5 Work at Home Ideas For People With Slow Internet

1 – Freelance Writing

Many people make fantastic money freelance writing online. You do not need professional experience to get started, either, although it’s true not everyone is cut out for it.

Freelance writing is also an idea if you struggle with slow internet speed because you don’t have to be online 24/7 as you write. Most of your writing can be done offline, anytime and anywhere.

You will of course need to be able to submit your content to the person or company you’re writing for via your internet connection and you’ll need access to the internet to do your research.

Many writing projects don’t require you to stay online while you work, but you still need dependable access for messages, research, and deadlines.

Here are three companies to look into for freelance writing work. These are text-based options, although none guarantees that every project will suit a slow connection or that work will always be available:

• Textbroker – Read Textbroker Review – Write articles and other content for clients through its freelance platform. The US site accepts US citizens and permanent residents currently living in the US who are at least 18. Applicants submit a writing sample for review.
• Constant Content – Write articles on your own time, submit them for approval, and set your prices. You earn 55 percent of each sale. Articles have to sell before you get paid, so this is not guaranteed income.
• Compose.ly – Apply for freelance content-writing projects and complete a writing assessment. Its terms require US citizenship and a minimum age of 18. The company reports average writer rates of 10–14 cents per word.

Check out the content below for more tips on freelance writing:

• 60+ Work From Home Writing Jobs
• Where to Find Freelance Writing Job Leads

2 – Proofreading & Editing

Some proofreading and editing work can be done offline, but each company has its own internet and availability requirements.

If you are able to download the documents to edit/proofread, then you can do most of your work offline. You will of course need an internet connection stable enough to download and upload documents.

If this interests you, you can see a list of 25 companies hiring online proofreaders and editors here.

Here are three companies with document-editing work to look into. A slow but dependable connection may be workable for transferring text documents, but that is not a guarantee for every assignment. You still need access for messages, file transfers, and deadlines, and these opportunities require strong editing skills:

• Wordvice – Work at home editing articles. You need native English fluency, at least two years of professional editing experience, and a completed or in-progress graduate degree. Wordvice requires stable internet and Microsoft Word.
• ProofreadingServices.com – Read ProofreadingServices.com Review – Accepts applications from any country for part-time and full-time proofreading work. There is a 20-minute preliminary test. Advertised pay is $19–$46 hourly, with the highest rates for urgent deadlines.
• Gramlee – Hires remote contractors for content editing and dissertation or thesis editing. You choose your availability. Its dissertation work uses Microsoft Word’s Track Changes and emailed documents, and the application asks about relevant editing experience. Pay is not published.

Another idea is to go into business for yourself as an online proofreader, choosing your clients and the work you take on. This free proofreading workshop explains how a freelance proofreading business works. It is training, not a job offer.

3 – Selling Your Stuff

Many people do very well selling online. It can become a source of regular income, but earnings are never guaranteed.

My mother has made her living this way for over 18 years now! You don’t have to be online all the time, but you do need dependable access to list items, answer buyers, manage orders, and print shipping labels.

What you choose to sell is up to you, but many people do some of the following:

• Sell crafts or vintage items on Etsy and sites like it
• Sell items on Amazon that they find at thrift stores

4 – Virtual Assisting

Virtual assistants complete various tasks for their clients. This could be anything from scheduling meetings to graphic design. Most virtual assistants have different skillsets and specialize in different areas to support their clients.

Writing, formatting documents, and other text-based tasks may work with a slower connection. Calls, video meetings, large uploads, and some online tools can be more demanding. Be upfront with clients about your connection and agree on tasks you can complete reliably.

Here are three places to look for VA work. Upwork and Fiverr are freelance marketplaces where you find your own clients, rather than companies hiring you as an employee. Text-based tasks such as research, email support, and document formatting are the ones to focus on if your connection is slow but dependable:

• Time Etc. – Read Time, Etc. Review – Matches experienced freelance assistants with clients. Open to permanent residents of the US, UK, and Ireland, with a US starting rate of $17 hourly. Applicants need 5–8 years of paid work experience and normal business-hour availability. Stable internet is required, and some clients need calls.
• Upwork – Browse freelance VA projects and send proposals for tasks that fit your skills and connection. Clients set the requirements, so some projects involve calls or other work that needs faster internet. There is competition for projects, and platform fees can apply.
• Fiverr – Create a seller profile and offer specific VA services, such as document formatting or online research. You describe what is included and set your prices. Orders are not guaranteed, and Fiverr takes a share of your earnings.

For 50 more companies that hire work at home virtual assistants plus information on starting your own VA business, check out my e-book, Your Quick Guide to Working From Home as a Virtual Assistant.

5 – Consider Side Gigs

While these opportunities are not “work from home,” they can be flexible alternatives if you have dependable mobile data even though your home internet is slow.

You need a smartphone with the company’s app, must meet its eligibility requirements, and may need a vehicle and insurance.

You may be giving people rides, delivering restaurant orders, or delivering groceries to people who request it in your local area. You get paid (usually weekly or daily) and get to keep your tips.

Here are a few companies to consider if this interests you:

• Shipt – Read Shipt Review – Visit stores and shop/deliver for people who request it. Pay varies by order, with possible tips and bonuses. You need a reliable vehicle, a valid US driver’s license and insurance, and the ability to lift 50 pounds. Openings depend on local demand.
• Instacart – Read Instacart Review – Work flexible hours and be your own boss delivering for Instacart. Full-service shoppers shop and deliver orders; available opportunities depend on your area.
• DoorDash – Read DoorDash Review – Get paid to deliver restaurant and fast food orders to people who request them. Choose when to work when slots or Dash Now are available, and see estimated pay before accepting an order.

You can see more side gigs if you want other options!

It is a paid membership, so keep that in mind, but it only costs $2.95 to check it out for 14 days.

If you sign up and don’t like it, it’s very easy to cancel right away so you are not billed again. You can do it at any point during your 14 days of checking things out.

Go here to check out FlexJobs.