Are You a People Person? Then Check Out These 8 Jobs (No Degree Required!)

Mom always tells the story about the time we (I was about a year old then) were on a plane, and and a stranger started talking to me.

I cried. Complete breakdown. And this trend continued. I was painfully shy. Now, I think I could be considered a Chatty Cathy — when I have to be, at least.

Being able to talk to people is a real perk, especially when it comes to the workforce. There are tons of jobs that require you to talk and interact with other humans. In fact, “excellent verbal-communication skills” is a requirement I see on job posts time and time again.

8 Jobs for Talkative Types

So if you were born with — or, like me, grew into — the gift of gab, there are jobs everywhere that might tickle your talkative pickle.

Chatty Cathys and Talkative Tonys: Here are some ideas to get you on a roll (because lord knows you can’t stop once you start)!

1. Customer Service Representative

The Penny Hoarder posts a lot of work-from-home customer service jobs, and you guys always love it! That’s the glory of technology: You don’t have to stand behind a counter and face angry customers to work in the field.

Many customer service jobs require you to have excellent written and verbal communication skills. This includes being able to answer questions, chat it up about the latest gadgets or make a situation all better.

If you love to talk, grab your computer and headset, and keep an eye on our Facebook Jobs page for potential work-from-home customer service jobs. Hint: They tend to sprout up during the holidays.

Speaking long term, job prospects remain promising: The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects to see 10% growth in the field. Customer service even made it on our list of fastest-growing careers with the ability to work from home.

2. Event Coordinator

Love hashing out the details? Often get “ugh, I don’t know!” responses after a string of questions? Well, check this job out — and you won’t get that response. (Also — how rude.)

As an event coordinator, you might help plan the classics: weddings and birthday celebrations.

But there are also businesses that hire event coordinators and planners to put together conferences, seminars and meetings — and sometimes you can find these in the form of work-from-home positions.

It’ll likely be your job to sort out all the details: the venue, the food, the entertainment — you name it. This translates to asking a whole lot of questions.

Feeling inspired? The BLS is, too: As of 2016, median pay for these positions was $46,840 a year. Not bad. However, most of the positions require a bachelor’s degree or at least some experience, so you might have to start from the bottom.

3. Hair Stylist

OK, so you should probably enjoy cutting hair — and know how to do it well — for this chatty gig, but, seriously, it’s perfect.

You don’t need a four-year degree either. You’ll need a state-approved cosmetology (or barber) license. Prerequisites include a high school diploma or equivalent, and that you’re at least 16. These licensing programs can take anywhere from eight months to two years to complete.

Then start chattin’ because it’s super awkward if you don’t. The client, if they’re anything like me, will probably divulge way too much information, and you’ll know all the hottest gossip around town.

In 2015, the median pay for a hairdresser was about $11.40 per hour — tips not included. Better news? The BLS expects this field  to grow by about 10% by 2024.

4. Podcaster

I LOVE PODCASTS. Yes, the capital letters are required. There are podcasts about everything — from reality TV shows to dating to personal finance.

In fact, one of our staff writers, Lisa Rowan, has a podcast, Pop Fashion, which covers the latest news and trends in the fashion industry. Basically, she sets up each week with her dear friend Kaarin Vembar, and they talk fashion.

Even though the podcast turns out to be only about 45-55 minutes, the whole process — from recording to editing — takes closer to 8-10 hours. And Rowan doesn’t make money off her gig.

However, if you do want to monetize your hobby, there are various ways to do so through advertising, subscriptions and paid content. You could also opt to go work for a media company that hires podcasters, sound engineers and producers.

5. Retail Sales Associate

“Hi, what can I help you find today?” is a good way to get started in this field.

Working in sales is a great part- or full-time gig for those who like to talk. You’ll meet so. many. people. and you’ll get to work with your favorite products (if you’re lucky). You also might reap some sweet store benefits, such as a discount. (LUSH gives 50% off!)

The best way to find these jobs is to search for your favorite store’s careers page. You can also do one of those general Indeed searches or take a shopping — I mean job-hunting — trip at your local mall or outlet.

Pay isn’t excellent, but you often don’t need a lot of experience. The BLS reports retail sales workers bring in a median income of $22,000 a year. And part-time options are endless!

6. Tour Guide

This is for all ye travelers, too.

Becoming a tour guide isn’t as difficult as it might sound. You don’t need to start a business, hang posters on street corners or even have experience. There are a number of platforms readily available for you to get started.

And, no, you don’t have to just give tours of museums or art galleries. There are so many neat tours people are willing to take, including craft-beer tours, mural tours, shopping tours, ghost tours and even hiking tours.

And if you’re traveling, this is a solid way to fund all those tchotchkes.

In May 2015, the BLS reported a mean hourly wage for tour guides and escorts (the safe-for-work kind) at $12.94. Not bad for getting to meet new people and converse all day!

7. Uber or Lyft Driver

Because if no one talks as soon as you slide into that car, it’s awkward as heck. I also tend to give my drivers better tips if they talk it up — ask me questions, tell me about their lives.

You don’t need any experience (except driving) to get started, though you should be able to pass a background check, as well as have a valid license. You can sign up to drive for Uber or Lyft in a jiffy.

Because this entails working as an independent contractor, there aren’t any promising numbers I can throw down — except that this guy makes more than $250,000 a year. However, you can make as much or as little as you’d like on your own schedule.

8. Waiter/Bartender

Although you might not think about it when shaking up a cocktail or delivering yet another plate of food, you can learn a lot while waiting tables or bartending (serving customers with a smile, focusing on details, multitasking…).

Of course, it’ll benefit you to talk to your patrons — unless they’re in a heated argument or smooching. But you’ll meet a lot of people this way and get to talk your head off.

Usually you can learn any skills you need on the job, but you need to be at least 18 years old to bartend.

According to the BLS, bartenders make less than $20,000 a year — but think about the tips. Waiters and waitresses are in the same boat, but there are ways to stretch that money.

Regarding Chatty Cathys and Talkative Tonys, this job’s perfect, but there are other ways to make money at the bar, too, if you’re not about slushing up cocktails.

Your Turn: Can you think of other jobs perfect for the talkative type?

Carson Kohler (@CarsonKohler) is a junior writer at The Penny Hoarder. After recently completing graduate school, she focuses on saving money — and surviving the move back in with her parents.