Are you too busy to go back to school? Do you spend so much time at work that you can’t get the actual experience you need for the job you really want? Using the Internet, people are easily getting around these conflicts and getting their careers rolling during their downtime. If you’d like to kick-start your career, check out these ways you can do so online.

1. Start an Online-Based Freelancing Business

Freelancing is a hot topic right now since tons of people love the idea of working from home and setting their own hours. The great thing about freelancing is that it gives you experience in your chosen field while allowing you to make money and a thriving career out of it. You might decide to later go back to a traditional job, and you’ll be able to use your freelancing experience to help you enter your dream career. For example, experience as a freelance writer might lead to an editorial position.

But remember that writing isn’t the only type of online-based work available for freelancers. You can also become a freelance accountant (CPA), consultant, designer, lifestyle coach, virtual assistant, paralegal–the list goes on.

2. Learn the Tricks of the Trade

Careers that don’t require a degree are only easy to get into if you know what you’re doing. Luckily, the Internet offers a hub of information that makes it easy to learn the proper skills required for many careers.

For example, the cool thing about kick-starting your career as a programmer is that you can learn coding tricks online through free tutorials, videos, and eBooks. While you often need a bachelor’s degree, you can get your foot in the door without a degree if you know what you’re doing. After learning the ins and outs of the language–all without paying for a college degree–you can go to work for someone else or profit from writing your own program.

3. Get Your Degree Online

While you can learn the art of coding via heaps of free online information, some careers aren’t so cheap to get into–usually because there are restrictions on educational and licensing requirements. For example, if you’d like to become a nurse, you might be able to learn what you need to know via textbooks and other educational material, but you’d never be able to legally practice without a degree and certification.

The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities in nursing, from associate degrees to doctorates, available online. This is true of many other professions, too. With online schooling, you can do your schoolwork when it’s convenient for you throughout the week, making it easier to maintain balance in your life while working for a better tomorrow for you and your family.

4. Do Some Networking

You’ve probably heard a lot about how great networking can be for boosting your career, and that idea is completely true! Connecting with people is a fantastic way to start your career for two reasons.

1. The older, wiser professionals in the industry can show you the ropes and give you advice for breaking into the field. They can also answer your industry-specific questions to increase your chance of landing your dream job.
2. The people you know may offer you a job or recommend you when something opens up in their company.

Networking online won’t always lead to a job offer–especially if you’re not willing to move for your career. However, communities like Experience.com deliver resources, job postings, and more to help you start your career. Brazen Careerist is another great website that hosts virtual career fairs, open houses, and networking events so that you can start your job-seeking journey from the comfort of your own home.

The Internet offers a bounty of opportunities when it comes to kicking off your career. It’s also a great tool if you’re mid-career and ready for a change. Utilizing one or more of these tips can help you turn your downtime into a time of productivity that can lead to a more fulfilling life and higher paycheck.