5 Reasons Proofreading Is a Great Second Job

By Emily Numa
Nov 02, 2022
3 min read

If you have a job but have been searching for a way to supplement your income from home, proofreading may be the answer. As a second job, proofreading checks a lot of boxes: it’s flexible, has low start-up costs, and you can do it remotely from anywhere in the world. And, depending on your career goals, you can even turn a proofreading side business into a full-time job. If this piques your interest, keep reading to learn more about what makes proofreading an ideal second job.

1. You Can Set Your Own Schedule

If you’re a student or have a demanding career, it can be difficult to make time for a side hustle. Proofreading allows you to work as much or as little as you want – you choose the clients and workload you’re comfortable with. Working from home also gives you a lot of flexibility: you can pick up work in the evenings, on the weekends, or whenever you have a few extra hours. And if your job is seasonal or has slower periods (like if you have summers off as a teacher), you can pick up extra work during those times.

2. Proofreading Could Help You Succeed in Your Current Job

Most industries produce some form of written content that requires proofreading. Whether you work in a lab or a library, improving your written language skills will be beneficial to your career. So, by training as a freelance proofreader, you’ll be earning additional income, impressing your coworkers, and advancing your professional goals.

3. It Requires Minimal Startup Costs

Proofreading is a great budget-friendly side job – the upfront costs are minimal, and you probably already have most of what you need to get started. To successfully freelance as a proofreader, you really only need a laptop or desktop computer, word-processing software (such as Microsoft Word), and a reliable internet connection. You don’t need a specialized degree, but you will need excellent grammar skills and a sharp eye for detail.

4. The Work Is Interesting

If you love to read and expand your knowledge base, proofreading may appeal to you. It’s reading, after all – reading with a critical eye to spot errors and flag inconsistencies. As a proofreader, you get to read and learn about a variety of interesting subjects – from accounting to zoology!

5. You Can Proofread While You Travel

One big perk of being a freelance proofreader is that you can do it from home – and while it’s nice to be at home, it’s also nice to occasionally vary your work environment. Freelance proofreading gives you the freedom to travel the globe while you earn extra income, and since it offers flexible hours, you’ll have plenty of time to see the sights on your time off.

Become A Proofreader

If you’re a busy professional who’s interested in supplementing your income with a rewarding and flexible second job, consider training as a proofreader. Our Becoming A Proofreader course will provide you with all the skills you’ll need to launch your side business and start earning money

And if you pass our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses with a distinction score of at least 80%, you’re guaranteed work with our partner company, Proofed. Sign up for a free trial today!