4 Easy Ways to Let Your Native Language Work for You
Posted by Whether you’re monolingual, bilingual, or multilingual, your native language (or the combination of the languages that you know) is valuable to someone somewhere in the world, so why not make money off of something that you do everyday: speaking.
While it’s not always easy to find a second job for extra income, to find work as a freelancer who wants to travel the world, or to tap into new professional challenges, it’s definitely worth the effort. Not only do you learn new skills, but you meet new people, grow in new ways professionally, and may even earn additional income to travel or improve other skills. So, here are four insanely easy ways to begin making money off of your language abilities right now.
1. Offer to tutor in your language privately or in a small group setting
Photo via Flickr
Not only is small-group or private touring great for expanding your skill set, it’s also a great way to meet new individuals at a local university or language institute. Because language skills are always in demand, they can yield a significant amount of income (depending, of course, on your experience level). Check to see if you qualify to become a private, in-person tutor, and get started earning today.
Are you trying to learn a new language? Take a free placement test to see how your level stacks up!
2. Begin tutoring in your language via online platforms
Perhaps you want to work online from the comfort of your own home instead of at an institute. If so, there are several opportunities online for those who wish to be nomadic, or even those who just want to earn extra income for their next big trip. Regardless of the reason, online tutoring is a great way to boost your own portfolio and put your language skills to use.
Photo via Pixabay
If you currently live in a country where your native language is already spoken – and you haven’t quite mastered another language yet – this may be the better option to consider. There are several positions and opportunities available for native speakers of several languages online, and it’s a much more global market.
3. Freelance write or edit for companies that need content in your target language(s)
Like with online tutoring, the world wide web is overflowing with job opportunities. And, you don’t have to be a language expert or PhD candidate to qualify for most of them. One opportunity in particular is freelance writing or editing for companies that need to develop and market content in your native language. While the freelance content market isn’t easy to crack, once you develop business contacts, it can be a very rewarding field to work in. And, it gives you freedom while developing several highly sought-after professional skills.
Check out PeoplePerHour or Upwork for some ideas.
4. Look for opportunities to move abroad to teach children or adults your language as a native speaker
Photo via Flickr
Are you looking for a more radical way to use your native language? If so, consider moving abroad to volunteer, teach your language, or work in continuing education with professionals across the globe. Again, this is the more extreme option for putting your language skills to use, but it’s definitely a way to see the world, utilize your native tongue, and get paid for it.
How do you capitalize on your language(s)? Share with us below in the comments!