First things first: who are millennials? If you’re reading this, there’s a pretty high chance you are one. The official range, though, of who falls into the category of being a millennial really varies depending on who you ask. One commonly accepted answer starts in the very early 80s and ends around 1997-99. Sandwiched between the infamous Gen X’ers and the up-and-coming Gen Z, Millennials have quite the reputation. This is probably why they’re the most studied generation bracket--ever. 

One focus of that study? Jobs! More and more millennials are joining the workforce every day. In fact, in 2016, they became the largest demographic in the workforce, and it’s predicted that they’ll make up almost 75% of the working class by 2030. 

Alright, though, enough about statistics. Today, there are more millennials looking for work than ever, and flexibility seems to be the common wish for those dream jobs. While we all want to work somewhere flexible, millennials have taken that idea to the next level. Remote work is becoming more common, and being your own boss isn’t that uncommon anymore. 

While these more flexible options aren’t the majority of the job market just yet, they are still the most appealing to millennials who want a flexible job that they enjoy. 

So, let’s take a look at 5 of the more non-traditional jobs for millennials of today. Hopefully, along the way, you find that spark of inspiration that kicks off your path to your dream job. 

1. Makeup Artist

If you have ever browsed Instagram, either as a part of your daily social media binge or just out of curiosity, you have seen the rise in makeup videos. So many of these range from makeup review to tutorials and even to some of the more wild ways makeup can be used. So, it makes sense for many millennials to take their passion for what may start out as a hobby and make it a living. 

The way this job path can go is almost unlimited. You can be a celebrity makeup artist or a highly skilled lash technician. Or, you could even travel to a client’s home and make them gorgeous for whatever event they may have planned. The flexibility on where this job can take you has quite the appeal, so if makeup is an interest, it’s worth considering. 

As far as requirements go, this depends on where you live and where you want to work. Very often, a license is required to show you know your stuff and trained to do it right. For example, if you want to be a lash technician you’d need to enroll in an eyelash extension course. So, in the end, it’s highly recommended for you to do research into the field of makeup to make sure you can show off your skills with ease. 

2. Social Media Consulting

You can work as a consultant for a company’s social media and it is sorely needed. Many millennials are quite familiar with social media because it’s part of their daily lives. So, it goes without saying that their experience with various social media platforms is immense. You can apply that experience to a consulting job, where you guide a business on how to use their social media for the best possible results. 

This job is definitely flexible and even lets you work remotely, thanks to social media finding its home online. This job’s responsibilities also range pretty widely: posting as a company to promote its brand, optimizing how they use (or don’t) a certain platform. 

The requirements for jobs like this vary, much like any other flexible job path. You need the credentials to show that when you give social media guidance, you know what you’re talking about. While having taken some type of course in college looks good, so does experience. You may not know it, but the time you spend using your own social media counts towards this. It also doesn’t hurt that Millennials have an easier time picking up what it is a consumer is looking for when they’re shopping for a product or service. 

3. Vlogging

Yet another job where the experience with social media is used to make a unique job path. This one, though, can be much more personal and adventurous than some jobs. One of the main focuses of this job tends to be tourism PR. When looking for a place to unwind, a lot of people want to see the perspective of past vacationers. It feels more familiar than reading a brochure offered by tourism venues. This is why vlogging is a powerful tool and an innovative career choice.

The requirements aren’t outside the range of possibility for vlogging, either. If you have a knack for taking photos/videos as well as writing, then this may be the choice for you. The key to success here is outreach, though. By reaching out to companies that may need some help with their tourism content and showing them you have what it takes, you can get a job that you can do literally anywhere.

4. Interpreter

Now, this job may seem pretty different from the others on this list but stick with me here. A lot of millennials are fresh out of college and don’t know what to do next. Becoming an interpreter may not be at the top of the leaderboard of what comes to mind when looking for work, but it really is a cool option. 

Along with being flexible, you get to meet a whole new world of people. An interpreter can work for 5 different people in a week, depending on what you do. So, if you have a love for language and know at least two, interpreting is a viable option for you. Plus, if you love to socialize, you can do that for a career. How awesome is that?

When it comes to requirements, it varies as always. A Bachelor’s Degree does look pretty good but isn’t the end all be all for all interpreter jobs. Usually, what people look for is fluency in at least two languages as well as good reading, writing, and listening skills. Overall, if you have a talent for communication, then you can certainly excel as an interpreter. Just like makeup artists, this job comes with varied requirements per state, so make sure to look into that too!

5. Massage Therapy 

If you don’t want to be tied to a desk, then becoming a massage therapist is definitely a choice to look at. This is a job where you can literally see the results of how you’re helping the people who come to you. Massage therapy deals with helping people struggling with pain from injury or the stress from the daily grind. The relief you can provide through massage therapy can give you some of your own relief, too. 

The requirements for this job that are more official have to do with the license. It’s always important to show a customer you know what you’re doing, especially when you’re working with their body. It also helps to have good communication skills. If you’ve ever had a massage, conversation is a big part of the stress relief it provides. 

As for flexibility, this job has it. There are a lot of places you can work as a massage therapist and it can allow a bit of local travel to clients who prefer a home visit rather than going out to a gym or to the doctor. 

So… What’s Next?

Now that you’ve learned a bit more about some of the more out of the box jobs out there, you hopefully have a better idea of what you’re looking for in a job. There is no limit to what job you can pursue. By being creative, so many millennials have made their own dream job a reality. The bottom line when it comes to finding a job is finding one you like. As the age-old phrase goes: ‘do what you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.’ Pro tip: If you're building your work wardrobe or shopping for workwear, check out Suitably for machine washable staples. Everything is under $100 and the pieces will keep you looking effortlessly polished.