13 Unusual Work from Home Jobs You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Last Updated on November 6, 2025 by Katie

Remote work reaches far beyond desk-based roles like writing, programming, or customer support.

While many people chase standard at-home gigs, you can find a wide range of unusual work-from-home jobs that open fresh ways to earn without leaving your couch.

These offbeat roles often pay well and let you use creative skills, niche knowledge, or your knack for connecting with people in surprising ways.

From helping someone fall asleep to rating search results, today’s online economy offers paths that barely existed ten years ago.

Many options need little startup money and fit around your current schedule, so you can test the waters without a big risk.

If you want variety and flexibility, these unusual work-from-home jobs can give you a practical entry point into remote working.

 

 

Featured Career Opportunities!

* Get Paid to do Voiceovers from Home – FREE Mini-course Intro to Voiceovers.

* Work at Home as a Transcriptionist – Learn Transcription Skills with Transcribe Anywhere and Open Doors to New Remote Jobs.

* Start Your Own Thriving Proofreading Business – Learn how to get started in this FREE proofreading workshop.

* How to Start a Bookkeeping Business from Home – Free training series from the team at Bookkeepers.com.

 

The Most Unusual Work from Home Jobs

Tired of the boring 9-5 grind?

Start a career that you enjoy getting out of bed for with these unusual work-from-home jobs.

 

1: Voice-Over Artist

Voice-over artists record narration for commercials, audiobooks, video games, and corporate training videos.

They work with advertising agencies, production companies, audiobook publishers, and e-learning platforms.

This type of work includes reading scripts aloud, adjusting your tone for different projects, and editing audio recordings.

You might voice animated characters one day and narrate educational content the next.

Most employers want clear speech and good reading skills. A quality microphone and quiet recording space are essential.

Getting started steps:

Learn how to start a voice over career

Set up a home recording studio with proper equipment
Practice reading different types of scripts aloud
Create demo recordings showcasing your voice range
Apply to voice-over job platforms

Build a portfolio of completed projects

Entry-level voice-over work typically pays $15-25 per hour.

 

2: Virtual Friend

A virtual friend provides online companionship to people seeking social connection.

They chat with clients through video calls, messaging platforms, or phone conversations about their daily lives, hobbies, and interests.

Companies like Rent A Friend and RentACyberFriend hire virtual companions.

Daily tasks include scheduling conversations, actively listening to clients, and providing emotional support through regular check-ins.

You need strong communication skills and emotional intelligence. Basic computer literacy and reliable internet are essential.

Some platforms require background checks or personality assessments.

How to get started:

Learn how to be a virtual friend

Set up profiles on multiple friend sites
Complete required background checks and interviews
Set your availability and communication preferences
Build positive client reviews through consistent service

Virtual friends typically earn $10-20 per hour, depending on the platform and client requirements.

 

3: Online Juror

Online jurors participate in legal cases from their home computer.

Law firms and attorneys hire remote jurors to review case materials and provide feedback before actual trials.

This is one of the most unusual work-from-home jobs that involves reading case summaries, watching video presentations, and completing questionnaires about your opinions.

If you get hired, you’ll evaluate evidence, witness testimony, and legal arguments just like real jurors do.

Most companies require you to be a U.S. citizen over 18 with no felony convictions. You need basic computer skills and the ability to think critically about complex situations.

How to get started:

Find online mock juror companies

Complete your profile with demographic information
Wait for case invitations via email
Participate in cases that match your background

Sites like eJury, OnlineVerdict, and JuryTest regularly post opportunities for remote jury work.

Online jurors typically earn $20-60 per case, depending on complexity and length.

 

4: Sleep Consultant

A sleep consultant helps families establish healthy sleep routines for their children.

In this role, you’ll work with exhausted parents and individuals to create customised sleep training plans that actually work.

Most of your client interactions happen through video calls, phone consultations, and email support.

Daily tasks include analysing sleep logs, adjusting bedtime routines, and troubleshooting nighttime challenges.

Most employers prefer candidates with backgrounds in child development, nursing, or psychology.

Strong communication skills are essential since you’ll be coaching stressed parents through emotional situations.

How to get started:

Read this guide on how to become a sleep consultant

Complete a sleep consultant certification program
Build your knowledge of different sleep training methods
Create profiles on freelancing platforms
Network with paediatricians and family service providers
Start with friends or family to build testimonials

Sleep consultants typically earn between $50-150 per hour, depending on experience and package offerings.

 

5: Remote Game Tester

You can earn money playing video games before they hit the market.

One of the most unusual work-from-home jobs, gaming companies hire remote testers to identify bugs, glitches, and gameplay issues from home.

Daily tasks include playing games for hours while documenting problems you encounter. You’ll test different features, report technical issues, and provide feedback on user experience.

Most employers don’t require formal qualifications, though gaming experience helps. Game tester positions with no experience are available for beginners.

You need attention to detail, patience, and strong communication skills. Basic computer knowledge and the ability to follow testing protocols are essential.

How to get started:

Create accounts on freelance platforms like Upwork
Apply directly to gaming companies
Build a portfolio showcasing your gaming experience
Practice writing detailed bug reports

You can find opportunities on Upwork’s game testing jobs board and Indeed’s remote game testing positions.

Remote game testers typically earn $15-25 per hour, depending on experience and project complexity.

Related reading: 23 games apps that pay instantly to PayPal.

 

6: Virtual Event Planner

Virtual event planners coordinate online conferences, webinars, and digital gatherings from their home office.

They work with corporate clients, educational institutions, and marketing agencies who need professional events in digital spaces.

This type of work includes scheduling speakers, managing registration platforms, and coordinating technical aspects of virtual events.

You’ll also handle attendee communications and troubleshoot platform issues during live events.

Experience in event planning and strong organisational skills are essential qualifications.

Steps to get started:

Learn how to start an event planning business from home

Build experience with virtual meeting platforms like Zoom and GoToWebinar
Create a portfolio showcasing any event coordination experience
Network with marketing agencies and corporate training departments
Apply through FlexJobs, Remote.co, or directly contact event management companies

Virtual event planners typically earn between $15-25 per hour, depending on experience and event complexity.

 

7: Closed Captioner for Live Events

You can work from home, providing real-time captions for live broadcasts, concerts, conferences, and sporting events.

This high-pressure role involves providing captions for live broadcasts while maintaining accuracy under tight deadlines.

Television networks, streaming platforms, event production companies, and accessibility service providers hire remote live captioners.

Daily tasks include listening to live audio feeds, typing captions in real-time, and ensuring text synchronises perfectly with the broadcast.

To succeed in this role, you’ll need an exceptional typing speed of at least 225 words per minute with 98% accuracy.

Knowledge of stenotype machines or voice writing software is often required.

Steps to get started:

Master stenographic equipment or voice writing technology
Complete captioning certification programs
Build a portfolio with practice sessions
Apply to closed captioning jobs on sites like Rev and Vanan Services

Search for openings on job boards for remote captioning work

Live captioning jobs tend to pay more than post-production work, with experienced live event captioners earning $26-$48 per hour.

 

8: ASMR Artist

ASMR artists create relaxing audio content that triggers the autonomous sensory meridian response in listeners.

This is one of the top unusual work from home jobs that involves making gentle sounds like whispering, tapping, or page turning that help people relax and sleep better.

Content platforms like YouTube, Patreon, and specialised wellness apps hire ASMR creators to record audio sessions, edit content, and engage with your audience through comments and requests.

Daily tasks include setting up recording equipment, creating scripts, and producing high-quality audio files. You might also respond to listener feedback and develop new trigger concepts.

You need a good microphone, audio editing software knowledge, and patience for detailed work and a calm speaking voice and creativity for new content ideas are essential.

Getting Started:

Invest in quality recording equipment and soundproofing
Practice different ASMR techniques and triggers
Create sample content for your portfolio
Build profiles on platforms like YouTube or Patreon
Network with existing ASMR communities online

ASMR audio artists typically earn between $100 to $3,000 per month, depending on their audience size and engagement levels.

 

9: Search Engine Evaluator

Search engine evaluators manually review search results to help companies like Google improve their algorithms.

Search engine evaluator jobs require you to analyse whether search results match user queries effectively.

Companies hire you through third-party contractors like Lionbridge, Appen, and Telus International.

Your daily tasks include rating web pages, evaluating mobile search results, and checking if content matches search intent.

You need strong analytical skills and attention to detail and many positions require fluency in a second language, making them ideal for bilingual candidates.

Getting started involves these steps:

Create profiles on contractor websites like Appen and Lionbridge
Complete qualification tests demonstrating your evaluation skills
Pass language proficiency requirements if applicable
Commit to flexible schedules with variable hours

Search engine evaluator jobs typically pay between $12-18 per hour, depending on your location and language skills.

 

10: Webinar Host

Webinar hosts earn money by hosting live online presentations and educational sessions for companies and organisations.

Many businesses need skilled presenters to engage their audiences during product launches, training sessions, and marketing events.

Daily tasks include preparing presentation materials, testing technical equipment, and delivering engaging content to virtual audiences.

You’ll also manage participant questions, coordinate with technical support teams, and follow up with attendees after sessions.

Employers typically want candidates with strong public speaking abilities and basic technical skills.

Experience with webinar platforms like Zoom, GoToWebinar, or WebEx gives you an advantage when applying for positions.

How to get started:

Practice presenting using free webinar software
Build a demo reel showcasing your presentation style
Apply to marketing agencies and corporate training companies
Create profiles on freelance platforms like Upwork
Network with event planners and marketing professionals

Most webinar hosts earn between $25-50 per hour, depending on experience and event complexity.

 

11: Mystery Shopper

Mystery shopping lets you evaluate businesses while working from home through phone calls, online purchases, and app testing.

Companies hire you to pose as a regular customer and report on your experience.

Market research firms and retail chains employ mystery shoppers to assess customer service quality.

You’ll make scripted phone calls, test online checkout processes, or evaluate mobile apps. Each assignment comes with specific scenarios to follow.

Here’s how to get started:

Research legitimate mystery shopping companies to avoid scams
Complete applications with reputable firms
Read through any information and training given
Start with simple assignments to build your rating

Mystery shoppers typically earn $10 to $25 per hour, depending on assignment complexity.

 

12: Online Dating Profile Writer

Dating profile writers craft compelling dating profiles and messages for clients who struggle with online romance.

Many busy professionals hire writers to create engaging bios that capture their personality and attract potential matches.

Dating coaching companies, freelance platforms, and specialised agencies employ profile writers.

You’ll write bio descriptions, suggest photo selections, and compose opening messages. Some clients need complete profile makeovers, while others want ongoing conversation support.

Strong writing skills and understanding of human psychology help you succeed. Experience with dating apps and knowledge of what attracts people online gives you an advantage.

Getting started steps:

Create writing samples showcasing different personality types
Sign up on Upwork and Fiverr, offering profile writing services
Apply to dating coaching companies that hire remote writers
Network with relationship coaches who need writing support
Build a portfolio of before-and-after profile examples

Online dating ghost writers earn between $30 and $50 per hour for experienced professionals who effectively capture client personalities.

 

13: Remote Notary

A remote notary performs document verification and witnessing services through video conferencing technology.

They help people notarise important documents like loan papers, wills, and contracts from your home office.

Law firms, mortgage companies, and online notarization platforms employ remote notaries.

Daily work tasks for this role include verifying signer identities through video calls, witnessing document signatures, and maintaining detailed records of each notarization.

You need to become a commissioned notary public in your state first. Most states require additional certification for remote online notarizations.

How to get started:

Complete your state’s notary public application and training
Obtain remote online notarization certification if required
Purchase notary supplies and approved video software
Apply with sites like OneNotary or Notarize

Market your services to local businesses and individuals

Remote notary opportunities are available on major job boards.

Most states allow you to charge up to $25 per remote notarization, making this a viable work-from-home income stream.

 

Final Thoughts on Unusual Work from Home Jobs

These unusual work-from-home jobs demonstrate that creativity and specialised skills can translate into legitimate income streams.

Many of these positions require minimal startup costs and you can begin with basic equipment like a computer and internet connection.

Furthermore, the flexibility these jobs provide makes them attractive to people seeking work-life balance. You control your schedule and choose clients that align with your preferences.

Let me know in the comments which of these unique remote online jobs you are going to try out!

Want more interesting ways to boost your monthly paycheck?

Check these weird ways to make money that will shock and surprise you.

 

 

The post 13 Unusual Work from Home Jobs You’ve Probably Never Heard Of appeared first on Remote Work Rebels.