Can academic careers make you a millionaire? Yes, it is likely from at least these 13 unexpected careers.
Inspired by unconventional thinkers like Peter Thiel, we’ve delved into the world of lesser-known career opportunities that could catapult you to millionaire status in half the time. These hidden gems offer an exciting alternative to the usual routes and can be pursued full-time or as a lucrative side hustle.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, thinking outside the box is crucial for discovering untapped opportunities that could accelerate your financial success. By considering these unexpected career paths, you can break free from traditional thinking and potentially achieve wealth beyond your wildest dreams.
In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of over 10 unexpected careers that can make you a millionaire in just 5 years, backed by reliable data from reputable sources such as the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and the World Report Survey. Get ready to explore fresh possibilities and pave your path to financial freedom!
Table of Contents
#1. Podcaster
How does it work?
Considering a career in podcasting? It’s an amazing way to share your passion and connect with audiences worldwide. As a podcaster, you’ll produce episodic audio content on topics you love.
Just record, edit, and publish your episodes on various platforms or apps. Your listeners can subscribe and enjoy your show on-demand anytime, anywhere. Podcasting allows you to build a loyal fan base, engage with them, and even monetize your content.
What are the interesting anecdotes about people who made a fortune in this career?
Andrew Huberman, a renowned neuroscientist, ventured into the world of podcasting with his creation, Huberman Lab. His engaging and accessible approach to explaining complex scientific concepts quickly gained popularity.
Covering topics such as sleep, stress, and brain performance, Andre provided practical advice based on cutting-edge research. As his podcast grew, so did his impact, solidifying his reputation as an influential science communicator.
Andrew’s dedication to sharing knowledge through Huberman Lab showcased the power of combining passion and expertise to create a lasting impact in the world of podcasting.
What’s the trend?
The consistent search trend for “how to start a podcast” on Google highlights the ongoing interest in podcasting as a popular and accessible medium for content creation and consumption.
This trend suggests that podcasts will continue to thrive and evolve in the coming years.
How much can you earn from this career?
Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $16,500 per year
- High Range: $159,500 per year
- Median Pay: $73,300 per year
#2. Niche Blogging
How does it work?
Ever thought about transforming your passion into a career? Niche blogging may be your ticket to success! By honing in on a specific topic, you’ll create a loyal audience that adores your unique insights.
As you become the go-to expert, you’ll unlock monetization opportunities like sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and even your own products.
What are the interesting anecdotes about people who made a fortune in this career?
One such success story is Pat Flynn, the founder of Smart Passive Income. Pat started his blogging journey by creating a niche blog which focused on teaching readers how to build and monetize their online businesses and blogs.
Through consistent effort, valuable content, and strategic monetization methods, he now earns over a million dollars per month through his various online ventures.
Pat’s success demonstrates the potential of niche blogging as a lucrative career choice for those willing to put in the time, effort, and dedication to build a thriving online presence.
What’s the trend?
Blogging has seen a consistent interest over time, with some fluctuations.
This indicates that niche blogging remains a viable option for those interested in creating content for target audiences.
How much can you earn from this career?
Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $34,000 per year
- High Range: $122,500 per year
- Median Pay: $73,199 per year
#3. E-Sports Player
How does it work?
Are you a passionate gamer with dreams of turning your hobby into a full-time career? If so, you’re in luck! You can transform your love for gaming into a successful profession by becoming an e-sports player.
As an e-sports player, you’ll compete at the highest level, showcasing your skills and strategies in your chosen game. You’ll be part of a thriving gaming community, participating in tournaments and building a following through streaming platforms and social media.
In today’s digital world, e-sports has exploded in popularity, with millions of fans tuning in to watch their favorite players battle it out for glory and lucrative prize pools.
What are the interesting anecdotes about people who made a fortune in this career?
One inspiring example of success in the ESports industry is Johan Sundstein, also known as N0tail. A professional Dota 2 player and team captain, N0tail has earned over $6.8 million in prize money throughout his career, making him one of the highest-earning ESports players in the world.
N0tail’s achievements showcase the potential for talented and dedicated gamers to turn their passion into a lucrative career in the exciting world of E-Sports.
What’s the trend?
E-Sports have recorded a significant interest over the past few months.
We can attribute this growth to the rising popularity of competitive gaming and the expansion of professional E-Sports leagues and tournaments.
How much can you earn from this career?
Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $33,000 per year
- High Range: $65,000 per year
- Median Pay: $46,153 per year
#4. YouTube Content Creation
How does it work?
Ready to turn your creative genius into a thriving YouTube empire? Embrace your inner Spielberg and dive into the world of YouTube content creation! As a YouTube maestro, you’ll captivate audiences with your irresistible charm, dazzling wit, and enlightening content. In a digital jungle teeming with eager minds, you’ll be their guiding star, providing entertainment and wisdom.
Worried about AI stealing the limelight? Fear not! Content creators with a unique blend of charisma, ingenuity, and community-building prowess are less likely to be dethroned.
So, unleash your inner YouTube virtuoso, and let your passion take center stage in the grand theatre of the internet!
What are the interesting anecdotes about people who made a fortune in this career?
Ryan Kaji, the young star of the popular YouTube channel Ryan’s World (formerly Ryan ToysReview), has earned millions of dollars by creating toy review videos and educational content for children.
At just nine years old, Ryan has become one of the highest-earning YouTubers, with his channel boasting over 30 million subscribers. His success has led to various brand partnerships, merchandise lines, and even a show on Nickelodeon.
Ryan’s story highlights the potential for massive success on YouTube, even for the youngest of creators, when they can tap into a niche and engage their audience effectively.
What’s the trend?
Many people search for “how to make YouTube videos” daily. This shows the overall interest in YouTube content creation.
How much can you earn from this career?
Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $20,000 per year
- High Range: $86,000 per year
- Median Pay: $48,660 per year
#5. Dropshipping
How does it work?
Dropshipping involves selling products without keeping them in stock. A dropshipper selects a niche, finds a reliable supplier, and creates an online store to showcase products.
These successful sales managers market the store to attract customers. When a product is sold, the dropshipper purchases the item from the supplier, who ships it directly to the customer.
The dropshipper manages orders and customer service, including processing orders, handling inquiries, and managing returns and refunds. This retail fulfillment method allows sellers to avoid handling products directly, reducing overhead and streamlining the selling process.
What are the interesting anecdotes about people who made a fortune in this career?
Irwin Dominguez, an accountant by profession, decided to venture into the world of dropshipping and started his own e-commerce store. With dedication and strategic planning, he managed to achieve an impressive $1 million in sales within just eight months of launching his online store.
His success story demonstrates the potential of dropshipping as a viable business model for aspiring entrepreneurs. Dominguez’s achievements highlight the importance of effective marketing, supplier relationships, and understanding customer needs in the competitive e-commerce landscape.
What’s the trend?
According to Google Trends, searches for “how to dropship” and related terms have seen fluctuations over the past few years.
Several factors may contribute to these fluctuations. The changes in e-commerce trends, the growth of online shopping, and the COVID-19 pandemic are among the reasons for the graph above.
How much can you earn from this career?
Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $36,000 per year
- High Range: $76,000 per year
- Median Pay: $51,580 per year
#6. Stock Photographer
How does it work?
Ready to showcase your talent? Stock photography is a fantastic way to share your work with the world and earn money. Platforms like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock are hungry for high-quality, unique images that cater to diverse needs.
To start, build a diverse portfolio showcasing your best shots, ensuring they’re well-composed, properly exposed, and visually appealing.
Once you’re set, sign up as a contributor, upload your photos, and add relevant keywords. With perseverance and creativity, you’ll soon see your images being used in projects worldwide, and your earnings grow
What are the interesting anecdotes about people who made a fortune in this career?
Yuri Arcurs, one of the world’s top-selling stock photographers, has built a multimillion-dollar business by licensing his images to clients across the globe. He started his career as a hobbyist photographer and eventually turned his passion into a thriving business.
Yuri’s success can be attributed to his keen eye for detail, dedication to producing high-quality images, and a strong understanding of the stock photography market.
His portfolio includes a wide range of subjects, such as lifestyle, business, and travel, which cater to the diverse needs of clients. Yuri’s images have been featured in numerous high-profile publications, including Time Magazine, Cosmopolitan, and The New York Times.
What’s the trend?
The data from Google Trends implies that interest in photography as a hobby or career remains consistent.
How much can you earn from this career?
Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $53,808 per year
- High Range: $91,273 per year
- Median Pay: $70,121 per year
#7. Online Course Creator
How does it work?
Online course creators design, develop, and deliver educational content through digital platforms. They combine subject matter expertise with instructional design techniques to create engaging and effective courses.
Tasks include researching, outlining, scripting, and recording lessons, as well as designing interactive elements, assessments, and supplementary materials.
They may work independently or collaborate with subject matter experts, multimedia specialists, and platform developers to ensure a seamless learning experience for students.
What are the interesting anecdotes about people who made a fortune in this career?
Rob Percival, a former high school teacher, has made millions of dollars by creating and selling web development courses on Udemy. After noticing a lack of engaging and accessible coding courses, Rob decided to create his own.
He combined his passion for teaching and his expertise in web development to design a course that has helped over a million students learn how to code. Rob’s success as an online course creator demonstrates the potential for individuals with specialized knowledge and a passion for teaching to create a lucrative career in online education.
What’s the trend?
According to data from Google Trends, people are consistently seeking information on creating online courses. Although the level of interest may vary, the continuous interest in this topic suggests that online courses are a popular and relevant subject for many individuals.
How much can you earn from this career?
Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $19,500 per year
- High Range: $135,000 per year
- Median Pay: $70,478 per year
#8. Life Coach
How does it work?
Life Coaches guide and support individuals in achieving personal and professional goals by helping them identify and overcome obstacles, develop self-awareness, and create actionable plans.
They employ active listening, powerful questioning, and motivational techniques to empower clients to make positive changes in their lives. Life coaches may specialize in areas such as career development, relationships, health and wellness, or personal growth aspect.
They often conduct one-on-one sessions, group workshops, or online programs, and continuously assess their clients’ progress to ensure long-term success and growth.
What are the interesting anecdotes about people who made a fortune in this career?
Tony Robbins, a renowned life and business strategist, has built a multimillion-dollar coaching empire through his books, seminars, and one-on-one coaching services.
He has worked with clients from various walks of life, including celebrities, athletes, and business leaders, helping them unlock their full potential and achieve their goals.
Robbins’ success as a life coach can be attributed to his charismatic personality, captivating storytelling, and ability to inspire and empower people.
Over the years, he has authored several best-selling books, such as “Awaken the Giant Within” and “Unlimited Power,” which have been translated into multiple languages and sold millions of copies worldwide.
What’s the trend?
Considering the Google Trends data and the benefits of the profession, becoming a life coach can be a rewarding career choice for those who are passionate about helping others and are willing to invest in their own growth and development.
How much can you earn from this career?
Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $48,000 per year
- High Range: $100,000 per year
- Median Pay: $61,125 per year
#9. Trading
How does it work?
Day traders engage in the buying and selling of financial instruments, such as stocks, options, or currencies, within a single trading day to capitalize on short-term market fluctuations.
They rely on strong analytical and modeling skills to interpret market data, identify trends, and make informed trading decisions. Day Traders employ various strategies, such as scalping, range trading, or news-based trading, and utilize risk management techniques to minimize potential losses.
How much can you earn from this career?
Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $11,000 per year
- High Range: $253,000 per year
- Median Pay: $76,989 per year
What’s the trend?
People are searching for terms related to day trading. This shows that many people are starting to get interested in this field.
What are the interesting anecdotes about people who made a fortune in this career?
Ed Thorp, a mathematics professor and hedge fund manager, is a living example of how intellect and sheer determination can lead to a fortune in day trading. Thorpe’s journey in the world of finance began when he applied his mathematical prowess to the game of blackjack.
He developed a card-counting system that gave him an edge over casinos, which he detailed in his best-selling book, “Beat the Dealer.” His success in blackjack caught the attention of Wall Street, and Thorpe decided to apply his mathematical skills to the stock market.
He developed a groundbreaking theory called the “Black-Scholes option pricing model” which allowed him to predict the prices of options and other financial derivatives accurately. This revolutionary model was the foundation of modern quantitative finance and earned Thorpe a fortune through day trading.
Ed Thorp’s extraordinary journey from a mathematics professor to a day trading legend is a testament to the power of knowledge, innovation, and perseverance.
His success story serves as an inspiration for aspiring day traders and a reminder that, with the right mindset and skills, anyone can make a fortune in the world of finance.
#10. Ethical Hacking
How does it work?
Ethical Hackers, also known as penetration testers or white-hat hackers, proactively identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, or applications to assess and improve their security.
These IT professionals use their technical expertise and knowledge of hacking techniques to simulate real-world cyberattacks, while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines.
Ethical Hackers document their findings, provide recommendations for mitigating risks, and collaborate with developers, IT staff, and management to strengthen an organization’s overall security posture. They also stay current with emerging threats, new vulnerabilities, and evolving cybersecurity best practices.
What’s the trend?
The fluctuating search trends for ethical hacking on Google indicate a growing interest in this field. This can be attributed to the increasing need for cybersecurity professionals to protect digital assets and infrastructure.
What are the interesting anecdotes about people who made a fortune in this career?
Kevin Mitnick, once a notorious black hat hacker, now runs a successful cybersecurity consulting firm, earning millions of dollars for his ethical hacking services.
Mitnick was arrested in 1995 for various computer-related crimes. After serving five years in prison, he turned his life around and became an ethical hacker, using his skills to help organizations protect themselves from cyber threats.
Today, Kevin Mitnick is a sought-after speaker and consultant, sharing his unique insights and experiences with audiences around the world. His story serves as an example of how individuals with a background in hacking can use their skills for good, contributing to the ever-growing field of cybersecurity.
How much can you earn from this career?
Source: Salary.com
- Low Range: $85,015 per year
- High Range: $131,251 per year
- Median Pay: $105,656 per year
Honorable Mentions
Below are are some of the side hustle ideas that are easier for academics to break in .
Resume Writing Service
How does it work?
Resume writing services specialize in creating and optimizing resumes, CVs, and cover letters for job seekers looking to make a strong impression on potential employers.
These services employ professional resume writers who collaborate with clients to understand their career goals, background, and skills. They then craft tailored, well-structured, and visually appealing resumes that highlight the client’s unique strengths and experiences.
These services also provide guidance on industry-specific keywords and formatting conventions to ensure that resumes pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and capture the attention of hiring managers.
What are the interesting anecdotes about people who made a fortune in this career?
Amanda Augustine, a certified professional resume writer, has built a successful career by helping job seekers create winning resumes and land their dream jobs.
With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Amanda has honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of what employers are looking for in job candidates. Through her personalized approach, she has helped countless clients showcase their unique talents and experiences, resulting in more interviews and job offers.
What’s the trend?
Based on the Google Trends data and the information provided, it is evident that there is a consistent interest in resume writing and related terms. This suggests that a career in resume writing could be a viable option for those with the right skills and expertise.
How much can you earn from this career?
Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $35,000 per year
- High Range: $83,000 per year
- Median Pay: $53,791 per year
Online Fitness Coach
How does it work?
Are you one of those rare academics who just can’t get enough of hitting the gym and pumping iron? If so, you’re in luck! You can turn your passion for fitness into a lucrative side hustle by becoming an online fitness coach. Let’s dive into how this can work for you!
As an online fitness coach, you’ll have the power to transform lives by offering personalized training, guidance, and support through digital platforms. You’ll be the mastermind behind customized workout plans, nutritional advice, and progress tracking, helping clients smash their health and fitness goals.
In our hectic world, people are constantly searching for ways to stay healthy and fit, but they need expert guidance to keep them on track. That’s where you come in! Online fitness coaching provides clients with the flexibility and convenience they crave, allowing them to tap into your expertise from anywhere, anytime.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “What about AI and all those tech advancements? Will they replace me?
Nobody knows for sure.
But, in our experience, fitness coaches who offer a unique blend of expertise, personal connection, and community building are less likely to be replaced by AI.
What are the interesting anecdotes about people who made a fortune in this career?
One noteworthy example of a successful online fitness coach is Kayla Itsines, the creator of the Bikini Body Guide (BBG) and the Sweat app.
Kayla began her career as a personal trainer, but quickly realized the potential of reaching a wider audience through online coaching. She developed the BBG, a 12-week workout program, and shared transformations of her clients on social media, which garnered her a massive following.
As her online presence grew, Kayla expanded her offerings to include the Sweat app, which provides users with access to a variety of workout programs and nutritional advice.
Today, she has built a multimillion-dollar fitness empire through her online coaching programs, inspiring millions of women worldwide to improve their health and well-being.
What’s the trend?
Online fitness coaching has experienced significant growth in recent years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced the health and fitness industry to adapt and reimagine service delivery.
The online fitness boom is expected to continue, as people are increasingly seeking cost-effective and convenient ways to access fitness resources and coaching
How much can you earn from this career?
Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $36,000 per year
- High Range: $105,000 per year
- Median Pay: $61,043 per year
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we’ve explored unconventional paths to job security and wealth. These high-paying jobs show that achieving financial success goes beyond traditional fields like medicine, law, finance, tech jobs, or software applications jobs.
And you don’t need a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree to land a high-paying job in the above fields.
Earn more than an average civil engineer salary by pursuing a lucrative career in an exciting, fulfilling industry. Don’t worry about company sponsored retirement plans. With passion, determination, and hard work, you can achieve your financial within 5 years.
Stay informed about emerging trends and remain open to exploring new opportunities as they arise. Also, use the amazing stories about the everyday millionaires surveyed by our team as a motivating factor.
Whether you’re just starting out or considering a career change, remember that a world of unexpected careers awaits your discovery.
