Looking for a low-stress job that pays well? This list has you covered. These 10 jobs offer good pay without the stress of a typical 9-5. Perfect for those seeking flexible hours or needing low-stress work for health reasons. Find a job that fits your lifestyle and start enjoying a better work-life balance.
Massage Therapist
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A massage therapist helps people relax by working on their soft tissues and joints. They need to know anatomy and medical procedures and often work in calm places like spas or clinics. This job is low-stress and pays well and is easy to get training..
Electrician
Image Credit: Kadmy from Getty Images Pro.
An electrician is a skilled worker who only needs a few years of training. After an apprenticeship, they can work with electrical tools and circuits. This job pays well and doesn’t require many qualifications.
Librarian
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Librarians help people find information and manage collections. They work in a calm environment and often have time to read. This job is low-stress and pays well, making it a great choice for those who love books.
To learn more: 50+ Best Low Stress Jobs After Retirement
Dental Hygienist
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A dental hygienist cleans teeth and teaches patients about oral hygiene. With a two-year degree and state licensure, this low-stress job offers a good work-life balance and pays well.
Virtual Assistant
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A virtual assistant provides remote administrative, creative, or technical help. Working from home, they avoid office politics and can enjoy a flexible schedule. Very popular for stay-at-home moms.
To learn more: 14 Best Virtual Assistant Jobs with No Experience Required
Makeup Artist
Image Credit: Drazen Lovric from Getty Images Signature.
A makeup artist enhances clients’ appearances with cosmetics. They work in salons or as freelancers in the beauty, fashion, and entertainment industries. Basic communication skills are needed, but no formal education is required. Just style!
To learn more: Best Online and Side Hustles for College Students: Ideas for Fast Money
Plumber
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A plumber installs and repairs pipes and fixtures, ensuring water flows where needed. With apprenticeship training, plumbers can enjoy a well-paying job without a degree.
Photographer
Image Credit: Alliance Images.
A photographer captures moments and memories. Good skills in composition, lighting, and timing are essential. Training in art and design helps, but a degree is not needed. This job has good demand and many niches to seek.
To learn more: 25 Best Jobs for Moms With No Degree: Balancing Family and Career
Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Image Credit: Zstockphotos.
Solar photovoltaic installers set up solar panels on buildings. They need to understand electrical wiring and troubleshooting. Due to a labor shortage, this job pays well and is low-stress if you like climbing on roofs.
To learn more: 43 Best Side Hustles for Men to Make Money
Radiologic Technologist
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Radiologic technologists use imaging techniques like X-rays and MRIs to help diagnose and treat diseases. They work closely with doctors and need good communication skills. An associate’s degree is required.
Find More Low Stress Jobs that Pay Well
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Discover more low-stress jobs that pay well without needing a degree. These jobs offer minimal stress and plenty of growth opportunities, making them great choices for a new career.
To learn more: Best 30 Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Well Without a Degree
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Are you wondering what the best low-maintenance businesses are? Looking for a business that doesn’t need much work? You’re not alone. Many people want to find ways to make money without having to spend all their time managing things. There are plenty of low-maintenance businesses that can provide good income with less effort. You just…
Are you wondering what the best low-maintenance businesses are? Looking for a business that doesn’t need much work? You’re not alone. Many people want to find ways to make money without having to spend all their time managing things.
There are plenty of low-maintenance businesses that can provide good income with less effort. You just need to know what options are out there and how they can fit into your busy life.
So, what makes a business low-maintenance?
This will vary from person to person, but businesses that are low maintenance are usually simpler to run because they use automation to handle work automatically. This means you don’t have to spend as much time and effort managing and growing your business.
These kinds of businesses usually have fewer things that need attention, which makes them easier to manage. For example, a vending machine business mostly involves refilling machines and collecting money. Another example is owning rental property, where you might only need to deal with tenants and handle repairs from time to time.
Running a low-maintenance business has many benefits. It reduces stress and workload for the business owner, allows for easier growth because work is simplified, and lets you concentrate on long-term planning instead of daily tasks. This approach can improve work-life balance and give you more time for hobbies and personal interests outside of work.
For me, I run a fairly low-maintenance business. It took some time to get to this point, but I now work around 10 hours a week. I can use my free time to do what I want and pursue my passions. So, I personally know how helpful these are.
Best Low Maintenance Businesses
Below are the best low-maintenance businesses to start:
1. Printables
Printables are a great low-maintenance business idea. You create digital files that people can print at home, and these can be things like journals, planners, calendars, or coloring pages.
One of the best places to sell printables is on Etsy. You make the design once and then you can sell it over and over again, and this means you don’t have to keep making new products.
Another benefit is that you don’t need any inventory. Customers download the files and print them themselves, and this saves you time and money on shipping and storing products.
To start, you’ll need some basic design skills. There are many free tools online you can use like Canva, and with some practice, you can create professional-looking products.
By focusing on quality digital products and good customer service, you can build a steady stream of income with printables. It’s a fun and creative way to make money with low upkeep.
You can learn more at How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy.
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
2. Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is a great low-maintenance business idea. You can promote products and services of other companies. When someone buys through your link, you earn a commission. It’s like getting paid for recommending things you like.
I do affiliate marketing through this blog (you can learn about starting a blog here in my free blogging course), Making Sense of Cents, and I think it’s a great way to make money – whether you are looking for a full-time income or a part-time side hustle.
Setting up isn’t hard and you can use blog posts, social media, or a YouTube channel to share your links. I recommend choosing products related to things you love or know a lot about. That way, it feels natural and fun to share, plus you know that you are helping the people who are clicking on your referral links.
One thing I really love about affiliate marketing is that you don’t need much money to start. Joining affiliate programs is almost always free (I’ve actually never been asked to pay to join one, and I have never seen one that has a fee). Many companies have referral programs, such as Amazon, eBay, and even smaller brands.
The best part is, you don’t handle inventory or customer service. The company does all that and you just focus on getting people to click your links.
Affiliate marketing can be done from anywhere with internet access. It’s a flexible way to make money, especially if you have a busy schedule. Just put in some initial effort to set everything up, and it can almost run by itself.
For me, I spend less than 10 hours usually on my blog, and it earns me a full-time income. I put in a lot of work in the beginning, and now things run mostly by themselves with just a little maintenance from me, such as updating blog posts and sending out emails.
You can learn more at Affiliate Marketing Tips For Bloggers – Free eBook.
3. Vending machines
Vending machines are a great low-maintenance business idea because they don’t take a lot of time to manage and can bring in extra cash. You place them in high-traffic areas and just need to restock them every so often.
You can sell all kinds of items in vending machines. Snacks and drinks are popular choices; some people even sell toys or beauty products. The key is to pick items that your target customers (the people who are already at the location where you will place your vending machines) will want to buy.
One of the best parts about vending machines is the low start-up cost. You can start with just one machine and grow your business from there. Plus, you don’t have to hire a lot of staff or deal with a complicated setup.
Running a vending machine business also means you can earn passive income. Once your machine is set up and stocked, it can make money while you do other things. You just need to check on it and refill it when needed.
Learn more at How To Start A Vending Machine Business.
4. Real estate rental
Real estate rental is a popular way to earn passive income with low maintenance.
You can start by buying a property and renting it out. This could be a single-family home, a condo, or even an apartment.
Many people use platforms like Airbnb to rent properties to tourists, and this can be a good way to make money if you live in a popular area.
If managing the property seems overwhelming, you can hire a property management company. They handle things like finding tenants, collecting rent, and doing maintenance. Hiring a property management company can be a good way to make this a more low-maintenance business.
Learn more about low-maintenance real estate ideas at 23 Best Real Estate Side Hustles To Make Extra Money.
5. ATM business
We’ve all used ATMs, but did you know that someone like you or me is making money from them?
An ATM business can be a great low-maintenance business choice. You place ATM machines in busy locations where lots of people need cash.
You earn money from the fees people pay to use your machines, and these small fees can add up quickly.
The start-up cost is your main expense, as ATMs usually cost around $2,000 to $3,000 each or more, and you will have to buy these yourself.
Managing ATMs doesn’t take much time either because once the machines are set up, they mostly take care of themselves. You just need to refill them with cash and make sure they are running well.
Overall, this business can provide a steady flow of income with a low effort once everything is in place. As long as you pick good locations and keep your machines running, you can make money with less day-to-day work.
6. Laundromat
Starting a laundromat business is a popular low-maintenance business. People always need clean clothes, so there is a steady demand.
A laundromat often needs less day-to-day management because you just need to make sure machines are working and maintain a clean environment.
You can set up your laundry service in a busy neighborhood where people need quick and easy laundry solutions. This will help you attract more customers.
With a laundromat, most of the work is done by machines. You just need to make sure the machines are working properly and help customers if they have questions.
Learn more at Are Laundromats Profitable? How Much Do Laundromats Make?
7. Self-storage units
Self-storage units are one of the best low-maintenance businesses you can start. People need extra space to store their belongings, and you can provide that for them.
You don’t need to be there all the time, and you can set up a system where people can access their storage unit with a code or key card. This means fewer hours spent managing the business.
The demand for storage units is high in many areas. People are always looking for a place to keep their stuff – whether they are moving, downsizing, or just need extra space.
Once your storage units are rented out, you can earn passive income each month.
Maintenance is minimal for self-storage units. Most of the work involves keeping the area clean and making sure everything is secure. You might need to fix a door or handle paperwork occasionally, but it’s not time-consuming.
You can sell climate-controlled units to attract more customers and charge a higher rate too. Some items need to be stored in specific conditions, and providing this option can set your business apart.
You can also add features like 24-hour surveillance cameras and secure fencing to make your customers feel safe. People are more likely to rent from you if they know their belongings are protected.
For me, I personally have used a storage unit a few times – for my personal belongings such as boxes and even for an RV and boat. They always had crazy long waits, and some towns even had waitlists of years long – so there is a lot of demand!
Learn more at How To Invest In Self-Storage For Beginners.
8. Car wash
Starting a car wash business can be a smart idea. You can choose to open a self-service car wash or an automated one, and both options require less daily work compared to a full-service car wash.
A self-service car wash lets customers wash their own cars. This means you don’t need many employees, and you just need to keep the place clean and maintain the machines.
For an automated car wash, cars go through a machine that does the washing. You only need to check the equipment and refill supplies like soap and water.
Car washes can be profitable. Many people prefer to have a clean car but don’t have the time to wash it themselves, so this keeps the demand high.
You can also offer extra services like a vacuum that customers can use for an additional fee. This can boost your income without much extra work.
With some planning and the right setup, a car wash can be a great low-maintenance business idea. Plus, it can provide a steady income once it’s up and running.
9. Create an online course
Creating an online course is a great low-maintenance business idea. You can share your knowledge and skills with people all over the world. Once you create and upload the course, it can keep making money even while you sleep.
I started my first online course around 8 years ago and have earned over $2,000,000 from it over the years. Much of the work was done up front, and I am still able to help students today. I update the course all the time, but most of the legwork was done years ago, which has been so nice.
You can start this low-maintenance small business idea by thinking about what you are good at.
Online courses can be made on all types of subjects, such as gardening, baking, musical instruments, business, finance, travel, and more.
Another plus is you can always update or add new content to keep your course fresh and relevant. This can attract new learners and keep current ones coming back for more.
An online course is a fantastic way to earn passive income with some upfront effort and minimal ongoing maintenance.
Note: I recommend signing up for this free training – How Anyone Can Create an Online Course That Sells – In this free training, you will learn the 7-step process to create, market, and launch a profitable online course.
10. Stock photo photography
Stock photo photography is a great low-maintenance business idea where you can get paid to take pictures. You can take pictures in your free time and upload them to stock photo websites. Each time someone downloads your photo, you earn money.
All you need is a decent camera. You can even use your smartphone if it has a good camera!
You don’t have to worry about managing inventory or dealing with customers directly, and you can just focus on taking high-quality photos that people want to use.
Popular subjects include landscapes, cityscapes, and everyday objects. Seasonal themes and holiday photos also do well.
Once you’ve uploaded your photos, they can keep earning money for years, and that’s why it’s considered a passive income source.
11. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a popular business model for many beginners. You sell products online, but you don’t need to keep them in stock. Instead, your supplier ships the products directly to your customers. This means you don’t need to spend money on storing inventory.
Once your website is set up and products are listed, it can handle sales automatically. As orders come in, you can streamline shipment processes, allowing your business to handle more customers without much added effort.
Another great thing about starting a dropshipping business is that it is affordable. With little or no start-up capital, you can list products on your website and start selling. You only buy the products from your supplier when you make a sale.
Another positive about dropshipping is the low risk involved. You’re not stuck with unsold inventory. Plus, you don’t need to worry about packing and shipping items. This makes dropshipping a low-maintenance business idea.
12. Print-on-demand
Print-on-demand is a great low-maintenance business idea. You can create custom designs for items like T-shirts, mugs, and phone cases.
You don’t have to worry about storing inventory. When someone buys a product, the print-on-demand company prints it and ships it directly to the customer, and this makes the process very hands-off for you.
Printful and Printify are popular print-on-demand companies. They offer many different products and work with various platforms like Shopify and Etsy. You can sell your designs in multiple stores, reaching different audiences.
What’s nice about print-on-demand is you can start small and grow. You only pay for the products customers buy. This means low upfront costs and reduced financial risk for your business.
Starting a print-on-demand business can be a great way to make money with minimal effort.
13. Parking lots
Parking lots can be a great low-maintenance business. If you have a space in a busy city, it’s a prime spot as a lot of people probably need parking, and they’re willing to pay a good price for it.
Once you set up a parking lot, there’s not much you need to do. You might have to repaint lines or put up new signs occasionally, but these tasks are easy and don’t take much time.
Owning a parking lot has other benefits too, with the main ones being that you don’t have to manage a lot of employees, and the maintenance costs are pretty low. Plus, you don’t need to be there every day to keep it running smoothly.
Starting a small parking lot with just 20 spaces can already bring in good money. If you charge $20 per day per space, you could see an annual revenue of around $146,000, with a high profit margin.
14. Billboards
Billboards are a great low-maintenance business. Once you set them up, they don’t need a lot of work. You can rent out advertising space to companies that want to advertise.
Starting a billboard business means finding good locations. Busy streets and highways are best and you need to rent or buy the space. After that, the billboard does the work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting a low-maintenance business can be a great way to earn income with minimal effort. Below are some common questions and answers about low-maintenance business options.
What is the cheapest business with the most profit?
The cheapest business with the most profit to start includes businesses like selling printables on Etsy, affiliate marketing on a blog, creating an online course, and dropshipping.
What is the easiest business to start and maintain?
The easiest business to start and maintain includes printables, self-storage units, stock photo photography, and parking lots.
What kinds of businesses can I start that don’t require a lot of time to manage?
Vending machines are a great option. Once placed in high-traffic areas, they require little maintenance. Just stock them up and collect your earnings.
Which businesses can really run by themselves?
Real estate rentals can run mostly by themselves, especially if you hire a property manager. They take care of the day-to-day tasks like rent collection and maintenance.
What are the best business choices for earning passive income?
ATM businesses can generate passive income. You earn money from surcharge fees every time someone uses your machine. Place your ATMs in busy locations to maximize earnings.
What is the least riskiest business?
Self-storage facilities are low risk. People always need storage, and once set up, these facilities require minimal management. You collect rental fees without much daily involvement.
How do you find low-maintenance businesses for sale?
To find a business that runs itself for sale, check listings on websites like BizBuySell and LoopNet, or contact business brokers. Before purchasing, thoroughly research and vet any business to make sure it meets your needs and expectations.
What are the best businesses to buy for passive income?
Buying existing laundromats or storage facilities can be great for passive income. These businesses already have cash flow and customers, reducing your initial workload, and you can purchase them to get started quicker.
Best Low Maintenance Businesses – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best low-maintenance businesses.
There are many types of businesses that run themselves and are low maintenance as you learned above. These include selling printables, affiliate marketing, vending machines, rental real estate, running a laundromat, renting storage space, and more.
Some key traits of low-maintenance businesses include:
Few routine tasks
Easy to manage
Low maintenance or repair needs
One of the biggest benefits is the reduced time and effort required. Many low-maintenance businesses can be set up to run smoothly with minimal daily involvement. This frees you up to focus on other important tasks, like spending time with family or pursuing hobbies.
Low-maintenance businesses are also highly scalable. Since you spend less time on daily tasks, you can concentrate on growing your business. As it grows, you can duplicate your model and open more locations or move into new markets.
What do you think are the best low-maintenance businesses?
Victor Ciardelli beamed as his mortgage company, Chicago-based Guaranteed Rate, launched a “financial wellness” and “personal well-being” app last fall before a live audience in Times Square with wellness celebrity Deepak Chopra.
“Something we are passionate about at Guaranteed Rate is caring about people and their overall well-being,” Ciardelli said in a video of the event posted online. “We wanted to make sure that we did something to help people in their general stress and alleviate pain.”
But in the days following the launch of the app, which offers home loan applications and other financial services alongside yoga classes and nutrition advice, Ciardelli wasn’t happy. Yelling at executive leadership on company calls, he referred to his employees as “failures,” complained that the team did not show him from a particular camera angle and said “Marketing is a f−−−ing disaster,” according to two executives who were on the calls.
Despite Ciardelli’s public remarks on the importance of personal well-being, many former employees told the Tribune they experienced or witnessed persistent verbal abuse and a misogynistic environment while working at Guaranteed Rate. As part of a Tribune investigation, reporters interviewed nearly 80 former employees and reviewed court records, internal company emails, written exit interviews and text messages.
Many of the former staff members who spoke with the Tribune described Ciardelli, the company’s president, CEO and founder, as a boss who was quick to berate, swear at and demean employees.
“Every person that works directly under Mr. Ciardelli is terrified of his potential anger outbursts,” one former assistant wrote to human resources after she was let go from the company a couple of years ago, according to an email reviewed by the Tribune.
Some former employees who spoke with the Tribune said they were driven to seek mental health care because of the work environment at the company; one former worker said she contacted a suicide hotline last year.
Multiple women who used to work at Guaranteed Rate, meanwhile, described working in a sexualized atmosphere where some male loan officers and managers made sexually explicit remarks to female employees, hit on them in the office or at work events, and commented inappropriately on their appearance — even, in one case, encouraging a woman to use her looks to help close a loan.
In February, a woman who used to work as a loan officer at Guaranteed Rate filed a lawsuit against two high-producing loan officers at the company, alleging sexual harassment and gender discrimination. Her complaint alleges one of the male loan officers sexually harassed her at a corporate event, that the other loan officer pressured her not to report the incident to human resources, and that for the remainder of her employment the man who made the remark used “gender-based and demeaning slurs to refer to” her and other women at the company.
Other former employees said they did not bring their complaints to human resources because they thought Ciardelli or other executives and managers meddled in the department’s business and might retaliate, with at least two former employees saying they’d observed how company leaders protected certain staff members. Others said they did complain but felt the department didn’t take the information seriously.
In response to a detailed list of questions from the Tribune, Ciardelli and Guaranteed Rate vehemently denied all of these allegations, describing the company as a positive workplace environment where women in particular are supported. The firm went to remarkable lengths to dispute the allegations, including sending the results of a worker satisfaction survey it conducted and forwarding more than 80 testimonials from current and former employees. Among them were five of Ciardelli’s current or former assistants, as well as numerous male and female executives praising his leadership and support.
The company also retained an outside law firm that, even before receiving the reporters’ list of questions, threatened to sue the newspaper for defamation.
Guaranteed Rate, whose corporate headquarters is in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood, has grown tremendously since its founding in 2000 to become one of the largest mortgage lenders in the country based on loan volume, according to industry news and data provider Inside Mortgage Finance. Its name has adorned the White Sox stadium since 2016, and as recently as 2018, Guaranteed Rate was named a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace — a distinction based on surveys conducted by an outside company, with no input from editorial staff on the selection.
Guaranteed Rate CEO Victor Ciardelli prepares to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a White Sox home game in August 2016. The ballpark would be renamed after his company later that year. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Jason Scott, a former top-producing loan officer and director of VA lending, which provides home loans to military veterans and active-duty service members, at Guaranteed Rate said his earlier years at the company — when lower mortgage rates fueled industry growth — were positive. But Ciardelli’s outbursts and verbal abuse of employees grew more noticeable, he said, when rising interest rates started to erode those gains, especially after the boom years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think crazy success just brings out who the real people are,” said Scott, who reported to Ciardelli in his director role and now works for CrossCountry Mortgage, a competitor of Guaranteed Rate. “What did you sacrifice to get there? Did you sacrifice your soul or your core values?”
Many other former employees who spoke with the Tribune did so on the condition they would not be named in this story, saying they feared Guaranteed Rate would sue them. Guaranteed Rate has filed lawsuits against former employees to claw back signing bonuses; it also has sued competitor New American Funding and former employees who have hired former Guaranteed Rate workers, accusing them of unlawful poaching.
Ciardelli declined to be interviewed without his attorney for this story. In response to written questions provided by the Tribune, he and the company suggested the criticism of Guaranteed Rate came from disgruntled employees who could not succeed in a demanding work environment within a challenging industry, or from people who now work for a competitor and therefore would benefit from disparaging the company.
“We hold ourselves and our team members to an incredibly high standard and are not apologetic about that,” Ciardelli said in his written responses, sent through the outside law firm retained to handle communications with the Tribune. “We also recognize … that to achieve great success, one must embrace a full ownership for their actions, both successful and otherwise to achieve growth and most important optimally serve our customers. We promote a transparent culture that supports all our team members toward that goal and welcome constructive criticism. As a result, we are not for everyone.”
Ciardelli specifically denied berating staff, yelling at executives after the app launch or ever calling employees “stupid” or “failures.” He quoted the company’s chief operating officer, Nik Athanasiou, as saying: “I have worked with Victor for 15 years. No one is in more meetings with him than me. I do not ever recall an instance where Victor was abusive toward another employee.”
Ciardelli also pointed to the company’s anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies and said neither he nor any other executive interfered with human resources.
In response to questions from the Tribune about women’s complaints, including being subjected to sexually explicit comments and working in a “boys club” atmosphere, Ciardelli wrote that such allegations are “simply not true.” The company “has not, does not, and would not objectify women or put them in uncomfortable personal or professional situations,” he wrote.
Ciardelli also highlighted the large number of female loan officers working at the company, their professional success and the testimonials from female employees. When the Tribune asked to speak with four of those women, only one — Rola Gurrieri, the company’s New Jersey-based chief fulfillment officer — agreed to be interviewed without outside counsel or management present.
Regarding the lawsuit filed by former Guaranteed Rate loan officer Megan McDermott, the company told the Tribune it had “found no evidence supporting Ms. McDermott’s allegations of sexual harassment or gender discrimination” after conducting a “comprehensive investigation.”
Guaranteed Rate also sent a general statement detailing the company’s business philosophy, which includes a “fierce commitment to excellence.” Employees who do not “meet our core values or our quality standards” find it challenging to maintain job satisfaction at the company, it said.
“Many of these employees walk away not feeling good about the company which is a natural emotion when faced with a reality that their standards and the company standards are not aligned,” the statement said.
But many of the former employees who spoke with the Tribune described a cutthroat work culture they said could be frightening and upsetting, with several attributing that culture to Ciardelli’s laser focus on making money and growing Guaranteed Rate.
A sign is installed at the White Sox stadium in October 2016 to proclaim its new name: Guaranteed Rate Field. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune)
The former assistant who emailed human resources asked not to be identified in this story, fearing it might jeopardize her current job or trigger retaliation from Ciardelli. In that email, the woman wrote that she was “constantly on edge and terrified to have an interaction with Mr. Ciardelli” and that she had “consoled each assistant on his team that endured the wrath of Mr. Ciardelli’s behavior.”
“I hope that my experience will open your eyes,” she wrote.
Flying too close to the sun
In an interview with the Tribune in 2014, Ciardelli made plain his ambition to grow the company.
“If you can’t handle it, you shouldn’t be here,” Ciardelli said. “Instead of feeling like, oh, we care about people’s feelings and all that, it’s all about results.”
In the same article, Ciardelli said he worked constructively with his employees when issues arose at work. “There’s no drama involved; there’s no yelling,” he said. “Let’s fix the issue and move on.”
But multiple former executives and employees told the Tribune Ciardelli regularly yelled at and verbally attacked executives and other employees in person and on company calls, sometimes in front of hundreds of people, with the calls following the app launch just one example.
Some former and current employees told the Tribune they tried to avoid Ciardelli because they were scared of his temper.
Scott, the former director of VA lending who worked at Guaranteed Rate from 2017 until he resigned in 2022, splitting his time between offices in Hawaii and Colorado, called Ciardelli a “bully.”
Scott told the Tribune that, during one call, Ciardelli took an executive “to the woodshed and just eviscerated him verbally,” saying things such as “I can’t believe you are this stupid.”
“(Victor) throws the grenade and then he leaves the room,” not giving people a chance to explain or talk through the issue, Scott said.
At the time of Ciardelli’s 2014 Tribune interview, Guaranteed Rate had 2,500 employees nationally, 1,050 of whom were based in Chicago, according to Tribune archives.
The company grew to employ 9,708 people nationwide at its peak in 2021, Guaranteed Rate told the Tribune in May. Part of the company’s growth stemmed from its acquisitions of other mortgage companies: Manhattan Mortgage and Superior Mortgage in 2012 and Stearns Lending in 2021.
Victor Ciardelli, shown in 2014 at Guaranteed Rate’s headquarters, told the Tribune that year that he had ambitious plans for the company and “if you can’t handle it, you shouldn’t be here.” (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune)
Guaranteed Rate also partners on mortgage services with some of the largest real estate companies in the country. Including the people working in those partnerships, Guaranteed Rate had 14,264 employees at its height in 2021.
Like other mortgage companies, Guaranteed Rate has suffered a significant decline in business over the last two years, stemming from mortgage rates that have more than doubled from their record lows during the pandemic.
As mortgage rates soared in 2022 and 2023, the firm implemented thousands of layoffs, with only 3,871 workers remaining as of April, or 5,756 among all its companies, excluding contractors, as of May, according to the company.
Yet Ciardelli’s volatile behavior predated the stressful times in the housing market, according to some people who worked for Guaranteed Rate. Many people who “fly too close to the sun” — a metaphor some employees used to describe working directly with Ciardelli — eventually leave, they said.
People who work in personal and executive assistant roles for Ciardelli rarely last long in their jobs, with many leaving after less than a year, former employees said. Some referred to Ciardelli’s assistant position as a “revolving door,” and the LinkedIn profiles of multiple former assistants show short stints with the company.
More than two dozen executives and senior loan officers have left the company over the last decade, with a significant exodus occurring in the past two years. Multiple former executives and loan officers — including Scott — told the Tribune they left because of Ciardelli’s verbal outbursts and what many described as a workplace where they felt bullying and misogyny were tolerated. Most now work for competitors.
Ciardelli and other executives sometimes would disparage people who left the company, according to Scott.
“I would be like ‘Guys, did anybody ever think about reaching out to them before they left and having an exit interview with them?’” Scott said. “You are talking about a person that was a top producer here that you loved them as long as they produced, and now that they leave, they are an enemy? … They are leaving for a reason.”
In Ciardelli’s written responses to Tribune questions, he said allegations of a toxic work environment or bullying on his part are “not aligned with Guaranteed Rate or my leadership.” He said neither he nor other executives have disparaged former employees when they left the company.
In response to a question about assistant turnover, Ciardelli wrote that he has worked closely with five “primary” assistants since 2000. “As is the case with any demanding support roles, there has been some turnover with secondary and tertiary assistants, but nothing that is abnormal or unexpected,” he wrote.
One testimonial sent to the Tribune was from Melissa Czaszwicz, who said she worked for Ciardelli as an executive assistant in the early 2000s. She wrote that she had a positive experience working closely with Ciardelli, who she said was especially supportive when she had children.
“Never did I witness anything inappropriate or out of line,” said Czaszwicz, who still works at Guaranteed Rate.
‘Mental health has suffered’
Some former employees who spoke with the Tribune said they were driven to seek mental health support during and after their time at the company because of the negative work environment they experienced at Guaranteed Rate.
Most of those who shared their experiences worked for an executive who has a close working relationship with Ciardelli. Former workers said this executive also verbally abused staff and was prone to volatile mood swings.
One told the Tribune she texted and called a suicide hotline last year while working at the company because of verbal abuse from the executive; she shared the texts she sent with the Tribune.
In her resignation email, sent to the executive and to the human resources department last year, she wrote: “My mental health has rapidly declined due to the way I have been treated and spoken to in the last couple of months.”
Another employee from the same team wrote in a 2019 resignation letter sent to the executive, human resources, Ciardelli and others that his “mental health has suffered.”
Founded in 2000, Guaranteed Rate grew to become one of the largest mortgage lenders in the country but has suffered a decline in business as mortgage rates have soared in the last two years. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
In the resignation email and in an interview with the Tribune, the former employee said his boss gave him the runaround when he asked for time off to attend his mother’s chemotherapy appointments and complained to other employees about his requests.
Other employees discouraged him from requesting leave directly from human resources, warning him he would be fired if he went around the executive, according to the email.
Alyssa Ortiz, another former employee, said working with this executive was like being in an “abusive” relationship, being yelled at one minute and being invited for drinks the next.
“Everyone has gotten … chewed out and left crying,” said Ortiz, who worked for Guaranteed Rate from 2017 to 2019.
Ortiz told the Tribune that human resources and Ciardelli had been notified of this executive’s verbal mistreatment of employees but did nothing. She and about a dozen other former employees told the Tribune they felt Ciardelli protected this executive because of their working relationship.
In a written exit interview from 2020, one employee from the same department described how the executive would discuss former employees’ exit interviews with current employees.
“This created a fear for us to go to HR for anything moving forward,” the employee wrote.
Ciardelli said the company was not aware of any incident in which an executive read former employees’ exit interviews aloud; he said Guaranteed Rate “would never support this practice.”
Dozens of employees have left the executive’s department since 2017, according to interviews with former workers and LinkedIn profiles. The executive has since been promoted, the executive’s LinkedIn profile and the company’s website show.
In 2018, the head of human resources at the time took away the HR representative working with the executive’s department because of “risks” the executive posed to the company, according to an email reviewed by the Tribune.
“I can’t in good conscience keep allowing (the executive) to drag other employee (sic) into … schemes,” the former HR head wrote. “And by schemes I mean risky bull−−−−.” The department would have no assigned human resources representative after that, according to the email.
In correspondence with the Tribune, Guaranteed Rate described the company as a positive workplace where abuse and harassment are not tolerated and where complaints to human resources are taken seriously.
“We are not perfect by any means, but we do work hard to listen to our employees and make sure they feel supported,” a company spokesperson wrote in an email to the Tribune in April. “Most of all, we have no tolerance for any form of bullying, harassment or mistreatment. It is not who we are or who we want to be.”
Some of the employee testimonials provided by Guaranteed Rate expressed similar sentiments. For example, Mohamed Tawy, a branch manager and senior loan officer who has been with Guaranteed Rate for three years, wrote that the culture at the company is the best he has experienced in his 15-year career.
In an interview with the Tribune, Tawy said: “As a top producer … and I’m also a minority myself, I haven’t felt anything or seen anything that makes this company in any way negative for anybody that’s different. … I’ve seen here all that matters is that you do a good job, your production is good and that you follow the protocols and the rules, and I’ve seen people succeed with that more than any company I’ve been with.”
The Guaranteed Rate spokesperson also shared the results of an employee experience survey conducted in February. According to the company, the average rating for the culture at Guaranteed Rate was 8.49 out of 10, with nearly 75% of 3,745 employees responding. Those ratings were based on employees’ stated level of comfort providing feedback and/or concerns, how much they felt supported by the company in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and their sense of Guaranteed Rate’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.
The email from the spokesperson said the company received “a countless number of positive comments and appreciation for their leaders, teams and our overall culture.”
In response to Tribune questions, Guaranteed Rate said in May that the survey was anonymous and it was analyzed by its “employee experience team.” The company did not provide the Tribune with a complete set of responses from the survey, but it volunteered that employees used the word “toxic” to make a negative comment about Guaranteed Rate in only 14 of the more than 5,000 written responses provided to three open-ended survey questions.
‘Mortified and disgusted’
Megan McDermott, a single mother of three, met her supervisor at Guaranteed Rate, Jon Lamkin, in person for the first time at a corporate event in December 2015, according to the lawsuit she filed in February.
When Lamkin heard the age of her oldest child, the suit alleges, he said: “You should have known better than to let some guy’s d−−− c−−− inside you.”
According to her lawsuit, McDermott reported the comment to Joseph Moschella, a regional manager and senior loan officer at Guaranteed Rate who was responsible for McDermott’s region while she worked at the company. Moschella, the suit alleges, “pressured” her not to make a formal complaint of sexual harassment to human resources.
McDermott told the Tribune she was “mortified and disgusted” after Lamkin made the comment.
“The irony here is that Jon should have known better than to treat an employee the way he did rather than telling me I should have known better to become a single mother at 20 years old,” McDermott said, “which is vile. … He set the tone the first day I met him of the power Joe and Jon had over my career.”
Megan McDermott, shown in March in New Jersey, has filed a lawsuit alleging she was “subjected to a sexual and gender-based hostile work environment” at Guaranteed Rate and did not receive the same opportunities, treatment and pay as male loan officers. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
As McDermott went on to become a top-producing loan officer for Guaranteed Rate in New Jersey, her suit alleges Lamkin subjected her to abuse by “regularly screaming at her and using gender-based and demeaning slurs to refer to” her and other women at the company.
Her lawsuit alleges she was “subjected to a sexual and gender-based hostile work environment” by Guaranteed Rate, Lamkin and Moschella. Her suit also alleges McDermott did not receive the same opportunities, treatment and pay as male loan officers, which some other female loan officers told the Tribune reflected their own experiences as well.
McDermott did not lodge a complaint after Lamkin’s comment because she “believed she would be retaliated against” if she did so, the suit states. When she did report to HR around 2019 that Lamkin had engaged in “abusive behavior,” the department “failed to do anything to investigate or curtail Defendant Lamkin’s behavior,” the complaint alleges.
“Joe encouraged me not to go to HR because of the damage it would do to Jon’s career,” McDermott said. “Ultimately, all that they were worried about was Jon, his reputation and his career versus reporting inappropriate behavior.”
Guaranteed Rate told the Tribune in its May response that Lamkin’s comment was “nothing more than a single off-color joke,” that McDermott accepted an apology from Lamkin and that Moschella “encouraged” McDermott to contact human resources if she was “still upset.”
The company said it “could not find any record of Ms. McDermott making any form of complaint to the company’s human resources department in 2019, either verbally or in writing.”
McDermott told the Tribune she helped build Guaranteed Rate’s business in north Jersey from the ground up and said she loved the work until she found out she was not being treated equally as a woman.
“I believe management did not want to see me succeed, didn’t take me seriously and made decisions that negatively affected me and my children financially,” said McDermott, who now works for CrossCountry Mortgage, a competitor. “I ultimately left GR because I could no longer work in an environment where I was not valued and leadership felt that they could exploit me.”
Moschella and Lamkin are still employed at Guaranteed Rate. They did not respond to a Tribune request for comment. Guaranteed Rate told the Tribune in May that it had investigated McDermott’s allegations of sexual harassment and gender discrimination and found that “there is no evidence that Mr. Lamkin or anyone else at Guaranteed Rate ever created a hostile work environment for women.”
Guaranteed Rate also said in a statement that it complies with state and federal equal pay laws. The company said an “outside law firm” had reviewed its 2023 pay data and found it compliant with state equal pay laws.
In his written responses, Ciardelli highlighted the high percentage of female loan officers at the company in comparison to its competitors and said “our women originators thrive more than at any mortgage company in the industry.”
Employee statements provided through Guaranteed Rate’s attorneys included testimonials from dozens of women. Some noted the existence of the company’s employee resource group for women, GROW, while others cited the presence of women in leadership roles throughout the company.
“In addition to my professional growth I’ve experienced, I am equally grateful for the respect and dignity with which I have been treated as a woman in the workplace,” Jaime Kinman, a senior loan officer, said in her statement. “In an industry where gender biases still exist, I have never once felt marginalized or overlooked because of my gender.”
Gurrieri, the company’s chief fulfillment officer, said in an interview with the Tribune that she “never one time” experienced misogyny at the company.
“I got promoted when I’m six months pregnant,” she said. “That’s unheard of.”
Gurrieri, who has worked for Guaranteed Rate for more than six years, described Ciardelli’s leadership style as “extremely passionate.”
“There’s never been a day where I ever felt disrespected or not appreciated,” she said.
According to a former top executive who reported to Ciardelli for many years and a former human resources employee, a handful of loan officers at Guaranteed Rate were known sexual harassers, making women feel uncomfortable with inappropriate touching and unwanted advances in work settings.
But that behavior was rarely addressed, the former workers believed, because the men were friends with Ciardelli or were high-producing loan officers — each responsible for bringing in tens of millions of dollars in loan volume. Some of these loan officers still work at Guaranteed Rate.
Ciardelli called these allegations “simply not true” and said they were contradicted by the employee testimonials provided through the company’s attorney.
“They are also inconsistent with the recollections and experiences of multiple former HR professionals,” Ciardelli wrote.
A ‘sex-driven’ culture
In interviews with the Tribune, multiple former employees described a “boys club” atmosphere at Guaranteed Rate; Scott, the former director of VA lending, said there was “a lot of misogyny.”
Jessica Moreno, a former Chicago employee who started at Guaranteed Rate at age 23, said she was the first in her family to get a corporate job. Within a year of starting her job, she said, she was paying the mortgage on her family home.
But in her department, Moreno said she experienced a “sex-driven” culture.
“All the guys were just like, tongues on the floor,” said Moreno, who worked for the company for about four years starting in 2014. Her workplace was “like a men’s locker room, and women were in it,” she said.
Jessica Moreno, shown in April in Arizona, worked for Guaranteed Rate for about four years starting in 2014. She said male co-workers and managers hit on her and made comments on her appearance. It was “like a men’s locker room, and women were in it,” she said. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Male co-workers and managers would hit on her and make comments on her appearance, calling her pretty, Moreno said. Comments made at Christmas parties or happy hours could be crasser, she said.
“You’ll get, ‘Oh, I’ve always wanted to f−−− you,’” she said.
Moreno said she once overheard a male manager describe a woman who had interviewed for a job as a “fox.” Another time, she said, a manager invited a female massage therapist to the office; Moreno remembers male co-workers commenting on the therapist’s body, too.
Soon after she’d started at Guaranteed Rate, Moreno said, she met with HR to make a complaint about a manager who swore at and belittled her. The HR representative brushed off her concerns in that meeting, she said.
“After that, I felt so discouraged to never even speak up again,” Moreno said.
Moreno ended up leaving her position before taking a job working for a Guaranteed Rate loan officer; she said she was terminated after clashing with the loan officer’s assistant.
Some female former employees of Guaranteed Rate said they understood looks to be a currency within the company.
One former Chicago employee said a manager encouraged her to text a selfie to a client after hearing the client flirt with her over the phone and say he’d be inclined to speed up the loan process if he knew what she looked like.
The employee said she sent the selfie, and the manager then pushed her to go along with the client’s harassment until the loan closed, she said.
After receiving the photo, the client responded, “As pretty as you are I can’t believe some man hasn’t run off with you just howling away,” in a text reviewed by the Tribune. Later on, after sending her forms, the client texted her: “You said I would get another pic when I sent you the forms so?”
The employee said another manager in her division would frequently flirt with her and comment on her appearance. He once texted her to “stop losing weight damn it” and another time texted her that she “broke (his) concentration,” according to texts reviewed by the Tribune.
Another former Chicago employee remembered a manager telling her, while she was pregnant with her first child, “Whatever you do, don’t get a C-section — you’ll never wear a bikini again.” The employee went out on maternity leave days later. She said she did end up needing a C-section and remembers the manager’s comment echoing in her head as she was wheeled back for surgery. Two people the woman told about the incident at the time corroborated her account in interviews with the Tribune.
Several former employees in the marketing department, including two men, told the Tribune Ciardelli made comments about workers’ ages. One employee got Botox and fillers after Ciardelli told employees they were “too old” and likened the marketing department to his “grandmother’s mortgage company,” according to former marketing department employees.
In his written responses, Ciardelli said “Guaranteed Rate is committed to fostering an environment that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We maintain a comprehensive set of employment policies aimed at providing a work environment free of unlawful harassment and discrimination, where all employees treat one another with dignity and respect.”
Guaranteed Rate’s corporate headquarters is in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood in a building with a rooftop gathering space. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
A spokesperson said in the April 1 email sharing the employee survey results that the company had launched “even more initiatives to ensure we have a positive work environment,” including anti-harassment training, training for the human resources team “to take proper and appropriate steps and best practices for investigating and responding to employee complaints” and reminders to employees on how to report harassment or abuse.
“Our executive team has emphasized to Human Resources that all complaints should be investigated, and any form of harassment and misconduct should be dealt with swiftly – and all managers and employees who are not acting in accordance with our values be rooted out of our organization,” the spokesperson wrote.
In the company’s May responses, it said these initiatives were launched in 2023 and were to “expand and enhance” the existing training program.
All Guaranteed Rate employees must complete “harassment and discrimination prevention training” upon being hired and on an annual basis thereafter, according to the company’s May response. The company said Guaranteed Rate has an “anti-retaliation” policy that prohibits retaliation against employees who report alleged harassment or discrimination or participate in an investigation into the conduct. The company also noted it has an ethics hotline through which employees can make anonymous complaints.
“We respect and treat all employees equally no matter their sex, color, or creed,” Ciardelli wrote.
In the last 10 years, Guaranteed Rate has not settled any lawsuits involving claims of a hostile work environment, according to the company. Guaranteed Rate’s response stated that within that time frame, the company settled six claims involving allegations of a hostile work environment, including arbitration cases as well as claims filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and state and local agencies. The majority of those claims were brought by male employees, and one was resolved in Guaranteed Rate’s favor, the company said.
Guaranteed Rate employees are asked to sign mandatory arbitration agreements when they are hired, but sexual harassment claims and claims filed with the EEOC and similar state agencies are not subject to arbitration, according to Guaranteed Rate’s May responses.
‘Positive thinking’
Publicly, Ciardelli presents himself as a champion of a positive work environment — an image the company has encouraged employees to promote.
In an email sent in February by a company executive and obtained by the Tribune, employees were encouraged to share a Forbes article featuring Ciardelli; the email provided step-by-step instructions for posting it on social media.
The story, published Feb. 7, was titled “Guaranteed Rate Founder Is All In On ‘Positive Thinking’ This 2024” and described his leadership style as “Chicken Soup for the Mortgage Industry.”
“I communicate the power of positivity and gratitude to everybody around me: employees, friends, family members, everyone,” Ciardelli was quoted as saying.
Less than 24 hours after it went live, the article disappeared from the Forbes website. The site provided no explanation, but one former Guaranteed Rate employee told the Tribune former workers had written to the author about factual inaccuracies.
On Feb. 8, a Guaranteed Rate executive sent another email encouraging employees — again with step-by-step instructions — to delete any social media posts linking to the article.
“We are working with Forbes to resolve and will let you know when it will be reinstated,” the email said. “We apologize for the inconvenience, and we will send out a new link as soon as it’s available.”
The Forbes contributor declined to comment for this story. Forbes told the Tribune the article was taken down because it did not adhere to the company’s “editorial guidelines” and did not respond to further questions.
The article has yet to be republished, but Guaranteed Rate still wants people to read it. The company shared it in a PDF on its LinkedIn page.
Have you ever wondered if you can get paid to stuff envelopes at home? It sounds like an easy way to make extra income, right? Envelope stuffing jobs have been around for a long time and often come up as a way to make extra money from home. These jobs involve placing papers or flyers…
Have you ever wondered if you can get paid to stuff envelopes at home? It sounds like an easy way to make extra income, right?
Envelope stuffing jobs have been around for a long time and often come up as a way to make extra money from home. These jobs involve placing papers or flyers into envelopes, which are then sent out to a mailing list.
But, before you jump in, there are a few things you should know about envelope stuffing jobs.
First, be cautious of envelope stuffing jobs that ask for upfront fees – they’re almost always scams. Second, real envelope stuffing jobs are rare and don’t pay much.
If you’re thinking about envelope stuffing, it’s worth looking into alternative jobs that may have more stability and better income.
What Is Envelope Stuffing?
Envelope stuffing is a simple job where you put things inside envelopes.
You might stuff letters, flyers, or promotional materials using postage stamps.
Once everything is inside, you seal the envelope and add stamps or labels.
Sometimes, you might use machines to help with the job. Machines can quickly fold and insert papers into the envelopes.
There are also jobs where you handle everything by hand. This includes folding the papers, putting them into the envelopes, sealing them, and adding the postage.
While it might sound easy and convenient, especially as a work-from-home option, be cautious. Many job listings for envelope stuffing jobs turn out to be scams. People might ask you to pay for information or materials that lead nowhere.
Legitimate envelope stuffing jobs exist but are often found in mailrooms or offices. These jobs may require some clerical skills and attention to detail.
For me, I had an office job where for around one week out of the whole year I stuffed envelopes, but that was it (I worked for a small company).
Just remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stuffing envelopes scams are everywhere and they are a waste of your time.
Recommended reading: 31 Best Stay At Home Jobs (#1 Is My Full Time Job!)
How To Spot Envelope Stuffing Job Scams
Envelope stuffing scams tend to make promises of easy money for little work. To avoid falling for these scams, watch out for the following red flags:
Upfront fee to get started
When looking for envelope stuffing jobs, be cautious if you are asked to pay a start-up fee. Legitimate jobs never require you to pay to work.
For example, scammers may ask for money to provide you with a “starter kit” or “materials.”
If the job offer is real, the employer will not ask you to cover costs for materials or a starter kit.
Pay attention to the details provided by the company. If they are unclear or vague about what the upfront fee covers, it’s a red flag. A real company will clearly explain all costs and fees.
So, there are ways to get paid to stuff envelopes from home for free, they are just hard to find.
Promises of high earnings for little work
When you see ads claiming you can earn big money with little effort by stuffing envelopes, be careful.
These ads may promise hundreds or even thousands of dollars per week. It’s worth noting that such offers are often too good to be true, because who would pay $1,000+ a week to stuff envelopes?
Scammers know that the idea of easy money is attractive. They lure you in with lots of money, but the reality is very different.
Actual pay for envelope stuffing jobs is usually much lower. You might earn only 5 to 20 cents per envelope. This means you need to stuff hundreds of envelopes just to make a little money. The average hourly rate is quite low.
Some advertisements also suggest you can get rich quickly. This is always a red flag.
If it sounds too easy and too profitable, it’s likely not true. Most real envelope stuffing jobs are time-consuming and don’t pay well.
Lack of contact information
When looking for legitimate envelope stuffing jobs, one big thing to check is contact info.
A real company should have a physical address. If you can’t find an address anywhere, that’s a red flag. This might mean the company is not real or trustworthy.
You should also watch out for emails filled with mistakes. Poor grammar and sloppy writing can be signs of a scam. A real company should communicate clearly and professionally.
Here’s what to do if you’re not sure if the envelope stuffing job is real or not:
Always search for the company’s contact details.
Check their website for an address and phone number.
Try to contact them directly to see if their response is professional.
I always recommend that you verify the company’s information before sending any personal information.
Pressure to act quickly
When looking for envelope stuffing jobs, you might find that some companies push you to act fast. They might tell you that you need to sign up immediately, or you’ll miss out on the job. This type of pressure is a big warning sign and it’s typically a scam.
Here’s why acting quickly can be risky:
Not enough time to research – You might not get a chance to look into the company. This can lead to falling for scams.
Impulsive decisions – Quick decisions might make you agree to conditions that aren’t good for you.
Losing money – You might have to pay upfront fees, thinking it’s normal. Real jobs usually don’t ask for this.
Remember: Scammers like to use urgency to trick people.
Is envelope stuffing legit?
Envelope stuffing jobs can be tricky. Most ads promising high pay for stuffing envelopes at home are scams. When a job offer sounds too easy or too good to be true, it’s usually worth questioning.
Here’s what you can do:
Check reviews and complaints – Look for the company online. Visit forums, review sites, Glassdoor, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if others had bad experiences. You could even contact your state attorney general’s office to see what they think.
Ask questions – Contact the company directly. Ask for details about the job. Legitimate companies will give you clear answers.
Protect yourself – Never give out personal or financial information without verifying the company’s legitimacy.
Trust your instincts – If something feels off, it likely is. Trust your gut and research before making any decisions.
Instead of trusting random ads, use trusted job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, or FlexJobs. These sites can help you find legitimate work-from-home jobs, though true envelope stuffing jobs are rare. Sometimes, jobs involving clerical tasks might require some envelope stuffing, but they will include other duties too.
8 Alternatives to Envelope Stuffing Jobs
Looking for a job that you can do from home? Check out these options like proofreading, bookkeeping, and virtual assistant work. These jobs can pay a good income and may even allow for flexibility in your schedule.
1. Proofreader
Proofreaders check written content for errors. They look for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes. This job is perfect if you enjoy reading and have strong language skills.
I have a proofreader for my blog. Even though I write a lot, I know it’s very important to have someone check my work.
If you want to become a proofreader, I recommend joining this free 76-minute workshop focused on proofreading. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to start your own freelance proofreading business.
Recommended reading: 20 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners (Earn $40,000+ A Year).
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
2. Bookkeeper
A bookkeeper manages financial records for businesses. This includes tracking income and expenses, creating invoices, and preparing financial reports.
This job lets you work on your own and earn around $40,000 or more each year. You don’t need a college degree to be a bookkeeper either.
You can join the free workshop about finding virtual bookkeeping jobs and starting your own freelance bookkeeping business by signing up for free here.
Recommended reading: How To Find Online Bookkeeping Jobs
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This free training will teach you what you need to know to become a virtual bookkeeper and make money from home.
3. Transcriptionist
Transcriptionists listen to audio recordings and type what they hear. This job requires good listening and typing skills.
You might transcribe interviews, meetings, or medical records. Online transcriptionists usually make between $15 and $30 per hour. New transcribers usually start at the lower end of that range.
A free training I recommend learning from is Free Workshop: Is a Career in Transcription Right for You? You’ll learn how to get started as a transcriptionist, how you can find transcription work, and more.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners To Make $2,000 Monthly
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In this free training, you will learn what transcription is, why it’s a highly in-demand skill, who hires transcriptionists, how to become a transcriptionist, and more.
4. Virtual assistant
One of my first side jobs was working as a virtual assistant. It was fun and flexible, and I earned a good income doing it.
Virtual assistants help businesses with tasks like scheduling meetings, managing emails, and social media.
As a virtual assistant, you sometimes may get paid by the person you are working for to stuff envelopes. But, it most likely won’t be your entire job, just a very small fragment of it. After all, someone needs to mail things for a company or a person.
In fact, when I worked for a small company when I was younger, one of my job duties was to put together around 1,000 envelopes to our clients around the holidays. I did this every year. But, this was on top of all of my other work responsibilities, so I was not only an envelope stuffer. So, you may be able to find a job where this is a part of your tasks but typically not what you do 24/7 at work.
Recommended reading: Best Ways To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs
5. Blogger
I started my blog, Making Sense of Cents, without much planning. I just wanted to share my experiences with money. Surprisingly, since I started, I’ve made over $5,000,000 from it. Now, blogging is my main job!
There are many positives! I can work alone, make my own schedule, be my own boss, choose the work I want to do, and work from home. I have an amazing work-life balance, and I wouldn’t trade this job for anything else.
If you are looking for something that you can do from home, then this can be a good option to look into.
You can learn how to start a blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course (sign up by clicking here).
6. Data entry clerk
Data entry clerks input information into digital systems, such as spreadsheets. Work-from-home data entry jobs are straightforward and require accuracy.
Many businesses need data entry clerks for tasks like updating databases and entering customer information.
Data entry jobs usually pay between $15 to $20 per hour.
Recommended reading: 15 Places To Find Data Entry Jobs From Home
7. Customer service representative
Customer service representatives help customers with their questions and issues. This role can involve phone, email, or chat support.
On average, customer service representatives make about $35,868 a year. This can vary depending on where you work and how much experience you have.
Big companies like Apple, Progressive, U.S. Bank, American Express, and U-Haul hire customer service representatives who can work from home. This means you can do the job from the comfort of your own house.
8. Paid online surveys
Completing paid online surveys is an easy way to make extra cash. Companies pay for your opinion on products and services.
While you won’t make a full-time income, it’s an easy way to earn money in your spare time.
The survey companies I recommend signing up for and the best-paying survey sites include:
American Consumer Opinion
Survey Junkie
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
Branded Surveys
Prime Opinion
Five Surveys
PrizeRebel
User Interviews
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Swagbucks is a site where you can earn points for surveys, shopping online, watching videos, using coupons, and more. You can use your points for gift cards and cash.
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Once you complete five surveys, you’ve earned $5, which you can cash out using the payout options offered by the site (such as PayPal cash and free Amazon gift cards).
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Prime Opinion is a survey website that helps people to earn extra money by sharing their opinions at home. It’s a simple survey site to use: you share your thoughts, and they pay you for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Envelope stuffing jobs are a popular option for many who want a flexible side hustle. Below, you’ll find answers to some common questions about these types of jobs.
Are there any real envelope stuffing jobs?
Yes, some legitimate companies do hire people to stuff envelopes. These jobs are often found in industries like marketing, where you pack items such as flyers and advertisements into envelopes. But, real envelope stuffing jobs typically do not pay well, and the work is very tedious (I know this because I have personally stuffed envelopes!).
How can someone tell if an envelope stuffing job is legit?
To tell if an envelope stuffing job is real, watch out for a few red flags. Be cautious of companies that ask for upfront fees, promise high pay rates, or have unclear contact information.
Is the Amazon envelope stuffer job real?
No, any job offer for an Amazon envelope stuffer is a scam. Fraudulent companies use big brand names to trick people. If you see an ad for an Amazon envelope stuffer job, stay away.
Are there any real companies offering jobs for stuffing envelopes?
Yes, there are real companies that hire for these types of jobs. However, they are not very common and usually pay low wages. So, I always recommend that you check the company’s background and read reviews before applying.
Can you get paid for envelope stuffing by the government?
No, the government does not pay you to stuff envelopes. Nearly everything is automated now.
How much does stuffing envelopes pay?
The pay for stuffing envelopes varies. Some jobs may pay per envelope, for example, around $0.15 per envelope. Others may offer hourly rates, which could be up to $20 per hour, but those are rare. Most legitimate jobs pay close to minimum wage for part-time envelope stuffing jobs.
Can you make money mailing letters?
Yes, you can make money mailing letters, but don’t expect to get rich. The pay is usually low, and it won’t be enough to replace a full-time job. It can be a way to earn some extra income, though.
Is envelope writing a real job?
Yes, envelope writing is a real job. Some companies hire workers to write addresses on envelopes by hand. This job is often part of direct mail campaigns and can be a fun and easy way to make a little extra money.
Envelope Stuffing Jobs – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to get paid to stuff envelopes.
You may have come across envelope stuffing on local bulletin boards, on social media, or during an online job search. I see them all the time, in fact.
Lots of people are interested in envelope stuffing jobs because they seem like an easy way to make money. But it’s important to know how to recognize scams and understand the truth about these opportunities. Some job offers ask for money up front, which is a big warning sign. Knowing how to avoid these scams is important if you’re searching for legitimate work-from-home options.
Before you commit to an envelope stuffing job, check forums, review sites, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Better Business Bureau to see if others had bad experiences or if anyone experienced any fraud.
If you are the victim of fraud, I recommend calling the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP as well as the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to report it to officials. Unfortunately, you may not be able to dispute what you paid to the scammer for a refund, but it may not hurt to try if you paid via credit card.
If you’re looking for a work-from-home or remote job, there are many alternatives to envelope stuffing jobs as you learned above. Personally, I think any of the alternatives are better than falling for a work-from-home scam as a paid envelope stuffer.
Looking good comes with a cost. Ask cosmetologists. The average price of beauty school is $15,000 to $20,000 a year.
A career in cosmetology can be rewarding. You get a creative outlet and a chance to help others look their best. It also offers flexibility for a good work-life balance. But the licensing process can add up.
Cosmetology and esthetics programs are offered through community, technical, and vocational colleges — accredited institutions that qualify for financial aid. Accreditation broadens the range of financial aid options. Prospective students can consider interest-free payment plans, financial aid from schools, scholarships, grants, and loans from the government or private entities. Read on for more detailed information on the types of financial aid that pay for cosmetology school, and what options don’t.
Esthetician vs Cosmetology School
Esthetician (or aesthetician) licenses specialize in skincare treatment, recommendations, and analysis. Treatments include facials, massages, and waxing. With this license, you can work at spas, salons, or doctor’s offices, such as plastic surgeons or dermatologists.
Cosmetology covers the creative styling of hair, skin, and nails — but also provides basic training in treatments. Students can get an esthetician license through a cosmetology program. A career in cosmetology can lead to work as a makeup artist, hair stylist, or manicurist. License holders typically work in salons, spas, the entertainment industry, and hotels or resorts. The table below outlines some of the differences between an esthetics license and a cosmetology license.
Field
Esthetics License
Cosmetology License
Average School Tuition
$7,433 average of top ten US schools
$16,000
Subjects
Techniques and science behind skin care treatments. Specific subjects include skin anatomy, facial and makeup techniques, hair removal, and medical office esthetics.
Hair, skin, and nail care and styling. Specific subjects include dermatology, makeup, and haircutting.
2024 Median Salary
$40,300/year
$29,201/year
Job Growth 2022-32
9% (Faster than US average)
8% (Faster than US average)
Types of Jobs
Skin care specialist (esthetician), makeup artist
Hair Stylist, nail technician, makeup artist, barber
Be sure that your school is state-approved. You can search for schools through your local government’s licensing process. Also, it’s helpful to know whether your certificate is transferable to other states and which states accept it. This way, your time and resources aren’t lost.
Below are organizations that can help you find accredited and state-approved programs:
• Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
• Accrediting Council for Continued Education & Training (ACCET)
• Council on Occupational Education (COE)
• National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS)
Typical Cost of Beauty Schools
Beauty school programs are generally more affordable than the average four-year program. According to the College Board’s Annual Trends in College Pricing report, during the 2023-2024 school year, the average cost of tuition at a four-year nonprofit institution was $41,540. Cosmetology students, in contrast, can expect to pay around $16,000 to complete a degree in their field. But beauty school students still borrow $7,100 per year on average.
Esthetician School
Requirements for esthetics licenses vary by state. Connecticut is the only state that does not require a license.
Students can expect to complete 300 to 1,500 hours depending on state program requirements. Most states require students to pass a state-issued exam to obtain a license after completion of a program. For example, Washington requires students to complete a program of not less than 750 hours and to fill out a license application.
Students can also specialize in esthetics as part of their overall cosmetology program.
Cosmetology School
Each state requires a cosmetology license in order to practice. While requirements differ, most states require three things: you must be 16 or older, hold a high school diploma, and have completed a state-licensed cosmetology program. Some states also require an exam in order to obtain a license. And some require regular license renewals.
While states can issue a license that covers all cosmetology specialties, some require separate licenses in specializations such as barbering or manicures.
Programs range anywhere from 1,000 to 2,100 hours across states, and usually include retail and business admin training to supplement. Specializing in a field, such as nail care, requires additional hours. Finally, programs are hands-on — meaning students have limited online options.
To find out your state’s requirements, the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology has a registry of state offices.
Possible Funding Source #1: FAFSA®
Does FAFSA pay for cosmetology school? Yes! But, students who apply must be enrolled in an accredited program to be eligible.
The first step to applying for government financial aid is filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. New forms are released each year on October 1st — and the sooner you complete one, the more likely federal grants will be available.
Information provided on the FAFSA helps to determine your eligibility for federal student aid. The government, states, and colleges also use it to determine the amount of financial aid to award you. Schools you list in your form will review your FAFSA and put together an aid offer. If your school’s financial aid does not cover the entire cost of tuition, you can use the FAFSA to apply for federal grants and student loans.
Not familiar with setting up FAFSA? This FAFSA guide provides an overview of the form and the aid options available through the FAFSA. Here’s a brief explainer on some of the aid types that may be available to students.
Pell Grants
The government awards Pell Grants to students from lower-income families and who have not previously earned a degree. Unlike loans, they do not need to be repaid.
The Pell Grant’s 2024-2024 maximum is $7,395 and students may be eligible for up to twelve terms. The amount is determined by the following:
• Expected Family Contribution (EFC), or the amount your family can pay
• Cost of Attendance (COA), finalized in your school offer letter
• Full-time or part-time status as s student
• Length of your school’s academic year
Schools will disburse the federal grant to you directly, apply it to your tuition, or both. In order to receive Pell Grants, students must stay enrolled in their respective program of study and fill out the FAFSA form each year.
Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
The Department of Education also offers Direct Loans. Cosmetology students may be eligible for either subsidized or unsubsidized loans. The government pays for the interest rate of subsidized loans as long as you’re enrolled in a program, for the first six months after leaving school, and during qualifying deferment periods. Interest rates for unsubsidized loans are not covered. Subsidized loans are awarded based on financial need, while unsubsidized loans are not.
Applying for a federal loan offers these key advantages:
• Low fixed interest rates
• Flexible repayment plans
• Possibility of forgiven loans
• Deferment and forbearance options
Parent PLUS Loans
PLUS loans are available to parents of undergraduate students or graduate or professional students. They offer some of the advantages of federal Direct Loans, but offer higher borrowing limits.
Parents can apply for Parent PLUS Loans on behalf of their children, as well. Unlike other federal student loans, these types require a credit check and are not based on financial need.
Possible Funding Source #2: Scholarships
A good place to start your scholarship search is with your school. Their aid letter will outline scholarships awarded from its program. You can contact them to see if there are additional scholarships you can apply for at the school.
Professional associations also offer scholarships based on need or merit. The below beauty industry associations have lists of scholarships.
• Professional Beauty Association
• National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology
• American Association of Cosmetology Schools
The U.S. Department of Labor also offers a free scholarship finder .
Finally, ethnicity-based groups, employers, or your parent’s employers may also offer tuition assistance and scholarships.
Possible Funding Source #3: Working Part Time
Since cosmetology programs are shorter in duration, working part-time to help pay for college is feasible. Try getting work in your field as an assistant or admin at an office. That way, you can learn while getting paid — and even get a foot in the door.
Studying and working is a fine balance. It depends on how much time you can commit. If studying fills up most of your week, you may not be able to focus on studying for the career you hope to work in and may also hurt your score needed to pass exams needed to work in the industry.
You can even find working cosmetologists to get advice on how to do both.
Possible Funding Source #4: Private Student Loans
After exhausting all other avenues of aid, private student loans can help cover the difference. A private undergraduate student loan can be offered through banks, credit unions, and online lenders. They can be applied to a range of programs, even applied towards paying for CDL school.
Lenders will perform a credit check to determine your interest rate and how much you are eligible for. Students who don’t have credit scores will need a cosigner, usually a parent.
Possible Funding Source #5: School-Specific Financial Aid
Financial aid availability depends on your school.
Aveda Institute Maryland, for example, offers financial assistance for current and former military servicemen. Paul Mitchell Schools also offer three forms of military financial aid. One includes a My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program for military spouses.
Delgado Community College in New Orleans provides financial assistance on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students must complete a FAFSA, online scholarship form, and accept or decline their aid offer letter.
Possible Funding Source #6: School-Specific Payment Plans
College tuition payment plans are an option. Instead of paying tuition upfront at the beginning of the year, students pay tuition in installments.
Payment plans are an excellent alternative to taking out loans since plans are generally interest-free. Check with your school for eligibility requirements and deadlines for enrollment periods.
The Board of Cooperative Educational Services in Western Suffolk, Long Island, and Alexander Paul Institute of Hair Design offer no-interest payment plans.
Explore Private Student Loans With SoFi
Cosmetology and esthetician careers require state-approved schooling and licenses. These accredited programs are covered by federal financial aid, and some schools offer financial aid. Zero-interest payment plans can also be a huge help to pay for a program.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.
FAQ
Can FAFSA be used for beauty school?
Yes. States require students to participate in state-approved accredited beauty schools to obtain a license. Students enrolled in post-secondary programs at accredited institutions qualify for financial aid.
Do you work and earn money while in cosmetology school?
Students typically cannot work in their field without a license, unless it’s an unrelated job in the industry. Find out if your school participates in the Federal Work-Study Program. These programs are available to part-time or full-time students with financial needs. Students will usually find jobs at their school or private for-profit employers that have agreements with your school. The jobs are typically relevant to your field of study.
Are beauty schools accredited? How do you select a good program?
Yes, beauty schools can be accredited for post-secondary education. Always check to make sure your program is accredited to avoid predatory schools with poor programming. Consider starting your search with state license departments. The National-Interstate Council Of State Boards Of Cosmetology has a directory of all 50 states’ centers.
Photo credit: iStock/petrovv
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Nestled along the picturesque Connecticut River, Holyoke, MA boasts a rich industrial history and easy access to the great outdoors. With its stunning Victorian architecture, vibrant downtown area, and an abundance of green spaces, Holyoke offers a unique blend of urban amenities and small-town charm. Residents here enjoy a close-knit community, diverse dining options, and easy access to outdoor recreational activities. Whether you’re looking for an apartment in Holyoke or a spacious house to rent, there’s a place for everyone here.
In this Apartment Guide article, we’ll cut to the chase, breaking down the pros and cons of moving to Holyoke. Let’s get started and see what awaits in this gem of a city.
Pro: Affordable cost of living
One of the major advantages of living in Holyoke is its affordable cost of living. The city offers reasonably priced housing options, making it an attractive destination for individuals and families looking to settle down without breaking the bank. The average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $734. This is much lower than the national average rent of $1,987. Additionally, the overall cost of goods and services in Holyoke is relatively lower compared to other cities in Massachusetts, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the financial strain.
Con: Limited job opportunities
One of the challenges of living in Holyoke is the limited job opportunities available within the city. While the area has a strong industrial history, the job market may not offer as many diverse career options compared to larger metropolitan areas. Major employers in Holyoke include the colleges and universities in the area as well as the Holyoke Medical Center. Residents may need to commute to neighboring cities for employment opportunities, which can impact work-life balance and daily routines.
Pro: Access to outdoor recreation
Residents of Holyoke have easy access to outdoor recreational opportunities. The city is situated near the scenic Mount Tom State Reservation, offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Connecticut River Valley. The nearby Holyoke Range State Park provides additional opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to engage in activities such as mountain biking, birdwatching, and nature exploration. The abundance of green spaces and natural beauty enhances the quality of life for residents.
Con: Harsh winters
Holyoke experiences harsh winters, with cold temperatures and significant snowfall during the winter months. On average, the city gets more than 4 feet of snow annually. The inclement weather conditions can pose challenges for residents, including snow removal, icy roadways, and seasonal maintenance. While the city embraces the winter season with outdoor activities and festive events, the prolonged cold weather may not be suitable for individuals who prefer milder climates.
Pro: Diverse culinary scene
Holyoke boasts a diverse culinary scene, with a wide range of dining options to suit every palate. From authentic Puerto Rican cuisine at El Chinchorro Boricua to trendy cafes and international restaurants, residents can indulge in a variety of culinary experiences. The city’s food festivals and farmers’ markets also contribute to the vibrant food culture, allowing residents to savor fresh, locally sourced ingredients and support the community’s culinary entrepreneurs.
Con: Limited nightlife options
Residents seeking a vibrant nightlife scene may find that Holyoke offers limited options for evening entertainment. While the city has local bars, pubs, and cultural venues, the nightlife may not be as bustling as in larger urban centers. Individuals looking for a bustling nightlife with a wide array of late-night activities may need to explore neighboring cities for additional options.
Pro: Rich cultural heritage
Holyoke is steeped in history and boasts a rich cultural heritage. The city is home to the Wistariahurst Museum, a historic house museum that offers a glimpse into the area’s past. Residents can also explore the Holyoke Canal System, a National Historic Landmark, and learn about the city’s industrial history. The vibrant arts scene, including the Holyoke Creative Arts Center and Paper City Studios, provides ample opportunities for residents to engage with and appreciate the local culture.
Con: Limited retail and shopping options
While Holyoke offers a variety of local businesses and specialty stores, the city may have limited chain retail and shopping options compared to larger commercial centers. Residents seeking extensive shopping malls, major retail chains, or luxury boutiques may need to travel to nearby cities for a broader selection of consumer goods. The limited retail landscape may impact the convenience and variety of shopping experiences for residents.
Pro: Educational opportunities
Holyoke is home to educational institutions such as Mount Holyoke College, Holyoke Community College, and the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center, providing residents with access to diverse learning opportunities and resources. The city’s commitment to education is evident through initiatives that support lifelong learning, workforce development, and academic enrichment, making it an ideal place for individuals seeking personal and professional growth.
Con: Limited cultural amenities
While Holyoke has a rich cultural heritage, the city may have limited cultural amenities compared to larger metropolitan areas. Residents seeking a wide array of museums, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions may find that Holyoke’s cultural offerings are more modest in scale. Individuals with a strong interest in diverse cultural experiences may need to explore nearby cities to fulfill their cultural pursuits.
Pro: Convenient transportation options
Holyoke provides convenient transportation options for residents, including access to public transit, bike-friendly infrastructure, and walkable neighborhoods. The city’s proximity to major highways and rail lines facilitates easy commuting to neighboring areas, while the PVTA bus system offers reliable and accessible public transportation within the city and beyond. Additionally, the development of pedestrian-friendly pathways and bike lanes promotes sustainable and active modes of transportation.
The idea of a four-day workweek is so popular with some workers that they’d be willing to take a pay cut to make it happen, according to a new survey.
The survey, which included 1,250 people who work full time, was conducted in April by Resume Builder, a career services company. It found that 8 in 10 workers would be excited to work 32 hours a week instead of 40 because they believe it would help them achieve better work-life balance, improve their health, mitigate burnout, be more productive and reduce commuting costs.
The survey results suggest some workers feel pretty desperate for that better work experience. Even though nearly all the survey participants (94%) said they could do the same amount of work in fewer hours, about 21% said they would take a pay cut if it meant they could work the equivalent of one less day per week.
In addition, 83% of respondents said they would prefer a four-day, 40-hour workweek to the current standard of 40 hours in five days.
“I think people value time now more than they ever have — especially younger generations,” says Julia Toothacre, resume and career strategist with Resume Builder.
Idea of a four-day workweek is catching on
The four-day workweek is still a long way from becoming the norm in the U.S., Toothacre says. But the idea has picked up steam in recent years because it’s seen as a way to address the impact of work stress and long hours.
Roughly 3 out of 4 workers said they experienced work-related stress in the last month, according to the 2023 Work in America Survey by the American Psychological Association. More than half said that stress resulted in an array of negative effects, including emotional exhaustion, lack of motivation, a desire to quit, lower productivity and irritability.
There’s some interest in making the four-day workweek a national policy. In March, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., introduced a bill that would standardize a 32-hour workweek without cutting workers’ pay or benefits. But it’s not expected to go anywhere.
Pilot programs show promising results
Instead, the four-day workweek has gained the most traction through companies’ participation in pilot programs. Organizations around the world have tested it out, and the results are pretty positive. In 2022, a pilot program that included 33 U.S. companies found that most of them wanted to continue with the 32-hour schedule after the trial period ended.
The companies involved in this pilot didn’t make any changes to workers’ pay. And it turns out that’s for good reason: The companies reported that productivity was positively affected by the new schedule. Workers at the participating companies said their job performance improved during the course of the trial.
In the trial, companies got rid of meetings and other unnecessary activities to free up workers’ time, according to Boston College researchers who evaluated the results. Wen Fan, a sociology professor, said in a December 2022 news release that the program worked as expected. “Hours reduced, well-being improved, and key organizational bottom-lines sustained — all of these happened without the need for workers to intensify their work demands.”
Despite the obvious appeal of side hustles — more money! — they’re not for everyone. If your side hustle makes you stress out, neglect relationships, or miss opportunities at your day job, then consider it a bad idea. Side hustles are only beneficial when they help you accomplish goals without sacrificing what matters most.
Side hustles are often promoted as a simple way to generate extra cash or fulfill your passions. However, the often-ignored price tag is physical and mental strain. Not to mention the time requirement and potential financial commitment necessary to get a gig going.
Read on to find out how to evaluate your options and goals before taking on a side hustle.
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What Is a Side Hustle?
A side hustle refers to a second job or source of income that people pursue outside their primary employment. The purpose may be to earn extra money, pursue a pet project, or develop skills in a different area.
A side hustle can take various forms, from freelance work or consulting to selling handmade crafts or driving for a rideshare service. Renting out property and offering tutoring services also qualify. The point is leveraging your time and skills to pad your budget or explore a wider field than your day job allows. 💡 Quick Tip: We love a good spreadsheet, but not everyone feels the same. A free budget app can give you the same insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance, without the extra effort.
Pros and Cons of a Side Hustle
Browse the pros and cons below, and make a mental note of how many of each apply to your situation. If one side of the scales is considerably heavier, your decision may be obvious.
Pros of a Side Hustle
Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of a side hustle:
• Develop Your Career: Side hustles can provide a valuable opportunity to develop skills, gain experience, and broaden your professional horizons. By taking on projects or roles outside your main job, you may acquire new competencies to help advance your career or get a promotion. Additionally, side hustles can demonstrate initiative, entrepreneurial spirit, and versatility to potential employers, enhancing your marketability and opening up new opportunities.
• Switch Up the Norm: A side hustle allows you to break away from the routine of your primary job. This variety can be refreshing and stimulating, helping to prevent boredom and burnout. Whether you’re pursuing a different passion, exploring a new industry, or experimenting with creative projects, having a side hustle can inject excitement and fulfillment into your life outside work.
• Build Your Network: Side hustles often involve interacting with different people and communities, which can expand your professional network. Whether you’re collaborating with clients, partners, or fellow freelancers, each connection presents an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from others, and potentially uncover new career prospects. Building a diverse network through your side hustle can provide valuable support, mentorship, and referrals in your professional journey.
• Channel Creativity: Side hustles offer a platform for expressing your creativity, passions, and interests outside your primary job. Whether it’s writing, photography, crafting, or any other form of expression, a side hustle can bring more meaning and fulfillment than your 9-to-5. This outlet can serve as a source of inspiration, relaxation, and personal growth, enriching your life beyond the confines of your main occupation.
• Increase Income: One of the most practical benefits of a side hustle is the extra money. Whether saving for a major purchase, paying off debt, or simply seeking financial security, the income from your side hustle can provide greater financial flexibility and stability. Likewise, having multiple streams of income can be a buffer against economic uncertainty and provide a safety net in case of job loss or another hardship.
Cons of a Side Hustle
On the other hand, these are the potential drawbacks of a side hustle:
• Less Time to Relax: Side hustles require time and effort, eroding your leisure time. Working 60+ hour weeks can lead to fatigue and even burnout. When juggling your day job, side hustle, and personal commitments causes you to lose sleep, your quality of life can become unsustainably low.
• Distraction from Work: A side hustle can encroach on your attention and focus during work hours. Constantly thinking about your other gig, responding to email, or taking calls while at your main job can detract from your performance. If colleagues or supervisors perceive your divided attention, this can also strain your professional relationships and undermine your credibility.
• Managing the Stress of Two Jobs: Managing the demands of a side hustle on top of your primary job and personal responsibilities can significantly increase stress. Deadlines, client expectations, financial pressures, and the need to constantly switch between different roles and tasks can elevate anxiety. Chronic stress associated with balancing multiple commitments can affect your mental and physical health over time.
• Sustainable Prices Can Be Elusive: Setting prices or negotiating rates for your side hustle services can be challenging, especially if you’re just getting started or dealing with imposter syndrome. Striking the right balance between competitiveness and fair compensation can be tricky, and you may encounter situations where clients or customers undervalue your work. Plus, breaking into a competitive market may require setting prices so low that you work at a loss for the first few months or even years. As a result, your side hustle may ding your budget instead of adding to it.
💡 Quick Tip: An online money tracker makes monitoring your spending a breeze: You can easily set up budgets, then get instant updates on your progress, spot upcoming bills, analyze your spending habits, and more.
When Does a Side Hustle Make Sense?
Several ingredients are key for a side hustle to make sense for your situation. First, it’s essential to have a clearly defined reason for pursuing a side hustle. For example, you may want to generate income, follow a creative impulse, or pave a path to a new career. This clarity of purpose will guide your efforts and motivate you throughout your side hustle journey.
Second thorough research is crucial to understanding the market, demand, competition, and potential challenges associated with your chosen side hustle. This is significant even if you don’t have financial aspirations for your other gig.
For example, if you’re interested in fitness, is your specific angle better suited for a blog or a YouTube channel? Will you create a social media presence to drive more traffic? What kind of value are you delivering to your audience?
In a different vein, if you want to become a rideshare driver, which company offers the best pay? Do you have a presentable vehicle that you’re willing to put miles on? Answering these kinds of questions will help you make informed decisions and set realistic expectations. Not doing your homework will likely bring a lack of results, monetary loss, and frustration.
Next, understand the time commitment your side hustle will require. For instance, a few hours of woodworking on the weekend is less demanding than taking a constant flow of orders on Etsy. If your schedule is already full to the brim from your primary job, family responsibilities, and personal pursuits, incorporating a side hustle can do more harm than good. Even if you work a side gig with your significant other, it’s not the same as spending quality time together.
Finally, your side hustle should fit into the larger picture of your goals and values. For instance, you might start a side hustle in order to build a $5,000 emergency fund. Or you could take a software engineering course in the evenings that will help you eventually switch careers. In any case, your side hustle should have specific benefits and point toward a defined objective. Otherwise, you’ll burn time without accomplishing much.
The Opportunity Cost of a Side Hustle
The “opportunity cost” of a side hustle depends upon the resources you invest. When you dedicate yourself to anything, you lose opportunities to engage in leisure activities, spend time with family and friends, and take vacations. In essence, the opportunity cost of a side hustle equals the value you place on other aspects of life that matter most.
Also ask yourself what is the financial cost of your side hustle? You might have to invest money to purchase materials or pay for marketing. You might also give up overtime at your primary job. That’s cash that could go into savings, investments, or paying off debt.
Likewise, your time could be going into skill development for your day job, leading to promotions or raises. Plus, your employer might sponsor specific types of professional development, resulting in free training that moves your career forward and increases your salary.
Ultimately, the opportunity cost of a side hustle varies depending on individual circumstances, goals, and priorities. It’s essential to carefully consider these factors and assess how the benefits of the side hustle compare to the time and money.
Examples of Side Hustles
While there are unusual ways to make money, side hustles are typically more accessible. Here are some side hustles that match with a range of backgrounds and skill sets:
• Freelancing: Offer services such as writing, graphic design, programming, bookkeeping, and more. You’ll take projects on a contract basis with multiple clients.
• Dog Walking: Providing exercise and companionship for dogs by taking them on walks on a regular or as-needed basis.
• Blogging: Creating and maintaining a consistent feed of valuable written content on a topic you love or have expertise in. Find out how much it costs to start and run a blog.
• Non-Medical Senior Care: Assisting elderly individuals with daily tasks (shopping, bathing, housework, etc.) and providing companionship to support their wellbeing.
• Babysitting: The tried-and-true income-generator for teenagers and adults alike. You’ll care for children in the evenings and on weekends when parents are busy or need a break.
• Personal Assistant: Providing administrative support and assistance to individuals or businesses. You’ll manage schedules, run errands, and handle correspondence. You can also be a virtual assistant and provide numerous essential services (bookkeeping, arranging travel, etc.), therefore creating a side hustle from home.
• Handyman: Offering services to repair, maintain, and improve residences. You can specialize in one or more areas: plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, or general home tasks.
• Crafting: Creating handmade goods and artwork, such as jewelry, clothing, and home décor, to sell online or at craft fairs.
• Cooking/Baking: Crafting you can eat! Get to work in the kitchen to make treats, desserts, or meal kits for sale.
• Private Tutor: Providing personalized academic instruction to students in a particular subject or skill, often on a one-on-one basis.
• Self-Publishing: Writing and publishing books or other written works independently, without the involvement of traditional publishing companies. Self-publishing is inexpensive because your work will be accessible as an ebook.
• Teaching Online Courses: Creating and delivering educational courses or tutorials on a specific topic via online platforms is another side hustle from home.
• Product Tester: Testing and reviewing products or services for companies or brands, often providing feedback and insights based on personal experience.
• E-Commerce: Selling products or services online through a website or online marketplace, which may involve sourcing or creating products, managing inventory, and handling customer inquiries and orders.
When Is a Side Hustle Not Worth It?
A side hustle may not be worthwhile because of the toll on your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Here are more specific ways that a side hustle can negatively impact your life:
• Burnout: Working an 8-hour job and dedicating 2 to 4 additional hours per day to your side hustle leaves little room for anything else. The demands of a side hustle can result in excessive stress, fatigue, and burnout.
• Missed Career Advancements: Devoting significant time and energy to a side hustle may detract from opportunities for advancement in your primary job. They can also keep you from visualizing a sustaining career. So if you’re in a job you don’t like, a side hustle can act as a bandage instead of a cure. It’s advisable to focus on switching vocations instead of supplementing your income through another unsatisfying side job.
• Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits: A demanding side hustle may lead to poor eating choices due to lack of time for meal prep, insufficient exercise, and disrupted sleep. Over time, these habits damage physical health and overall quality of life.
• Strained Relationships: Spending excessive time on a side hustle can strain relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Missing significant events or quality time with loved ones due to work commitments can lead to feelings of resentment and isolation.
• Financial Costs: Some side hustles require upfront investments of time and money, for purchasing inventory or equipment, marketing expenses, or training courses. If the return on investment does not justify these costs, the side hustle may not be financially sustainable in the long run.
• Not-So-Passive Income: Many side hustles require active participation and ongoing effort to generate income, which can limit scalability and long-term earning potential. Without the ability to create passive income streams, you’ll constantly trade time for money without achieving financial freedom.
• Neglecting Personal Growth: A side hustle that consumes all available time and energy may leave little room for hobbies or other interests. Over time, this can lead to stagnation and dissatisfaction with your lifestyle.
Side Hustle Tips
A side hustle can quickly get out of hand or detract from your life if you’re not careful. Here’s how to create a practical side hustle that serves your needs:
• Start Small: When beginning a side hustle, starting with manageable tasks or projects that don’t require a significant investment of time or resources is wise. Starting small allows you to test the waters, gain experience, and assess the viability of your chosen side hustle without taking on too much risk. As you gain confidence and experience, you can gradually expand and scale your side hustle over time.
• Play to Your Strengths: Identify your special skills, interests, and areas of expertise, and leverage them in your side hustle. By focusing on activities that align with your strengths, you’re more likely to enjoy the work, excel at it, and differentiate yourself from competitors. This approach also allows you to maximize your earning potential by offering high-value services or products that cater to a specific niche or market. Remember, this doesn’t mean you must stick to your current skill set. Your interests and abilities can also lead you to pick up new skills.
• Maintain Your Performance at Work: Balancing a side hustle with a full-time job means prioritizing high performance and professionalism in your primary job while pursuing your side hustle. To that end, it’s recommended to set boundaries for the time you dedicate to your side hustle and to manage your schedule efficiently. By maintaining your performance at work, you can preserve your job security and opportunities for advancement.
• Aim at a Goal Instead of a Job: Instead of treating your side hustle as just another job, set out to achieve specific goals or milestones that align with your long-term aspirations. Whether your goal is to generate additional income, pursue a passion project, or transition to full-time entrepreneurship, having a clear vision and purpose for your side hustle will keep you motivated and focused on what truly matters to you. By focusing on goals rather than simply exchanging time for money, you can create a more fulfilling and meaningful side hustle.
The Takeaway
Side hustles can be a bad idea when they damage your quality of life. While picking up a side gig can create more income, this result must be weighed against other priorities, including advancement in your day job, time dedicated to relationships, and alternatives that slowly but surely create passive income.
Asking yourself whether a side hustle is a good move might not be the most relevant question. Instead, you can ask yourself if a second job makes sense after developing a clear vision of the future.
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FAQ
Are side hustles risky?
Side hustles can be risky because of the opportunity cost of picking up extra work. Specifically, a side hustle can drain time and financial resources, add unmanageable stress to your life, and lead to worse quality of life because of the sacrifices required to work a second job. As a result, it’s essential to evaluate your circumstances and identify your goals before starting a side hustle.
Are side hustles a waste of time?
Side hustles can be an excellent way to generate more income, develop yourself professionally, or transition to a different career. However, they can also be a waste of time if you don’t set goals and create a realistic plan when starting. So a carefully planned side hustle that fits into the larger picture of your life can provide massive benefits, while picking up more work to simply stay busy can lead to missed opportunities in your professional and personal life.
Is starting a side hustle really worth it?
Starting a side hustle can be worth it for additional income, pursuing passions, or expanding your skill set. However, it requires careful consideration of the potential drawbacks, such as time constraints, increased stress, and the risk of hindering career advancement. Ultimately, the value of a side hustle depends on your aligning it with personal goals, managing resources effectively, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Photo credit: iStock/JLco – Julia Amaral
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*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Two-thirds of business owners who are mothers say creating generational wealth for their children is a major reason they launched their business, according to a survey of 1,000 mothers and business owners conducted for SoFi in March 2024. Nearly half (48%) also expect their kids to take over some day, intending to pass the business onto the next generation.
Even so, nearly half (42%) of entrepreneurs who are mothers feel they are treated differently by society than entrepreneurs who are fathers.
According to the latest Census data, women own 13.8 million businesses across the U.S., employing 10 million workers and generating $3.9 trillion in revenue. Those businesses make up 39.1% of all U.S. businesses, a 13.6% increase from 2019 to 2023, according to the Small Business Administration.
Many entrepreneurs who are mothers – or mompreneurs, a term that was coined in the 1990s – have a long-term plan to grow their business, with 86% of those who have another job saying they want to devote themselves full-time to their own company eventually. More than half are actively working to educate their children on being entrepreneurs themselves.
The challenges in finding a balance between work and home are genuine, however, with mompreneurs feeling shortchanged on both sleep and time to spend with family and friends. And two-thirds feel judged by others for pursuing their entrepreneurial goals while being a parent to begin with.
Source: Based on a survey conducted between March 18-24 2024, of 1,000 female business owners aged 18 and over who have at least one child and live in the U.S.
Young Children and Businesses?
Our survey showed 29% of the respondents said their oldest child was 6 to 10 years old when they started their business, followed by 15% saying their oldest child was a teenager between 13 and 18. Another 14% started their business when their oldest child was just 3 to 5 years old.
A majority (74%) of our respondents were married or living with a partner, and most of the respondents had one child or two. As for the children’s ages, 51% had kids between 5 and 13, and 34% had teenagers between 13 and 18.
Among our survey respondents, the largest age group (37%) was 35 to 44 and the second largest (27%) was 25 to 34. As for education, the largest group (33%) had a university degree, but those who had a high school degree (28%) came in a close second.
Living in the Present, Envisioning a Better Future
A majority of the mompreneurs in this survey said desires for financial independence and personal growth motivated them to launch their own business.
So has being a mother made it harder or easier to run a business? Survey respondents said being a parent enhanced their entrepreneurial skills in a myriad ways:
• Improved problem-solving skills: 60%
• Enhanced multitasking abilities: 51%
• Increased empathy and understanding: 46%
• Greater resilience in the face of challenges: 46%
Two-thirds of respondents (66%) said creating generational wealth for their children was a big reason for launching their business.
And nearly half (48%) said they are confident their children will take over their business eventually. Many mompreneurs are already phasing in their kids when it comes to learning about business.
When asked how they involve their children in entrepreneurial activities, the respondents answered this way (multiple selections were possible):
• Educating them about entrepreneurship: 55%
• Introducing them to the business environment: 43%
• Assigning age-appropriate tasks related to the business: 41%
• Including them in decision-making processes: 31%
Work-Life Balance: Can It Be Found?
Running a business and raising children are tasks that are hard enough, but nearly two-thirds (62%) of survey respondents said they have another job in addition to the business they own. Interestingly, 50% of those with household incomes under $100K don’t have a different job aside from their business, compared to 17% of those with household incomes of over $100K.
Incredibly, for those who had a full-time or part-time job apart from their own small business, 26% still spent between 20 and 30 hours per week on their own company.
Something has to give, timewise, and our survey broke it down. When asked what they have to sacrifice to balance entrepreneurship and parenthood, this is what our respondents said (multiple selections were possible):
• Sleep: 48%
• Spending time with friends and family: 48%
• Hobbies: 38%
• Exercise: 28%
• Diet: 21%
• None of the above – I don’t have to make any sacrifices: 16%
Asked what challenges female entrepreneurs who have children face, they answered as follows (multiple selection were possible):
• Balancing work and family time: 58%
• Balancing multiple roles: 42%
• Managing stress and burnout: 40%
• Access to funding or financial resources: 38%
• Overcoming societal expectations about mothers who start their own businesses: 26%
• Navigating discrimination or bias: 18%
Having help at home in the form of a partner or other adults can go a long way, but 37% of respondents, the largest group, said it was mostly them alone left with the mental load of home responsibilities. However, an even split between the respondent and their partner came in a close second at 35%.
When the mompreneurs did get help, the percentages broke down in interesting ways.
Here’s how partners and extended family members offered support (multiple selections were possible):
• Assisting with childcare during work hours: 30%
• Providing emotional support: 20%
• Collaborating on business-related tasks: 16%
• Helping with housework: 14%
• Offering financial assistance: 11%
In terms of stress relief, respondents said they balanced self-care with roles as parent and entrepreneur:
• Participating in hobbies or leisure activities: 51%
• Scheduled breaks and downtime: 47%
• Regular exercise or physical activity: 45%
• Seeking professional help or counseling: 40%
Gender Disparities Revealed
While women-owned businesses are more prevalent in America than ever before, our respondents said that they experience inequity.
More than two in five respondents (42%) said they felt that entrepreneurs who are mothers are treated differently than entrepreneurs who are fathers. Only one in five (21%) said they thought mothers and fathers who owned business were treated equally.
More than 60% of mompreneurs said they felt “judged by others for pursuing entrepreneurial goals while being a parent.”
Making matters worse, the respondents said that this disapproval came into play if they sought financial support to grow their business.
When asked if they felt that being an entrepreneur and parent has affected their access to venture capital or other forms of financial support for their business, they answered:
• Yes: 43%
• No: 34%
• I haven’t tried to secure additional funding for my business: 21%
The Takeaway
Women own 13.8 million businesses in the United States, making up 39.1% of all businesses. Their numbers keep growing, yet nearly half of these mompreneurs feel society treats them differently than owners who are fathers, and balancing work and home is a challenge.
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The median annual salary for pediatricians is $198,420, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are many different paths a doctor can take when it comes to choosing their medical specialty. Doctors who enjoy helping children feel their best and live healthy lives will likely find a lot of fulfillment in their jobs.
To learn more about how much a pediatrician makes a year, keep reading.
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What Are Pediatricians?
A pediatrician is a type of doctor who provides medical care to children ranging from infancy to adolescence. They specialize in diagnosing and treating injuries, developmental issues, and illnesses children commonly experience. From routine exams to issuing vaccines to providing medicine to sick children, pediatricians can help.
The path to becoming a pediatrician can be a long and expensive one. Typically, that means college, medical school, a residency, and possibly a fellowship. Medical school can easily cost $250,000 in tuition. It’s wise to consider this investment when pursuing a career as a pediatrician. Many doctors have a high amount of medical school debt when starting out.
Also, keep in mind that being a pediatrician involves interacting with children and their families all day. This may not therefore be the best job for introverts. 💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.
How Much Do Starting Pediatricians Make a Year?
While pediatricians can eventually earn very competitive salaries, like any job, they tend to earn less when they are entry-level. The lowest 10% of earners in this role make just $75,670, which is significantly lower than the median annual salary for all physicians of $198,420.
What is the Average Salary for a Pediatrician?
On average, a pediatrician can make a salary that is considerably higher than the American average for all jobs. Where a pediatrician chooses to work can greatly impact how much a pediatrician earns. This is a quick glance at the annual mean wage for a variety of workplaces where a pediatrician may be employed:
• Offices of physicians: $203,690
• General medical and surgical hospitals: $180,790
• Outpatient care centers: $232,420
• Colleges, universities, and professional schools: $84,810
• Specialty (except psychiatric and substance abuse) hospitals: $201,100.
Another factor that also affects pediatrician earning potential is the state the doctor works in. This table below highlights how average pediatrician salaries vary by state, with typical pay arranged from highest to lowest by location.
In addition, it shares how much a pediatrician’s hourly pay vs, salary is.
What is the Average Pediatrician Salary by State for 2023
State
Annual Salary
Monthly Pay
Weekly Pay
Hourly Wage
Oregon
$222,171
$18,514
$4,272
$106.81
Alaska
$221,079
$18,423
$4,251
$106.29
North Dakota
$221,044
$18,420
$4,250
$106.27
Massachusetts
$218,405
$18,200
$4,200
$105.00
Hawaii
$216,375
$18,031
$4,161
$104.03
Washington
$211,404
$17,617
$4,065
$101.64
Nevada
$209,030
$17,419
$4,019
$100.50
South Dakota
$208,910
$17,409
$4,017
$100.44
Colorado
$206,290
$17,190
$3,967
$99.18
Rhode Island
$205,782
$17,148
$3,957
$98.93
New York
$196,083
$16,340
$3,770
$94.27
Delaware
$193,921
$16,160
$3,729
$93.23
Vermont
$191,477
$15,956
$3,682
$92.06
Virginia
$191,115
$15,926
$3,675
$91.88
Illinois
$191,057
$15,921
$3,674
$91.85
Maryland
$187,806
$15,650
$3,611
$90.29
Nebraska
$183,797
$15,316
$3,534
$88.36
Missouri
$182,659
$15,221
$3,512
$87.82
California
$182,152
$15,179
$3,502
$87.57
South Carolina
$181,082
$15,090
$3,482
$87.06
Pennsylvania
$179,627
$14,968
$3,454
$86.36
New Jersey
$179,258
$14,938
$3,447
$86.18
Oklahoma
$177,994
$14,832
$3,422
$85.57
Maine
$177,900
$14,825
$3,421
$85.53
Wisconsin
$177,526
$14,793
$3,413
$85.35
North Carolina
$177,345
$14,778
$3,410
$85.26
New Hampshire
$174,681
$14,556
$3,359
$83.98
Idaho
$174,250
$14,520
$3,350
$83.77
Texas
$173,077
$14,423
$3,328
$83.21
Kentucky
$172,518
$14,376
$3,317
$82.94
Wyoming
$171,910
$14,325
$3,305
$82.65
Minnesota
$171,467
$14,288
$3,297
$82.44
Michigan
$170,777
$14,231
$3,284
$82.10
New Mexico
$170,501
$14,208
$3,278
$81.97
Indiana
$169,638
$14,136
$3,262
$81.56
Ohio
$166,670
$13,889
$3,205
$80.13
Arizona
$166,130
$13,844
$3,194
$79.87
Connecticut
$165,286
$13,773
$3,178
$79.46
Mississippi
$164,126
$13,677
$3,156
$78.91
Iowa
$163,921
$13,660
$3,152
$78.81
Montana
$163,627
$13,635
$3,146
$78.67
Arkansas
$163,030
$13,585
$3,135
$78.38
Alabama
$161,584
$13,465
$3,107
$77.68
Utah
$159,236
$13,269
$3,062
$76.56
Tennessee
$159,121
$13,260
$3,060
$76.50
Kansas
$154,538
$12,878
$2,971
$74.30
Georgia
$150,529
$12,544
$2,894
$72.37
Louisiana
$149,706
$12,475
$2,878
$71.97
West Virginia
$138,728
$11,560
$2,667
$66.70
Florida
$133,219
$11,101
$2,561
$64.05
Source: ZipRecruiter
Pediatrician Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits
Alongside earning a $100,000 salary or more, most pediatricians also receive superior employee benefits. If a pediatrician runs their own practice, they will need to supply themselves and their employees with these benefits.
Those who are employed by employers like hospitals or medical groups can expect to gain access to benefits like paid time off, health insurance, and retirement accounts. They may also have unique benefits like continuing education allowances and malpractice insurance coverage. 💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
Pros and Cons of Pediatrician Salary
The main advantage associated with competitive pay for pediatricians is that they are quite high. With a median salary of $198,420, pediatricians are greatly rewarded for their hard work.
However, they must pursue many years of higher education to earn that salary. Many young doctors struggle under the weight of their student loan payments. So, while this salary may seem high at first glance, much of it can go towards student loan debt initially.
It’s also worthwhile to consider work-life balance. Being a pediatrician and improving the health of children can be a very rewarding career, but it can also involve long, tiring hours and being on call for patients on nights and weekends. Medical problems and emergencies crop up all the time, so this is a factor to acknowledge.
Recommended: How Much House Can I Afford?
The Takeaway
Pediatricians can earn very high pay while making a big difference in the lives of their patients and their families. They do have to commit to many years of schooling and education to become a pediatrician, but once they do, they can earn a great living.
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FAQ
Can you make 100k a year as a pediatrician?
Most pediatricians make $100,000 a year or more, especially after gaining a few years of work experience. The median annual salary for a pediatrician is $198,420.
Do people like being a pediatrician?
Pursuing a career in pediatric medicine is a major commitment and those who are passionate about this field and patient care are likely to really enjoy their work. However, this role requires many hours of patient interaction a day, so even if someone finds the work fascinating, it won’t be a good fit for them if they are antisocial.
Is it hard to get hired as a pediatrician?
The main challenge in getting hired as a pediatrician surrounds not having the right credentials. Potential pediatricians must pursue medical school and any required medical licenses in order to find a job in this field, which is no easy feat.
Photo credit: iStock/alvarez
SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.
*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.