Latest news with #freelance
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
3 ChatGPT Prompts To Make Money While Traveling In 2025
Travel around the world and working as a digital nomad unleashes creativity, so your career and ... More freelance business can thrive It's almost the peak of the summer, and that means PTO. Time with family and the kids, traveling abroad for a friend's destination wedding, or just that well-deserved solo adventure to explore the world and meet new people and cultures. But unfortunately, while you're 'out of office,' the world doesn't stop. You're likely racking up bills and expenses, and might even run through your credit cards just so you're able to have a good time. When you come back, there's the grim reality of work, probably a job you hate working in anyway. And if you're reading this and can barely afford to travel on vacation this summer, chances are you've always wished you could just pack your bags and explore, and make money while doing it. You've seen Instagram reels and TikTok videos of influencers and self-proclaimed experts showing off their glam lifestyles, having meetings while they sip coffee at a buzzing yet chilled café in Barcelona, or completing projects from the top of a mountain or at the beach. And you've always put that off as, 'That's not practical for me right now,' or 'If only I could make money while I travel too.' Last year, I had the rare opportunity to travel to the beautiful tropical island of St. Lucia in the Caribbean--not once, not twice, but three times! I fell in love with the place so much that in May this year, I finally packed up all my belongings in the U.K., closed everything down, and moved internationally as a digital nomad to stay in St. Lucia for a few years. If I was working at a traditional 9-5 job, I wouldn't have been able to achieve this level of freedom. But since I have the ability to monetize my skills online independently of a job, I was able to generate multiple income streams and launch new services and products, even while traveling, vacationing part of the time, or lounging on the patio. Making money while touring traveling and living on your own terms, without being tied to location, is possible. The fastest way to get a work-from-anywhere remote job is to be strategic, use AI as your business partner/assistant, and understand the power of leverage. Here are some ChatGPT prompts you can use to fund your next vacation…or even better, so you can live your dream of traveling and working as a digital nomad, without the restrictions of an employer who doesn't allow remote working from a specific country, or even permit WFH at all. Try this ChatGPT workflow to generate income while you're on the move: Create a step-by-step guide for [specific pain-point your target audience is facing]. Incorporate my brand voice into the guide. For your information, my brand voice is [describe your personality and brand voice, i.e. witty, empowering, casual, motivational, personal, practical, etc.] Why this prompt works: This ChatGPT prompt will help you go from ideation (having a great idea stuck in your head) to actually putting on paper…well, e-paper anyway. You get the point. From there, you can customize and tweak it, then design it on Canva. You don't need a designer's eye or design experience to make it visually appealing either, because Canva has plenty of templates to work from. And if you're not too impressed by the templates, you can start from scratch and ask ChatGPT to give you mock-ups and ideas for the design and layout. Once created, you can sell as a digital product online, and promote it across your website, LinkedIn, your blog, and anywhere else that your business is visible. But this step alone is not enough. Let's move to prompt two: What should I price a guide like this? Also please give me a funnel outline that leads my target clients from purchasing the guide (or obtaining it for free as a lead magnet) to a higher-tier paid offer. Why this prompt works: You want to ensure you're positioning yourself and your offer in a way that does not leave money on the table. You can ask follow-up questions to further understand pricing strategy and to figure out what makes sense for the guide you're offering. You could sell it for $9, $15, even $29--but it's up to you to figure out what works and most importantly, why. Don't just take ChatGPT's answer for what it is. Keep prodding it with questions and research what others in your niche (or similar) are charging. Finally, with the funnel aspect of this prompt, this ensures that if you're offering the resource as a free lead magnet, you have a clear idea of where your audience would be guided to next, and what they would be charged for. You'd then need to think about what automation and systems need to be in place so that you can get paid, even if you're not physically present, because the whole idea is to have a system that runs without you so you can travel and enjoy life, instead of being tied to your job all day. Develop a 30-day marketing and engagement plan to help me market [name of step-by-step guide] to my target audience, using these channels [list one or two social media platforms like LinkedIn, email marketing, etc.]. Include the different types of posts or content I'd need to write and create, and what times they need to be scheduled for. Why this prompt works: If you set in motion a solid marketing strategy before you decide to fly out, your business will effectively run on autopilot. You'll have posts scheduled way in advance so you won't need to worry about posting while you're traveling. All you'll need to do is engage with your network and respond to comments and requests that come through. Now, to set expectations clearly: this ChatGPT prompt strategy isn't going to make you a millionaire overnight, absolutely not. However, it starts the process and halves your work and production time, so you can start making passive income from your expertise and solve real problems with your skills, without needing to work long hours, overtime, or worry about work or money while on vacation. When done right and executed with consistency, you set the wheels in motion so you can eventually get to the point where your "step-by-step guide" or whatever else you decide to create as a digital product, kicks off an entirely new career…one where you're not a slave to your desk, but you're free to travel, work as a digital nomad like I did, and genuinely enjoy life. Here are a couple of things to beware of when starting to build passive income with ChatGPT: Ready to embark on a journey of adventure and live your dream life, working from whatever location you wish and earning while you travel? Here's a quick recap of what we discussed in this article, so you can start building this lifestyle for yourself now: To make money while traveling, plan, schedule, batch create, and automate Do I need to be a tech expert to make money from ChatGPT prompts? No you don't. These prompts can be copied into your ChatGPT chat and adapted to your specific needs and industry vertical. Can I make money from traveling? Yes, you can monetize your existing skills while traveling, or take inspiration from your travels and start a travel blog/vlog, or host retreats and workshops around the world.
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
11 Ways To Use ChatGPT To Make Money Online In 2025
Almost everywhere you look on the internet, there's a very curious pattern: AI-generated content, articles, and LinkedIn posts that are stripped of personality, depth of thought, or anything unique. Faceless videos with AI voices that clearly sound robotic and lack soul. And if you Google 'how to make money with AI' you'll likely see the same recycled tactics recommended over and over. Everyone is copying the AI trend (or following the alternative trend of making lengthy posts bashing those who are caught using AI red-handed) and it creates an environment where nothing feels real, authentic, or original anymore. 'Thought leadership' is not what it used to be. Many professionals tend to align themselves on either the pro-AI side or the extremely cautious, don't use AI-at-all side, when in reality the best approach is to be balanced with both. Instead of using AI as a replacement and hiding behind it, use it strategically as an assistant to get you where you need to be in your career faster. In this guide, you'll find 21 scalable and unique ideas to make money online from the everyday skills and expertise that you apply at work, without coming off as a fraud. Word of caution: you'll need to avoid the below pitfalls like the plague, or they could cost you your credibility as a freelance professional, and your revenue too. ChatGPT and AI tools aren't magic. But when you pair them with consistent execution, a service or product that people clearly need, and your own expertise, you can achieve exceptional results in your freelance career. Can I really make money with AI? Of course you can. Pair it with your knowledge and skills and you'll witness exponential results. Do I need to know how to code? No, you don't need coding skills and you don't need to be into tech to profit from AI tools like ChatGPT. You can keep it simple and create products without needing advanced technical know-how.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Meta's $14 Billion Message: The Undervalued Power Of Open Talent
Meta's $14B investment in Scale AI sends a clear message: in the new era of work, flexible access to ... More open talent is a strategic advantage, not a side bet. When Meta invested nearly $15 billion in Scale AI, most headlines framed it as a bold play in artificial intelligence. I saw something else: a long-overdue revaluation of open talent. In mid-2025, Meta acquired a 49% stake in Scale AI, valuing the data-labeling startup just shy of $30 billion. This wasn't about acquiring cutting-edge IP or next-gen infrastructure. It was a purchase of capacity, of access. What Meta really bought was the ability to flex. Scale AI, at its core, is a freelance platform. Its strength lies in mobilizing tens of thousands of distributed workers to label, fine-tune, and validate the data that fuels large language models (LLMs). These aren't full-time employees. They're on-demand contributors, logging in, doing the work, and logging off. But they're vital to AI's evolution, and to Meta's ability to compete in this new era. Meta didn't just invest in AI. It invested in a new model of work. And in doing so, it may have finally signaled to the business world what some of us have long argued: open talent platforms are not a workaround, they're a foundation. Beneath the buzzwords and billion-dollar valuations, Scale AI's operating model looks far more like Upwork or Torc than it does OpenAI or Anthropic. Its value proposition is flexibility, speed, and global reach, offering what would traditionally be fixed labor as a dynamic, variable resource. Yet many executives still see open talent as a side play, great for design work or overflow tasks, but not strategic. Meta's move challenges that mindset. It points to something deeper: the shift from owning talent to orchestrating it. As explored in a recent SIA report on workforce transformation, the most forward-looking companies are already rethinking how they access and engage skills. Instead of recruiting reactively, they're building ecosystems where pre-vetted, mission-ready talent can be deployed at a moment's notice. In uncertain times, like now, companies naturally turn to cost-cutting and restructuring. But few examine the fixed nature of their labor costs. That's a missed opportunity. Shifting to variable labor models isn't just a cost strategy; it's a competitive one. Platforms like Torc, now integrated into Randstad Digital, show how open talent can enable rapid scaling, skill precision, and financial agility. According to the SIA report, some firms reduced interview time from a week to an hour and found 'needle-in-a-haystack' talent nearly instantly. Meta just paid $14 billion to get that kind of leverage. That alone should prompt a reexamination of what, and who, is sitting on your balance sheet. What makes open talent so powerful today isn't just the ability to match skills to tasks—it's the capacity to build thriving, specialized communities. In the most effective models, freelancers aren't just gig workers—they're members of an ecosystem that offers learning, career growth, and human guidance. That's the evolution: from transaction to relationship. From matching to mobilizing. From recruiting to curating. And this requires new leadership muscles. As platforms take over the matching function, managers must learn the art of 'curatorial leadership,' engaging, advising, and enabling talent, rather than controlling it. If your leadership team isn't already thinking about labor flexibility as a core strategic lever, it's time to catch up. Start by asking where you're relying on fixed labor that could be made variable, what skills you need access to but don't need to own, and whether your systems are designed for internal control or external adaptability. Then act. Run a pilot. Use a platform like Torc or Topcoder not as a side project, but as a strategic test bed. Build governance, coach managers, and design feedback loops. The goal isn't just to cut costs, it's to increase speed, precision, and innovation capacity Meta's investment in Scale AI is a milestone, not just for the AI industry, but for the future of work. It's a loud, clear signal: labor flexibility isn't peripheral. It's foundational. We're entering an era where access beats ownership, orchestration beats control, and agility beats scale. The companies that understand this shift won't just survive, they'll lead.
Geek Girl Authority
3 days ago
- Business
- Geek Girl Authority
Creative Side Hustles for Women Who Love Design and Art
Creativity and individuality are values consistently on the rise, and women who love design and art are in a unique position to potentially turn their passions into side hustles with worthwhile income possibilities in sight. If you're one of the following: a full-time professional, a stay-at-home mom, or somewhere in between, there are countless ways to channel your artistic talents into profits – without compromising your love for creating. Here, we explore some of the most rewarding and flexible creative side hustles for women who live and breathe design and art. From hands-on crafts to digital design, there's something here for almost every inventive spirit. 1. Freelance Graphic Design Suppose you have a flair for visual storytelling and experience with tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Photoshop. In that case, freelance graphic design is one of the most accessible and in-demand side hustles. Businesses, bloggers, influencers, and startups are constantly looking for help with logos, social media graphics, flyers, packaging, and more. Getting started: Create a small portfolio with 5-10 strong pieces that showcase your style and versatility. You can find clients on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and 99designs or by reaching out to local businesses and online creators. Pro tip: Niching down (like offering branding specifically for women-owned businesses or social media graphics for coaches) can help you stand out and attract your ideal clients. 2. Sell Printable Art or Templates on Etsy Etsy is a goldmine for women who love creating beautiful things – and one of the most passive forms of creative income is selling digital products. From printable wall art to wedding invitation templates, calendars, planners, or social media kits, you can create once and sell indefinitely. Why it works: You don't need inventory or shipping logistics. All you need is your creative design, a few mockups, and a platform to sell on. Tools to use: Canva Pro is great for beginners, while Adobe Creative Suite offers more flexibility for advanced users. Use a tool like Creative Market to find assets, and mockup generators like Placeit to showcase your work professionally. 3. Start a Custom Stationery or Illustration Shop If hand-drawing or watercolor painting is your thing, you can build a unique brand around custom illustrations or stationery. People love personalized artwork – especially for weddings, baby showers, anniversaries, and holiday gifts. Ideas include: Custom pet portraits Illustrated family portraits Personalized greeting cards or thank-you notes Wedding invitation sets with a hand-painted touch Selling options: Create a shop on Etsy or Shopify, or promote your work on Instagram and TikTok. You can also offer downloadable versions or take commissions on request. 4. Surface Pattern Design Surface pattern design involves creating patterns that can be printed on everything from fabric to phone cases, mugs, wallpaper, and home decor. It's a fantastic creative niche for artists who love playing with colors, textures, and patterns. Where to sell: Upload your patterns to platforms like Spoonflower, Redbubble, or Society6. These print-on-demand services handle production and shipping while you earn a commission on each sale. Skillset needed: You'll want to be comfortable with seamless pattern creation with tools on platforms like Adobe Illustrator or Procreate. Many artists also license their designs to fabric companies or brands. 5. Web Design or UX/UI Design If you have a creative eye and some tech-savvy abilities, web design could be a lucrative side hustle that blends artistry with function. Many small businesses and entrepreneurs struggle with creating beautiful, user-friendly websites and are happy to pay for a designer who understands their aesthetic. Platforms like: Squarespace WordPress Showit Webflow …make it easier than ever to design without advanced coding knowledge. How to get started: Offer to redesign a few websites or create templates for practice. Build a mini portfolio and start networking in online communities, especially women-led entrepreneur groups on Facebook or LinkedIn. 6. Teach What You Know (Online or Locally) If you've mastered a creative skill – like watercolor painting, calligraphy, or even DIY home decor – you can monetize that knowledge by teaching others. Women love learning from other women, especially in a creative, supportive environment. How to teach: Host online classes through platforms like Skillshare, Teachable, or Gumroad Offer live Zoom workshops Partner with local art studios or community centers Start a Patreon or private membership for exclusive tutorials Bonus: Teaching builds your credibility and personal brand and is great if you want to grow into a larger creative business down the road. 7. Creative Content Creation Design-loving women with a knack for styling and photography can create content for brands, especially within something personally appealing – this could include the lifestyle, home, fashion, or wellness niches. You don't have to be a full-time influencer to do this; you can work behind the scenes to style flat lays, shoot product photos, or design Instagram feeds. What you can offer: Styled photography for Etsy shops Instagram reels with a design focus Blog headers or Pinterest graphics Branded templates and Canva kits You can pitch these services directly to small brands or join influencer/content platforms like Aspire, Cohley, or Trend. Final Thoughts Side hustles don't have to be stressful or disconnected from your passion. As a creative woman, you already have the tools to build something beautiful and income-generating. Whether you're doodling in your sketchbook, styling your home, or experimenting with color palettes, there's a way to turn your talent into a side hustle that aligns with your lifestyle and values. The key is to start where you are, use your existing tools, and grow one step at a time. The world needs more beauty – and your art might be someone's favorite new find. DOCTOR WHO: 5 Jaw-Dropping Moments From the Season 2 Finale RELATED: TV Review: Doctor Who Season 2 Episode 4, 'Lucky Day'
New York Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
A.I. Might Take Your Job. Here Are 22 New Ones It Could Give You.
First, a confession: I tried writing this essay with A.I. I started with ChatGPT's 'deep research' mode, asking it to compile a report on what new jobs for humans might be created by the rise of A.I. It asked a few follow-up questions and then set off, returning with a 6,000-word report, broken down by industry. I fed that report into ChatGPT 4o — along with the original assignment memo from my editor and a few other recent industry reports on the future of work — and asked for an article in the style of The New York Times Magazine. It was done within 90 minutes. The article was lively and informative, and while some of its imagined future careers were a bit fanciful (a 'synthetic relationship counselor' apparently will be someone who can step in when you're in love with your A.I.), it also covered an interesting spectrum of plausible jobs and featured some delightful turns of phrase. To the average reader, it likely would have come across as a breezy Sunday read with just enough interesting points to warrant a bit of reflection. So why aren't you reading that version? Well, for starters, it would have gotten me fired: Almost all quotes and experts in the article were entirely made up. But I had a deeper, more philosophical concern. Even if the A.I.-written version of this piece was entirely factual, submitting it to my editors would have represented a fundamental misunderstanding of why they hired me. In freelance journalism, as in many fields where the work product is written text, you aren't just being paid for the words you submit. You're being paid to be responsible for them: the facts, the concepts, the fairness, the phrasing. This article is running with my byline, which means that I personally stand behind what you're reading; by the same token, my editor is responsible for hiring me, and so on, a type of responsibility that inherently can't be delegated to a machine. Commentators have become increasingly bleak about the future of human work in an A.I. world. The venture-capitalist investor Chris Sacca recently went on Tim Ferriss's podcast and declared that 'we are super [expletive].' He suggested that computer programmers, lawyers, accountants, marketing copywriters and most other white-collar workers were all doomed. In an email to his staff, Fiverr's chief executive, Micha Kaufman, added designers and salespeople to the list of the soon-to-be-damned. Such laments about A.I. have become common, but rarely do they explore how A.I. gets over the responsibility hurdle I'm describing. It's already clear that A.I. is more than capable of handling many human tasks. But in the real world, our jobs are about much more than the sum of our tasks: They're about contributing our labor to a group of other humans — our bosses and colleagues — who can understand us, interact with us and hold us accountable in ways that don't easily transfer to algorithms. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
