Having a job that aligns with your values will bring authenticity to your life. If you value minimalism and simple living, you’ll want to find a job that is flexible and provides a healthy work life balance. Luckily, there are plenty of jobs out there that check off these boxes. In this post, I’ll be sharing the best jobs for minimalists and simple living.
But first, let’s discuss what it means to lead a simple and minimal life.
What Does It Mean to Lead a Life of Simplicity?
Leading a simple and minimal life means letting go of consumerist ideals and embracing a slower paced lifestyle. It means appreciating the small stuff and being fully present in the little things you do everyday.
Those who life a simple and minimal life avoid using appliances and other conveniences. They do this in an effort to slow things down that most people aim to speed up (like doing chores or commuting to work).
Someone living a simple and minimal life may avoid watching television while they eat so that they are more present during their meals. They may wash their clothes by hand instead of throwing a load into a washing machine. They may even choose to walk or bike to work instead of drive.
These are just a few ways to lead a life of simplicity.
Simple Living & Work
You may be thinking, how can I apply the principles of simple living to my professional life?
It’s simple. Look for a job with:
- Work / Life Balance
- Meaningful Work
- Good Company Ethics
- Low Stress
- A Livable Wage
Luckily, there are several job types that align with these values!
Best Job Types for Simple Living
1. Freelance
A freelance job is one where a person is self-employed, working for themselves rather than for an organization. They typically do small jobs for individuals or companies on a per diem basis or for a fixed price.
The benefit of this type of work is that you are ultimately your own boss! You can make your own schedule, choose exactly how many hours you want to work and do what you love.
If you are skilled in graphic design, digital marketing, copywriting or programming, there are plenty of freelancing websites out there for you to find work. The most popular is Fiverr, Upwork and Freelancer.
2. Contract
A contract job is one where a person is hired on for a specific timeframe or for the duration of a project. These professionals are usually brought on to fill a temporary shortage or because they are experts in a niche.
Taking on contract work has several benefits. For one, flexibility. You are only required to work the length of your contract. This can be a great perk for someone who prefers to work hard for a few months and then have a few months off.
Keep in mind that because contract workers are temporarily employed, they aren’t given benefits. On the plus side, companies pay contract workers more than salaried employees because they aren’t given PTO or health insurance.
Making more per hour means you have the option to work less if you decide you want to!
3. Seasonal
A seasonal job is exactly what it sounds like. It’s temporary employment that is hired for seasonally.
Seasonal jobs are very low stress and flexible. Plus, if you need to relocate for a seasonal job, the company will typically provide housing as well.
There are plenty of seasonal jobs out there. Some popular ones include lifeguarding, camp counseling and farming. If you’re outdoorsy, consider working seasonally at a National Park!
CoolWorks provides incredible opportunities to work all over the US. Their mission is to connect people with meaningful and life changing seasonal work opportunities. Check out their website if you’re in search of a new opportunity!
4. Remote
Working remotely simply means working from home.
Remote jobs aren’t reserved for self proclaimed digital nomads or entrepreneurs anymore either! Plenty of Fortune 500 companies (and smaller organizations) are hiring 100% remote workers.
By working remotely you save time commuting to and from work, can eat lunch in the comfort of your own home (no more microwaved lunches in the break room) and have a more flexible schedule!
For those who want to live a simpler life, remote work is a dream come true.
5. Hospitality
Hospitality jobs support people who are traveling or going out for entertainment. Think restaurant and hotel jobs.
The benefit to working in hospitality is that most positions offer great flexibility and are low stress. You also make tips which means that you can make a pretty substantial hourly wage.
All of these job types align with simple living and minimalist values. Keep reading to find out exactly what jobs you can find in these categories!
Best Jobs for Simple Living
No matter where your interests lye, here are the best jobs for minimalists and simple living.
for Creative people
- Copywriter
- Blogger
- Graphic Designer
- Tattoo Artist
- Photographer
- Welder
for People who like technology
- Software Developer
for people who like people
- Server / Bartender
- Virtual Assistant
- Substitute Teacher
- Travel Nurse
- Baby Sitter / Nanny
For people who like nature and animals
- Farmhand
- Dog Walker
Which of these jobs resonates with you most?
Keep reading to learn more about each career path and why it aligns with minimalism and simple living!
1. Copywriter
If you enjoy writing, reading or storytelling, becoming a copywriter can be a very meaningful career path for you!
Copywriters produce text that is engaging for readers. Their work is typically displayed on websites, social media platforms and print ads.
As a copywriter you can book freelance jobs, work on a contract basis or be employed by an organization. There are plenty of remote copywriting opportunities as well!
According to Builtin.com, the average salary for a Copywriter in the US is $69,846. Not too shabby!
2. Blogger
Do you love writing but only about things you’re interested in? Trust me, I can relate. That’s why I decided to start my blog!
Blogging is a hobby for most, but with the right work ethic and determination, it can be a well paying career as well.
You can monetize your blog by placing ads, getting sponsored by companies and embedding affiliate links throughout your site.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to how much money you can make blogging. Some bloggers easily take home three figures, while others barely make a livable wage.
There are many variables that determine the success of your blog. Luckily, there are resources and courses on the internet to learn from.
With the proper motivation, I truly believe anyone can become a successful blogger!
3. Graphic Designer
Do you love art and technology? If so, becoming a graphic designer may be the perfect fit for you!
Graphic designers are visual storytellers. They create typography, logos and print ads that are used for marketing and advertising.
Graphic designers can book freelance jobs, contract jobs or work for an organization. Most graphic designers choose to work remotely as well!
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most graphic designers make around $53,380 a year.
Although this isn’t the highest paying job, you can always take on additional freelance work to supplement your pay.
4. Photographer
Are you always snapping photos at parties? Is your signature look a camera around your neck? If so, consider turning your love for photography into a career.
To be a good photographer, you need to embrace minimalist and simple living values.
Most photographers take photos of simple, everyday moments. Seeing the beauty in simple, seemingly meaningless moments is what minimalism is all about.
Not only does a photographer’s mindset align with simple living, the job supports a minimal lifestyle too.
Photographers can work freelance, remote, seasonally and on a contract basis. The job provides so much flexibility.
According to the BLS, photographers make an average of $42,770 in the U.S. Becoming a photographer won’t make you a millionaire but it will provide a meaningful and flexible living.
5. Tattoo Artist
If you love art and tattoo culture, becoming a tattoo artist is one of the best jobs for minimalists.
When tattooing, you need to be fully present with your client. You need to be mindful and intentional.
As a tattoo artist you also have lots of flexibility since you can typically book your own clients. The money is good and the job is rewarding and meaningful!
According to Zippia, Tattoo artists make $51,867 per year on average in the US. The top 10% can make three figures!
6. Welder
Trade jobs can be very rewarding for minimalists.
You’ll never have to take your work home with you. While you’re at work, it’s just you and your craft. No work politics, no distractions, just the task at hand.
Welders use heavy machinery that emits high heat to melt metal into shapes. They fabricate metal sculptures, parts and repair damaged metal structures.
This type of work can be physically demanding but very rewarding if you enjoy working with your hands.
As a welder you can take contract, seasonal or freelance work. The pay for welding jobs can vary depending on the specialization and different risk factors.
Reference this breakdown from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information.
7. Software Developer
If you enjoy technology, becoming a software developer may be the perfect career for you.
If you are analytical, look into back end development.
As a back end developer, you will be writing code that makes a website or application function. This requires zero artistic ability, perfect for someone who is ‘left-brained’.
On the flip side, if you are creative, front end development may be better suited for you.
As a front end developer, you will be writing code that effects the way a website or application looks. Writing this type of code is much more creative and perfect for a ‘right-brained’ person.
As a minimalist, becoming a software developer can prove to be a very rewarding career. The money is great, which means you can work less than 40 hours a week and still make a very comfortable living. There are also plenty of remote work opportunities within the field.
According to US News, software developers made an average of $110,140 in 2020 in the US.
8. Server / Bartender
If you’re a people person, consider becoming a server or bartender.
This is what I’m currently doing and I’ve found that it aligns perfectly with my minimalist values. Here’s why!
Serving and bartending shifts are typically pretty short. Shifts range between 5/6 hours. With tips, I make a very good hourly wage. As a result, I’m able to work less and I have more time to do the things I love.
On average, I make about $25-$40 an hour. But, keep in mind that this number can range depending on where you work and live.
Although serving tables may not seem like the most meaningful job in the world, I think you can find meaning in any job. It’s all about your mindset.
When I’m serving, I try and get to know my customers as best as I can. Many of them have come in to celebrate a birthday, an accomplishment, or to spend time with the people that they love. I have the power to shape their experience. I can give them a positive, memorable experience or a negative one depending on my attitude.
When I go into work, my goal is to give every customer a memorable dining experience. Seeing the power that my simple job holds, gives it meaning.
9. Virtual Assistant
If you enjoy helping people and want to work from home, becoming a virtual assistant is one of the best jobs for minimalists.
Virtual assistants work freelance or on a contract basis. They perform a variety of administrative tasks ranging from answering emails and phone calls to scheduling meetings.
According to ZipRecruiter.com, virtual assistants make about $59,888 a year in the US.
10. Substitute Teacher
If you love working with kids, consider becoming a substitute teacher! This can be a great side hustle, or full time gig depending on how much time you want to invest into it.
Unlike a full-time teacher, substitute teachers don’t need to take their work home with them. No grading essays until 12am or angry phone calls from parents on weekends.
The job is also very flexible! Substitute teachers can choose to work on a part-time basis or accept longer-term openings if they’re available.
Substitute teachers typically won’t make more than minimum wage but the bright side is that most states don’t require substitute teachers to have schooling past a high-school diploma to get certified! This makes it a great option for anyone who doesn’t have a higher education
Do you make minimum wage? Click here to learn how to comfortably live on $2000 a month!
11. Travel Nurse
If you want to work in the medical field, travel nursing is one of the best jobs for minimalists.
Travel nurses work on a contract basis. A hospital or staffing agency hires travel nurses to fill any vacancies they may have.
There are many benefits to being a travel nurse. For one, the money. According to BLS, the average travel nurse makes about $51 per hour. They are also offered free housing if they work at least 50 miles from home. That hourly, plus free housing is not too shabby. Wouldn’t you say?
Travel nurses also have so much flexibility. Contract lengths range, but they are typically between 6 and 12 months. After the contract is up, travel nurses can take as much time as they need between contracts.
12. Baby Sitter / Nanny
Not only is becoming a nanny or baby sitter a great option if you love working with kids, it is also one of the best jobs for minimalists.
If you’ve every worked with kids, you would agree that they are arguably the most simple minded beings.
Kids can entertain themselves with virtually anything. If you give a kid a stick, they’ll play with it for hours. This type of energy can be very infectious.
If you want to become a more simple minded person, learn from the kids in your life.
Being a baby sitter or nanny is very flexible as well. You can set your own rates and your own schedule!
13. Farmhand
If you love being outside, consider becoming a farmhand for a season. You’ll literally see the fruits of your labor!
The best place to find a job is through WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms). When you create an account through their website, you will have access to a network of potential hosts.
The way wwoofing works is simple. You work on a host’s land in exchange for lodging and sometimes a small hourly wage too! It’s an incredible opportunity to reconnect with nature.
If you’re a wine lover like myself, working a wine harvest is another great seasonal work opportunity.
Harvest is the time of year when wine grapes are harvested/picked and brought to the cellar to start making wine! During this time, vineyards need lots of extra hands. The work is simple but very rewarding.
14. Dog Walker
Are you a dog lover?! If so, consider becoming a dog walker! It’s one of the best job for minimalists.
Dog walkers make their own schedules, have tons of flexibility, and have the potential to make a killer living. Check out this video about Ryan Stewart, a New York dog walker who makes $100,000 a year!
Final Thoughts
There you have it! The best jobs for minimalists and simple living.
Keep in mind that you can apply minimalist principles to any job. You don’t need to quit your current job and pick one from this list to be a true minimalist.
Instead, work on being more present at work and find meaning in what you do, regardless of how simple it may seem.
Thanks for reading!
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