How to Earn an Income Online (Even if You’re Just Getting Started)

Why This Matters

Imagine earning money while living in the Caribbean, exploring Europe, or simply working from your kitchen table. Online income makes that possible, even if you’re just starting out. You don’t need years of experience or advanced skills to begin, you just need to take the first step.

Here are three simple paths to building both money freedom and location freedom.

1. Side Hustles You Can Start Right Now

Side hustles are great for beginners since they require little setup and can bring in quick cash. This is how I started making money online is with side hustles.

Examples:

• Online tutoring (teaching English or other skills)

• E-commerce stores (shirts, mugs, journals)

• Creating short-form content on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Instagram Reels

Scenario: If you like to travel become a online English teacher. You can find jobs for $15–$20 an hour, this can help cover expenses while exploring new countries.

2. Freelancing to Leverage Your Skills

Freelancing lets you turn skills like writing, design, or coding into steady income. This is another way I got started. I was freelancing managing social media platforms

Where to start:

• Upwork or Fiverr for first projects (My first project was on Upwork and I earned over $20,000 USD in my 1st year on the platform)

• LinkedIn outreach for direct client connections

• Niche platforms such as Toptal for developers

Pro tip: Specialize. For example, a writer who focuses on real-estate blogs will land more clients than someone offering general writing. The more niche you can be the easier it will be to find opportunities

Scenario: Become a Social Media Manager. In Dominican Republic you can make $100/week per client managing social media accounts for small businesses. All you need is 5 clients and this is enough to cover local living costs while enjoying island life.

3. Remote Income Streams for Long-Term Freedom

Once you’ve built experience, the goal becomes income that doesn’t depend on your time.

Options include:

• Affiliate marketing - This is a great way to earn income. It’s not easy but once you figure it out, it’s almost like printing money.

• Online courses or coaching - If you have a specialized skill, remember there is always someone out there that would like learn.

• Digital products like e-books, templates, or guides - E-books are great I’ve made extra income just by selling e-books online.

• Remote employment with global companies - This is the ideal way to go starting out, if you can find a company that needs your skill set. This one is not easy either, but very possible. Remember its a numbers game, keep applying.

Scenario: An expat builds a finance course and earns a few thousand dollars per month in mostly passive income, giving them more freedom to travel and live abroad.

Create Your Global Lifestyle

Earning online isn’t only about money, it’s about designing a life on your terms. Even $1,000–$2,000 per month can cover living costs in places like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, or Thailand. By stacking side hustles, freelance projects, and passive streams, you create a sustainable lifestyle that supports you, not the other way around.

Your Next Step

Start small pick one online income path and take action this week. Every step brings you closer to a life you don’t need a vacation from.

Which path are you most excited to try first? Hit reply and let me know, I’d love to hear from you.

Until then,
🌴 Live Your Best Life
Jay