Work from Home in Second Life's Thriving Avatar Economy

by Chris Durst Jan. 9, 2024

As we write, all job information in this post is accurate, but things can change quickly. Sorry, but we have no role in the HR processes of other companies. If you encounter difficulties in the application process please contact them directly. Good luck in your hunt, and may you be working from home soon!

Imagine an online “Virtual World” in which millions of avatars live, work and play.

A place where real people direct their in-world avatars to meet other people/avatars from around the world.

A place where people convert their real-world money into in-world money so they can use it to purchase real estate, clothing, hair cuts, furniture for their virtual houses, and entrance to dance clubs, and seminars.

Now, imagine sitting in your home, logging into this virtual world, and going to work “in-world” — in avatar form — and making real money.

Got that image? Now, take whatever you just imagined and amplify it because it really exists. It’s called Second Life and it is so much deeper than you can possibly imagine.

Second Life is a “Virtual World” that’s owned by Linden Labs. It’s been around since 2003 and now there are millions of people who exist as avatars in Second Life. Appearance-wise, some of these avatars look quite conventional while others have animal tails and ears, outlandish clothing and… well, there’s just no way to possibly describe the diversity.

Here’s another tidbit — several major corporations own real estate in Second Life and they use these online campuses, islands, and office building for corporate gatherings and meetings.

Money in Second Life

There is actually a full-blown Second Life economy and people spend millions of dollars a year there entertaining, housing, and outfitting their avatars.

In this online world, people can exchange real-world money for Linden dollars — the in-world currency. Likewise, some set up shops and offer in-world services and earn Linden dollars which can be cashed out for real-world money.

What do people buy and sell in-world? Everything!

I just browsed the Second Life Marketplace and here’s an example:

If your getting married in-world, you can buy an “Aisle Walk” animation for your avatar. Oh, and you have to own or have access to in-world land in order to use this special walk.

Of course, you could go “Experience pure enchantment” at an in-world wedding venue. I found one that includes a pose for the officiant, a pose for the bridesmaids, a pose for the groomsman, poses for another 2 women, 2 men, and a child, and an “Aisle Walk.” But wait, there’s more! There are bouquets, a cake table, guestbook, dining tables, chairs — the whole shebang — for just $9,999 Linden dollars.

This is just a very small piece of what people purchase for their avatars. You really just have to look at it yourself to even begin to understand.

How much are people spending in-world?

To get a sense of how much people are spending while in-world, I visited the r/secondlife subreddit where I found a 2022 thread with comments like:

“I have a friend who says she has spent over 7,000 dollars over her entire sl life. I’m at the beginning, I have spent around 20 so far so I was just curious how much you spent?”

“I’ve been in since 2007. I have no idea and I don’t want to know.”

“I’m right there with ya,. Kind of scary to think about!! I justify it by admitting to my self it’s cheaper than going out to a bar.”

And, on the earning side…

“I put $120 in in 2009. Took out $120,000.”

This was posted by a person who has made money making wedding rings for in-world weddings. Yes, avatars marrying avatars.

Now, if you’ve wrapped your mind around that, here’s something more… many in-world businesses are hiring people (as their avatars) to work in-world and in the real world.

Work From Home in Avatar Form – In-World

Before you dive in, I should also explain that Second Life also has a “Red Light District” of sorts, so some jobs will require your avatar to get naked and do grown-up avatar stuff.

There are currently over 1,100 in-world openings (and also posts by people who are looking for work). Here’s are just a few examples:

Male and female wrestlers, commentators, referees and valets/managers
Someone to operate an in-world town (NordHaven Township) DMV
Maternity clinic receptionist, instructors, doctors, pregnancy coach, etc.
The Little Kisses Maternity Clinic is looking for a midwife
Wild Branch Brewery needs a bartender
Various clubs are seeking DJs, hosts, and bartenders
More “adult” jobs than you can shake a stick at and…
Just about anything else you can imagine

How to Find & Apply:

[Just to clarify, Rat Race Rebellion is a job board and blog, not a hiring company. We don’t play a role in the application or hiring process of any company with a job we’ve posted on our site.]

What more can we say? Check out Second Life’s Inworld Employment Board here.

For real, real-world work from home jobs and gigs, check our Newest Jobs & Gigs page. To be the first to hear about jobs like these, like our Facebook page. Good luck as you make your work from home plans a reality!