Many people stick with the usual 9-to-5 workday, a routine that’s been around since the Industrial Revolution. But the world of work is evolving. More and more people are working remotely, and the internet has opened up countless opportunities for freelancers and entrepreneurs to earn a living from the comfort of their homes.
Still, a good chunk of jobs adhere to the classic business hours. If you’re looking to make some extra cash after your day job, or you’re a night owl who prefers to work when everyone else is sleeping, you might want to consider a night job. In America, 12% of employed people are still working at 9pm, and 5% are still at work by midnight. If you’re interested in joining them, here are some night jobs you might want to think about.
The majority of night shift work (51%) happens because the job inherently requires it. Other people might choose night work for better pay or more flexibility. If you want to work at night, look for a job that’s always at night so your shifts don’t mess up your schedule. Alternatively, you could go for a side gig that allows you to choose your own hours. Here are ten great jobs you can do at night:
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Freelance Writer: This work is flexible and can pay quite well. However, you may face instability in pay and it may take time to build a client base. There were over 123,000 writers and authors in the US in 2018, earning roughly $30 per hour. Freelance writing allows for flexible hours, making it a great night job if you can manage your deadlines and don’t mind staying up late.
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Virtual Assistant: This job offers flexibility and can become a full-time gig. However, pay can be unstable. As a virtual assistant, you could be booking flights, scheduling meetings, or doing data entry. If your tasks are given in advance, this can be a great night job.
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DoorDash Delivery Driver: This job has a low barrier to entry and flexible hours, but you have to consider vehicle depreciation and comfortability with making deliveries at night. If you live in a busy city, this could be a lucrative night job.
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Rideshare Driver: This job also has a low barrier to entry and flexible hours. However, you must consider vehicle depreciation and comfortability with having strangers in your vehicle. This job can be particularly profitable during busy times like after concerts or parties.
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Bartender: This job can bring in great tips, but pay can be unstable and you must secure night-only shifts. Bartending is often a late-night job and can potentially bring in a lot of money with good customer service.
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Babysitter: This is an ideal job for students as you can study while babysitting. However, work is unstable and there may be certification costs. Babysitting can be a great side hustle that doesn’t interfere with your schedule.
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Store Stocker: This job has stable hourly pay and wide availability, but pay is lower than freelancing or various gig jobs and the work can be labor-intensive. Most shelves in retail stores are restocked at night, so this could be a good night job if you don’t mind the physical work.
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Hotel Front Desk Clerk: This job offers stable hourly pay and wide job availability. However, pay potential is lower than freelancing and various gig jobs. You’ll be responsible for greeting guests, answering questions, and signing guests in, making this a great job for those who enjoy customer service.
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Bookkeeper: This job has high hourly pay and wide job availability, but usually requires previous experience and postsecondary education. If you have previous bookkeeping experience and want the flexibility of a night job, this could be a good fit.
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Nighttime Security Guard: This job has a low barrier to entry and wide job availability, but there is limited room for growth in hourly pay. If you want a job that requires little to no experience, working as a nighttime security guard is an excellent choice.
Remember, everyone has their own reasons for wanting to work at night. Whether you have other daytime commitments or you’re simply a night owl, there are plenty of opportunities out there. Whether it’s freelance work, a gig job, or a role in retail or hospitality, there’s a night job that can fit your needs.
