How to Live Without a Job in 2024 (Ideas from Reddit)

Here's how you can live without a job and still thrive during the pandemic.

Making money without a traditional job might seem challenging at first, but with creativity and initiative, it can be an achievable goal. This guide will introduce various strategies and opportunities for generating income independently.

From leveraging your skills in the gig economy to creating passive income streams, you'll discover how to turn your talents and resources into financial gain.

Whether it's through freelancing, online entrepreneurship, or investing, this guide will provide practical tips and insights to help you navigate the world of earning without a 9-to-5 job. Get ready to explore innovative ways to make money on your own terms!

How Can I Live Well Without a Job?

life admin tasks

This new chapter can be an exciting time for you to take control of your life – your choices, your goals, and your aspirations.

However, the perks of living without a job are also coupled with responsibilities, such as paying bills, rent, and saving – but these responsibilities don’t need to be scary.

Your first step in living without a job or money is minimizing your expenses and making sure your basic life administration tasks are taken care of.

If you want to do more than just survive without a job, and thrive, keep these life admin tasks in mind.

Here are 5 life admin tasks you should take control of now, to help make life easier in the future.

Saving money

There are a variety of reasons why making extra money and saving money after losing a job is important. Savings give you peace of mind, open up options, and can positively impact your quality of life.

If you don't have a job, the idea of saving money might seem impossible. However, even if you only have $20 left at the end of the month, every little bit counts.

Why?

Because everyone has to start somewhere, and if you keep at it, your money will accumulate over time.

One of the most important reasons to save is to have access to an emergency fund in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as an accident or in your case — job loss.

Without having money put away for the unexpected, you may open yourself up to financial risk in the future.

Emergencies aside, saving money can set you up for the future and open up opportunities that you may not otherwise have.

Say you want to buy your first car, go on a round-the-world trip, or even save for a deposit on a home.

Saving can help you reach important life milestones, so it’s never too early to start. When it comes to saving, starting small is the best way to go – with only a few simple habit changes, you may start seeing results.

For example, you could try to stop eating out or buying coffee every day and start meal prepping for the week.

Or, you could use apps to get cash back on things you would buy anyway. There is a cash back app called Ibotta that helps you make money off your grocery receipts. By developing saving habits now you’ll set the foundations for a secure financial future.

Bills, fines and regular payments

Bills are going to be part of your life forever, so it’s better to get into the habit now of paying them on time in order to avoid financial stress and bad credit scores in the future.

There are a few easy ways to stay on top of paying your bills, such as using bill-payment reminders, setting up a bank account exclusively for bills, or setting up automatic transfers as soon as your salary comes in or signing up for money-saving apps like Rocket Money.

Free
Rocket Money

Rocket Money helps 3.4+ million members save hundreds. Get the app and start saving today. Save more, spend less, and take back control of your financial life with Rocket Money. It is a free-to-use app, but they do offer several OPTIONAL services that do cost money.

Get Started

Insurance

Need a car for your gig economy jobs like Instacart or DoorDash or other on-demand apps? Purchasing some level of car insurance is a must. All drivers must have Compulsory Third Party insurance, which protects you if you hurt or kill another driver in an accident.

SIDE GIGTYPE OF WORK
instacart
Deliver groceries
Instacart uses technology to connect local businesses with people around the city. It’s free to sign up and fast to get started. There are no fees or time commitments, so you take home 100% of what you earn every time you complete a delivery.

Work anytime and get 100% of tips
Work from anywhere
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doordash
GET STARTED
Deliver takeout food
Drive and deliver with DoorDash and start making money today. Pick your own schedule and use any car or bike. Fast signup, great pay, easy work.

Work anytime
Work from anywhere
Access Fast Pay

However, it’s important to consider more exhaustive insurance that, while not compulsory, could be crucial to protecting yourself financially in case of an accident.

For example, third party property insurance covers you if you cause damage to another driver’s vehicle, but not for damage to your own car. Even better, comprehensive car insurance covers damage to both your car and others’ in the event of an accident.

Ultimately the choice is yours, however considering the value of cars (including luxury ones) and that accidents – unfortunately – do happen, purchasing comprehensive car insurance could be the safest and most financially-savvy choice.

Health insurance is another important consideration. While Medicare will cover general health needs, it doesn’t cover specialty health services like dental, podiatry or optometry that can be costly.

You may be fit and healthy now, but you can’t predict what your physical or mental health will be like in the future, and the last thing you want is to be faced with large medical expenses.

Sort your calendar out

It can be hard to make time for work, friends, family, and relaxation, but having a proper work-life balance is crucial for a healthy lifestyle.

To achieve this, try organizing your priorities using a calendar or a schedule. That way, you can better manage your time and allocate it to your priorities and the things you care most about.

You can either purchase a paper planner or simply use the calendar on your computer or phone.

A simple way to organize yourself is to separate your activities from your priorities and color code them.

If your calendar is dominated by one color, then you know it’s time to rebalance your priorities.

Figure out your tax

As long as you work, you’ll have to pay tax. If you had a job your employer would most likely deduct tax out of your pay, in which case, it shouldn’t be a problem for you to work out how much tax you should be paying.

Things can get trickier if you’re an independent worker or work for less than a full financial year. If you’re entitled to claim tax back, or if you earn less than $18,000 in one financial year, you may get a tax refund. Additionally, accountants can also help in terms of identifying deductibles you may not have considered.

By being organized and financially-conscious, you can set the path for a stress-free future. Remember, in addition to saving you should also spend time trying to find ways to make supplemental income such as taking paid surveys or signing up for freebies.

How to Live Without A Job

With the number of ways to make money without a job option, it’s hard to know which ones are worth it and which ones aren’t worth your time.

This list covers some of the most popular and potentially lucrative side hustle ideas. Your best bet to make money in order to cover the bills is to look into ways to get work anytime:

CompanyWhat You NeedEarning Potential
fundrise beermoneyfundrise beermoney$10 to Invest in Real Estate8.7 – 12.4% Annual Returns

LEARN MORE

swagbucks beermoneyswagbucks beermoneySmartphone$100+ Per Month

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inboxdollars SmartphoneUp to $50 Per Survey

LEARN MORE

nielsennielsen panelSmartphone$50 This Year Just for Downloading Its Free App

LEARN MORE

Featured Income Generation Sources

Most of the ways to make money on this entire list are suitable for anyone in order to increase your sources of income.

Get Paid to Watch Videos & Collect Your $5 Right Now

  • Pay: $50-200 per month
  • Summary: The first thing you can do right now is signing up for InboxDollars which pays you, in cash, to watch fun videos & take surveys.
Get Paid to Watch Videos

One thing you can do to not work for a living is sign up for InboxDollars which pays you, in cash, to watch fun videos & take surveys.

If you sign up before the end of this month, they also give you a $5 free bonus just to give it a try.

By spending just 5-10 minutes per day on this (either on your lunch break or during TV commercial breaks) you can earn and earn an extra $50/month.

More people should be doing this to live without working.

Click here to snag $5 at InboxDollars just for signing up

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Make Money Delivering Food with DoorDash

  • Pay: Pay Varies
  • Summary: DoorDash is an online food delivery service that connects customers with local restaurants. Users order food through the DoorDash app, and delivery drivers, called Dashers, deliver the orders to their doorsteps.
doordash driver

DoorDash is a food delivery service that allows users to order food from participating restaurants in their area. Users can also order groceries, pet food, and convenience store items.

To make money with DoorDash, first sign up as a Dasher through their website or app. After completing any required training or orientation, you can start accepting delivery orders in your area using the app.

Your job will be to pick up food from various restaurants and deliver it to customers. You earn money for each delivery you complete, and you also have the opportunity to receive tips from customers.

Maximizing your earnings involves being efficient in your deliveries and providing excellent customer service to encourage higher tips.

DoorDash

Drive and deliver with DoorDash and start making money today. Pick your own schedule and use any car or bike. Fast signup, great pay, easy work.

 Work anytime

 Work from anywhere

 Access Fast Pay

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Start Earning Money by Freelancing Online

  • Pay: Pay Varies
  • Summary: Freelancing is a form of self-employment where you work on projects for clients on a flexible basis. Freelancers are not employed by a company or committed to a single customer. They can choose the projects they'd like to work on and the clients they'd like to work for.
photo of a tablet where someone is starting an llc
AdobeStock

To make money freelancing online, start by identifying your marketable skills, such as writing, graphic design, programming, or social media management.

Then, choose a freelancing platform like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr, and create a compelling profile that showcases your skills and experience.

Determine your rates by researching the market to ensure they're competitive yet fair. Build a portfolio to display your work and demonstrate your abilities to potential clients. Begin applying for jobs that align with your skills, making sure to write personalized proposals for each job.

Once hired, focus on delivering high-quality work and meeting deadlines to build a positive reputation. Additionally, networking and building relationships with other freelancers and clients can lead to new opportunities and repeat business.

Consistency, exceptional work quality, and effective client communication are key to successful freelancing.

How to Sell Your Old Phone and Get Paid Quickly

  • Pay: $100-200 for your old phone
  • Summary: Want to sell your phone and get paid? You can easily sell it on Gazelle for cash. This is the easiest way to sell it quickly.
Sell Your Phone and Get Paid

Do you have an old phone lying around?

I know most of my friends and family and they don’t really care to try and sell them or are too busy.

Not me, I usually upgrade my phone once every two years and sell my old one online. I try not to wait too long after upgrading to sell the old phone because as each year passes, the fair market value of the phone, are losing value. They lose value and can be sold for less as the technology becomes obsolete.

Your best bet is to sell it immediately.

Sure, you can try listing them on eBay or Craiglist, but this can prove to be quite the hassle.

Or you can easily sell it on Gazelle for cash. This is the easiest way to sell it quickly.

Want to sell your phone and get paid? You can easily sell it on Gazelle for cash. This is the easiest way to sell it quickly.

They also accept your old Macbooks and other Apple products.

Another option is to bring your old phone to Best Buy, Walmart, or your wireless provider, to see what kind of trade-in value they will give you toward a new phone.

Click here to Trade in your old devices at Gazelle.com for cash.

Visit Gazelle

Flipping Items

  • Pay: Pay varies
  • Summary: Flipping items is the practice of buying an item at a low price and selling it for more elsewhere. The goal is to sell the item for a higher price than you bought it for, keeping the difference as profit.
make money reselling tickets

To make money by flipping items, start by identifying a niche you are knowledgeable about, such as vintage clothing, electronics, furniture, or even concert tickets.

Source products from places like garage sales, thrift stores, auctions, or online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist. Assess the condition and value of each item, understanding its market worth to ensure potential profitability. If necessary, refurbish items, as cleaning or minor repairs can significantly increase their resale value.

Price your items appropriately, taking into account your purchase cost, the item’s condition, and market trends. Utilize platforms like eBay, Etsy, or Facebook Marketplace to sell your items, and focus on creating appealing listings with good photographs and detailed descriptions. Remember, success in flipping requires research, patience, and a good eye for value.

Stock Market Investing

  • Pay: Make money investing the stock market with your spare change and earn 7% to 10% on your money each year (may fluctuate with market swings)
  • Summary: Set your savings on autopilot with the Acorns investing app, and bank a $20 Acorns bonus on us!
acorns

Want to invest? Do your coworkers or friends all talk about their investment portfolios and investing in the stock market? You’ve been meaning to get in the stock game, but how do you start if you don’t have a big wad of cash to invest?

We’ve got your answer. It’s called Acorns, and it’s an app that lets you start investing without risking big bucks.

AcornsCNBC calls it “the new millennial investing strategy.” Once you connect the app to a debit or credit card, it rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and funnels your digital change into an investment account. Sign up to try it risk-free with a $20 sign up bonus.

And here’s a bonus for our BeerMoney friends: Get a free $20 in stocks when you set up recurring investing.

You can download Acorns for free.

With the app, you’ll start small and stack up change over time with the Acorns “round-up” feature. That means if you spend $15.25 on your connected debit or credit card, for example,  75 cents gets dropped into your Acorns account.

Then the app does the whole investing thing for you. It’s that simple. Now you can brag to your friends, too.

The idea is you won’t miss the digital pocket change — you know, out of sight, out of mind.  And those automatic savings stack up faster than you’d think.

The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play, and the service costs $1 a month for balances under $1 million-plus you’ll get that $5 bonus just for starting out. Or you can sign up with your student email and it's free.

The sooner you start investing, the sooner your money can start to grow toward your goals. Get started with this Acorns bonus today.

Acorns

Acorns is your guide to financial wellness. They’ll help you invest, save and spend smarter starting at just $3 per month. There’s no catch. This app is legit and only takes two minutes to sign up for an account.

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Dropshipping

  • Pay: Pay varies
  • Summary: Dropshipping is an e-commerce model where a seller doesn't own inventory or handle shipping. When a customer places an order, the seller processes it and passes it on to a supplier, who then ships the product directly to the customer.

Making money from dropshipping involves setting up an online store that sells products without holding inventory. First, research and select a profitable niche with high demand and low competition.

Next, find reliable suppliers who can provide these products, often through platforms like AliExpress. Then, create an e-commerce website using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, where you list the products at a markup.

When a customer places an order on your site, you purchase the product from the supplier at a lower price, and they ship it directly to the customer. Your profit is the difference between what the customer pays and the supplier's price.

Effective marketing, particularly through social media and search engine optimization (SEO), is crucial to attract customers to your store. Dropshipping success requires market research, a user-friendly website, and strong marketing strategies.

Cash Back Apps

  • Pay: Up to $20 per month in cash back
  • Summary: Another way to live without working is by using cash back apps like Ibotta that offer a $10 quick signup bonus.
ibotta welcome bonus

The app you should know about is a top cash back app Ibotta.

It is a cell phone app that is available for iOS or Android phones, and it helps you make money off your grocery receipts.

Yup, for real!

Download the Ibotta app to earn cash back when you buy featured grocery items (things like milk, eggs, and even alcohol).

Then, cash in your earnings for Amazon gift cards or get paid cash via PayPal.

Get cash back everywhere you shop with offers at hundreds of stores. You actually get real cash with this app — not points or credits.

If you wanted to get real cash via PayPal or Venmo, or buy a gift card with your earnings just download Ibotta for free.

Want to know much Ibotta users earned in total so far?

$526,418,876

Ibotta users have earned millions in cash back rewards — Real people earning real cash. Join now and start saving on every purchase!

Ibotta users have earned millions in cash back rewards — Real people earning real cash. Join now and start saving on every purchase. If you do regularly coupon, you can still use the app and get a rebate. You can essentially get grocery items for free if you’re really into couponing. It’s free and all you have to do is scan your receipt and you’ll get free money back.

The best part, sign up here and you will receive a $10 cash bonus.

Ibotta

Get real cash back on your everyday purchases with Ibotta. Download the free app or browser extension for cash back on in-store and online purchases.

Earn Cash Back

How to Avoid Debt When You're Living Without a Job

Credit Card debt or any kind of debt is terrifying, especially for someone in their early to late ’20s, who is still trying to get their feet on the ground in their career, life, personal relationships, and family.

Because of this, I am going to outline a few tips and tricks to pay down your debt fast if you are trying to live without a job.

Start saving more

For one, you are going to start saving money from each paycheck to allocate to paying off your debt.

For starters, with each purchase you make on a daily basis, ask yourself if you really need that item? Simply continue to look for ways to save.

Even if you're on a tight budget it is still possible to save money, for example, you can get an app to help you. Rocket Money can help and 80% of people save money by using Rocket Money to find and cancel unwanted subscriptions!

Free
Rocket Money

Rocket Money helps 3.4+ million members save hundreds. Get the app and start saving today. Save more, spend less, and take back control of your financial life with Rocket Money. It is a free-to-use app, but they do offer several OPTIONAL services that do cost money.

Get Started

Just remember, credit card debt increases the longer you don’t pay it back, therefore it is crucial to pay it off as quickly as possible.

Putting away a percentage of your paycheck each week, or two weeks will help lessen the total amount due on your credit card debt.

Although this may be hard to do, especially for someone that is already trying to make each paycheck count, it will help save you money in the long run and continue to live without a job.

Start investing

If you are looking to thrive without a job then don't forget about investing. It’s been said that the average millionaire has seven streams of income. Dividend stocks are usually always in the mix. Dividend stocks are similar to regular shares of stock, but they pay you a small portion of the companies earnings monthly or quarterly.

So it’s wise to build a portfolio of dividend-paying stocks.

If you want to get started with dividend investing but have no idea how to get started, check out Robinhood.

Robinhood: This is a free investing app for your phone for total beginners. Also, I really mean it is free all around – free to join and they don’t charge any fees to buy or sell stock. You can get a share of stock like Apple, Ford, or Sprint for free when you join through this link.

What I like about Robinhood is that they make it really easy to invest in stocks, and even dividend stocks, while still having plenty of features as you get more comfortable with investing. They give a free share of stock, to begin with, so you have nothing to lose.

Investing either in the stock market, ideally on dividend-paying stocks, or investing in a high interest-earning account can earn you money that you previously didn't have, which you can use to pay off your debt.

Although the stock market option can be risky, and the interest-earning account may take a long time, they are both two ways that you should look into when exploring options to increase your bank balance and pay off your credit card debt. If you have no idea how to get started you may benefit from these simple tips on how to start investing in the stock market.

These three options, when done correctly, can help you pay off debt fast so you can continue to live without a 9-5 gig. It is never good to let that debt sit around, build up, and turn into an overwhelming amount of money.

Therefore, you are going to want to tackle that debt on head first and get to paying off that debt fast.

Living Without a Job

While these ideas are quick ways to make money to help you pay your rent, bills, and expenses — there is more to it.

Here is a list of other ways to help make you money in the long term so you can thrive without a job.

Brian Meiggs
Brian Meiggs
Brian is the founder of BeerMoney.co and has tried every side hustle under the sun. He teaches people just like you how to make money with BeerMoney sites online and has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, NASDAQ, Discover and more. He normally shares the latest money-making apps, videos, and topics for those who want to make money online.

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