth of smartphone applications and online travel agencies, it’s become easier than ever to earn extra money while on the road. For those looking to make a living playing poker, it’s still a lucrative option, albeit not as straightforward as it once was. Here are some of the ways in which you can earn a living playing poker online.
Freelancing/Selling Products Online
Many internet entrepreneurs have turned to the online sphere to search for customers and make extra money. One of the most well-known jobs to come out of the ‘Bitcoin boom’ of 2014 was SEO (search engine optimization) consultant, which could net you up to $20/hr. To qualify, you will need a bachelor’s degree in related field and at least two years of experience. If you’re looking for an entry-level job without any experience, try searching for ‘SEO content writer’ or ‘SEO researcher’ jobs as a way to make your money work for you.
Stargazing: Viewing Planet’s From Afar
With the recent explosion of interest in space and astronomy, there are now plenty of opportunities to combine your love of the night’s sky with your technical skills. SpaceX, for example, is currently looking for engineers who are keen to work on a new generation of rockets. As part of this work, you will be required to build and test models of the craft, communicating with engineers across multiple time zones. According to the company, this is a job that can really put your theoretical knowledge into practice and allow you to fully engage with both your mind and your hands. The position pays pretty well, providing you can negotiate the terms, and allow you to travel the world and look up at the stars.
Become a Mortgage Advisor
If you have a solid academic record and a lot of financial knowledge, you could look to take up a role as a mortgage advisor. Essentially, you will be helping customers to find the right home loan for their needs, which could mean anything from securing a personal mortgage to helping a couple buy a van to make their travel more affordable. In order to qualify, you will need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and 4 years’ professional experience in the field. In addition, you must have a solid understanding of mortgages, credit cards, and the stock market and be able to work with clients over the telephone. While not an easy job to get, those looking to begin their career in mortgage advisory will find it well worth it.
Become a Virtual Assistant
If you are searching for a job in a remote area (and who isn’t?), then becoming a virtual assistant could be a way to supplement your income. Essentially, you will be helping businesses to run their online marketing campaigns, social media, and website content. According to Skillcracker, a remote assistant job linked to Uber and Amazon, is one of the fastest growing jobs on the market and offers a distinctive professional identity and exciting opportunities for growth. Similar to a mortgage advisor, you will need a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or business and at least two years of previous experience in a similar role. In addition to this, you will need to be an effective communicator, able to work with business owners, marketers, and developers to ensure that online projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Become A Travel Agent
If you have a flair for talking people through the ins and outs of a travel plan, you could look to become a travel agent. While there are plenty of opportunities to make a living as a travel agent, the nature of the job means that you will need to be contactable 24/7 in order to accommodate customers’ needs. According to the American Association of Travel Agents (4A’s), there are currently over 100,000 jobs available in the field, meaning that there is always plenty of work to go around. In order to become a travel agent, you will need a bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, or communications and at least two years of previous experience in a similar role. Similar to a mortgage advisor or virtual assistant, you will be working remotely for a company. However, unlike those roles, you will need to work directly with clients to arrange their travel plans and ensure that their needs are met. The salary for a travel agent is generally higher than those working in other industries, with the average pay package being about $16/hr.
Start Your Own Blog
If you are looking to make extra money online, you could start your own blog. The world of personal finance is a crowded one, with dozens of personal finance blogs fighting for your attention. However, the key to becoming a successful blogger is to stand out from the crowd. Start a blog on a subject that isn’t already being covered and develop your own style of writing. If you are looking for inspiration, check out the blogs of successful journalists and writers.
Sell Your Photos Online
Another way to make money online is to sell your photos. If you are creative and can find your way around a camera, you can make money with your pictures by selling them online. There are plenty of stock photography websites that allow for royalty free stock photos, such as Shutterstock, so you do not need to have your own studio for this opportunity. The only thing you need to do is to find the perfect photos to illustrate your articles and leave the rest to the creative juices.
Making money online is possible, but it requires a bit of dedication and some technical expertise. The opportunities for those looking to make a living from home are numerous, from freelance jobs to product creation and marketing. While the industry may not be what it once was, those looking for an opportunity to play on the road could find a viable career option.