Handyman

The work spans all sorts of small jobs - putting up shelves, fixing leaks, painting, assembling furniture, minor repairs - so being adaptable and a good problem-solver matters. You deal directly with customers in their homes, so being tidy, polite and trustworthy is just as important as being handy.

Most handymen are self-employed, travelling between jobs and setting their own hours, with income that depends on how much work you can line up and the seasons. You provide your own tools and transport, and there is no sick or holiday pay, so reliability and good word of mouth are everything.

There are no formal qualifications to start, and most people build skills through experience and DIY know-how, though certain jobs like gas or major electrics legally require a qualified, registered tradesperson. You will need insurance, basic tools, a driving licence and a knack for picking up new tasks.