Best Self-Employed Jobs for Canadians in 2024
Thousands of Canadians dream of being their own boss, having the flexibility to choose when they work, and being able to control their income.
Self-employment can be a rewarding and fulfilling alternative to traditional employment, but you need to find the right kind of job. For example, you can’t become a self-employed banker or high school teacher.
To help, I’ve created a list of self-employment ideas. I’ve included many types of work, including creative jobs, skilled trades, ecommerce, and consulting.
By focusing on the right type of job and putting in the work, you can make the transition from employee to self-employed.
What Does Self-Employment Look Like?
Self-employment refers to a segment of the workforce that does not work for a specific employer to receive a regular salary or hourly wage.
When you are self-employed, you are your own boss. However, that doesn’t mean that you work alone. Some self-employed individuals own large businesses and employ many people to work for them. But there are just as many people who work independently, without any employees.
Many, but not all, self-employed individuals have well-developed skills in a specific niche. They may be freelancers, coaches, consultants, and skilled tradespeople.
12 Best Self-Employed Jobs in Canada
The following jobs are ideal for people who want to be self-employed. They offer flexibility and solid income potential. Some of the jobs are very scalable, with few limits on your ability to make extra money.
1. Freelance Writing
If you have a passion for writing and a strong grasp of language, you can make good money as a freelance writer. Freelance writers create content for websites, marketing materials, and technical documents. Many freelance writers find work on a project basis, while others will find ongoing work with the same clients.
Freelance writing is one of the most flexible self-employment jobs available. You can work from anywhere, as long as you have a laptop and an internet connection.
2. Handyman Services
If you are skilled at fixing things, you can find work as a self-employed handyman. You can specialize in different areas, depending on your skill set. Many home repair or renovation businesses grow through client testimonials and word of mouth. You’ll never have a shortage of work if you are willing to put in the effort and prioritize quality work.
3. Graphic/Web Design
Creative work, like web or graphic design, can be the perfect self-employed job. Most people don’t have the skills and experience or the time to do the work themselves. With a strong online presence and a portfolio of past work, designers can market their skills to small businesses and corporate clients who need branding, marketing materials, and website design. Knowledge in search engine optimization (SEO) and social media marketing can provide an opportunity to enhance your services.
4. Event Planner
Many event planners have leveraged their organization and communication skills into lucrative careers. Event planners serve a wide range of clients, from individuals planning weddings to corporations organizing conferences. Opportunities in the food industry and corporate events are in especially high demand.
5. Consulting
If you have years of experience in a specific industry, such as marketing, finance, or even nursing, you can leverage your knowledge by becoming a self-employed consultant. Companies will pay thousands of dollars to professionals outside of their organization who can help them solve problems and manage change. A strong network and an established reputation can help you gain potential clients.
6. Personal Trainer
If you spend all of your spare time at the gym, you may want to consider becoming a personal trainer. Personal trainers help clients exceed their fitness goals by creating customized workouts and teaching them the proper techniques. Keep in mind that you may need to obtain certification and have a background in physical fitness. The beauty of this self-employed job is that it’s flexible – you can choose your own hours and your rates.
7. Childcare Provider
Most self-employed jobs could also be performed as an employee, working for a company. Childcare is a good example of this. You could work as a childcare provider at a local daycare and earn $15 or $16 an hour, whatever the going rate happens to be.
Or, you could go the self-employment route and open your own daycare center. This way, you can set your rates and decide how many children you want to care for and what hours you will be available. However, because you’re self-employed, you’ll also be responsible for communicating directly with parents, collecting payments, etc.
8. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants are independent contractors who perform various tasks; however, they usually provide remote administrative support to businesses and entrepreneurs. Virtual assistants perform tasks such as managing schedules, organizing documents, and providing customer service. Strong communication skills and an eye for detail are essential for this role.
9. Start a Real Estate Business
There are many different opportunities to make money in real estate. Many real estate agents work as self-employed contractors for a specific real estate agency. Instead of a fixed salary or hourly wage, they earn commission sales income. Some real estate agents decide to start their own brokerages, which allows them to scale their income.
If becoming a real estate agent doesn’t interest you, you could always get into rental property ownership or flip investment properties, which involves buying homes, fixing them up, and reselling them. Other self-employed jobs in real estate include property manager, home inspector, or mortgage broker.
10. Life or Career Coach
Becoming a self-employed life coach can be a fulfilling career choice that allows you to help others in their personal and professional journeys. As a life coach, your main focus will be to guide clients toward achieving their goals, navigating life challenges, and making important life decisions.
You’ll have an opportunity to meet a diverse range of individuals, each with unique challenges and aspirations. You’ll need to develop strong listening, communication, and problem-solving skills as you’ll be responsible for establishing rapport with your clients, setting realistic goals, and suggesting strategies for personal growth.
To establish yourself as a credible life coach, consider obtaining certification through a reputable coaching organization. This will help you gain the trust of potential clients and demonstrate your commitment to the profession. Additionally, investing in your personal development will enable you to offer better guidance and support to your clients.
11. Ecommerce
Ecommerce involves the exchange of goods and services over the Internet. The best example of an ecommerce business may be Amazon, which is the world’s largest online marketplace.
But you don’t have to own a business the size of Amazon to succeed in ecommerce. With the growing digital landscape, more people buy products online, making ecommerce one of the most scalable self-employed jobs available.
One of the main perks of starting your own online store is the flexibility it provides. You can work from home or anywhere with an internet connection. Additionally, operating an online store allows you to cater to a larger audience, which can lead to increased sales and growth opportunities. You’ll also benefit from lower overhead costs, as you won’t have to worry about rent, utilities, or in-person staffing.
When launching an ecommerce business, you can choose to be a generalist or specialize in a niche. For instance, you could focus on selling handcrafted items, eco-friendly products, or even offer services such as digital consulting. Before you start, conduct market research and identify what makes your store stand out.
12. Photographer
Photography allows you to work independently, set your schedule, and be in control of your creative process. In addition, you can develop a personal brand, market your services, and build strong relationships with clients.
You can become a portrait photographer specializing in family photos, graduation pictures, and headshots for professionals. You can also focus on wedding photography, capturing precious moments for couples on their special day. Another route is commercial photography, where you work with businesses to create visually stunning marketing materials.
As a photographer, it’s critical that you invest in high-quality equipment, constantly develop your skills, and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends. But don’t worry about having everything set up on day one. You can upgrade your equipment as you go. Networking with other professionals and showcasing your portfolio on social media platforms can also help grow your business.
Benefits of Being Self-Employed
Being a small business owner can be very challenging and is definitely not for everyone. Many people prefer the predictability of a 9-5 job – the steady paycheque, the benefits, and the company pension plan, if they’re lucky. When you’re self-employed you need to look after those details yourself, including doing your own taxes.
However, self-employment offers many advantages over traditional employment. Here are some of the main benefits you can expect when you become self-employed.
Financial freedom: You can grow your income and achieve financial independence on your terms without relying on the confines of a traditional salary. As a business owner, you’re in control of your income and can set your rates.
Flexibility: Depending on the type of business you own, you can create a schedule that works for you, whether that means working early mornings, late nights, or even weekends. This makes it easier to manage personal commitments or pursue hobbies and interests outside of work.
Independence: When you’re self-employed, you are your own boss. While that comes with a lot of responsibility, you don’t have a manager to answer to. You get the final word on any decisions that need to be made.
Final Thoughts on Self-Employed Jobs
Self-employment isn’t easy; in fact, many self-employed people work a lot harder than they did when they worked for someone else. But there’s freedom in being able to control your hours, your job description, and how you complete tasks. The flexibility can be very empowering.
If you’re interested in working for yourself, it’s important to research different business ideas before you start. Take the time to evaluate your options; consider your skills and experience, as well as your income potential.
FAQs
What are the highest-paying self-employed opportunities?
There are several high-paying self-employed jobs, but your income may depend on your experience and skills. Some include consulting, software development, and graphic design. Also, consider professions like real estate and freelance writing.
What are common self-employed jobs with minimal qualifications?
You don’t always need a wealth of experience at something to become self-employed. Some opportunities, like dog walking, delivery services, or personal shopping, require minimal training. Similarly, craftspeople or photographers often start with a more basic skillset and build on their proficiency over time.
Which self-employed job ideas have the potential to scale?
If you want to start a business that you can scale, consider industries with a growing customer base and increasing demand. One of the best examples is ecommerce. When you open an online store, your growth potential is unlimited. All you need to do is keep your store running and market your products effectively to broaden your reach.
