After the entire world went through the sweeping changes due to the coronavirus, many folks have switched to remote work after their employers offered some options (100% remote or, perhaps, a few days of the week).
What to do if your employer insists on office hours only? What if you have been laid off from your job or are just thinking about a different one?
If you'd like to work from home but aren't sure which careers allow remote operation, here are some of the best options to consider.
Even a couple of years back, work from home seemed like a perk for freelancers—not the rest of us. However, with the steady evolution of technology, an increasing number of jobs can now be executed remotely.
If you're hoping to work remotely, look at some work-from-home careers that are in demand because they pay salaries comparable to on-site jobs.
- Freelance Blogger or Writer
I have utilized the services of a freelance writer to create articles for my website. The articles contain many keyword phrases that are important for search engine optimization (see the
section on remote work below).
You no longer need to choose between a profitable career and your love for writing and/or blogging. With most companies striving to develop an online presence in the digital world, writing jobs are in high demand.
If you want to get your foot through the door, starting with blogs might be a good idea. If you're persuasive, you can try copywriting, and if you're well-versed in technology, technical writing might be a good fit. With digital products on the rise, UX (User Experience) writing is a booming field. Your problem-solving skills and technical proficiency can be invaluable.
Remarkably, there's one skill that binds together all successful writers: they must be proficient in the use of technology and in a position to leverage it in their writing.
- Web Marketing Consultant
A digital marketing consultant develops, implements, and monitors a business's online marketing strategies. They focus on building marketing initiatives and play a crucial role in understanding a company's target audience and their behavior.
I recognized the need for web marketing techniques a long time ago, in 1999, when I began teaching this subject. Since then, numerous changes have occurred in the world of SEO (search engine optimization). The influence of Google was overwhelming. However, the popularity of Facebook (now Meta), Twitter, Instagram, and a few other platforms has changed the SEO landscape dramatically.
If you are a business owner, you need to present your company to potential clients, and this cannot be done without an online presence. You will need to compete for the so-called “key phrases” that reflect your products or services. For instance, you are looking to buy a specific pair of shoes. Opening the search engine page (or just typing in the top bar of a web browser), you type “men’s shoes brown wide”. It will be one of the key phrases for the website where you can find specific types of shoes. And, since you have to compete on several fronts, you will need to apply SEO techniques while also utilizing platforms like Twitter and Facebook, among others.
Believe me, it is a lot of very detailed work, and only Web Marketing pros can do it successfully.
Their job is to create a high-converting sales strategy that helps grow your business through strategy, planning, and the efficient use of digital tools and techniques.
- Web Search Evaluator
Several companies hire web search evaluators to give feedback on internet search results. To elaborate, a web search evaluator helps companies assess whether internet search results are accurate, timely, and comprehensive. Primarily popular as a work-from-home position, web search evaluator roles typically do not require extensive experience.
It can be an advantageous option for individuals interested in computer science, research, analytics, and market trends. They rate websites, videos, web pages, maps, and images based on a key performance indicator (KPI) to demonstrate how effectively the rated website or image ranks in internet search results.
- Virtual Assistant aka Virtual Secretary
A virtual assistant does everything from conducting research and scheduling appointments to creating presentations. While some positions can focus solely on administrative tasks, such as invoicing clients and managing calendars, others require a combination of skills, including copywriting and social media management (e.g., blogging).
You will need strong skills in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), as well as effective people and telephone interaction skills. Most virtual assistants work with multiple clients at a time, from a location that suits them best. In this regard, the career offers flexibility and versatility to job seekers.
- Transcriber (Captioner)
This is a detail-oriented job that involves transcribing pre-recorded audio, video, and live television programs. To become a captioner, you must be able to type accurately and quickly.
While some of your work involves transcribing parts, this job requires specialized transcription and is ideal for individuals seeking a work-from-home career that's not entirely mainstream. Also known as steno captioners, captioners utilize stenotype machines and phonetic keyboards to ensure accuracy.
- Social Media Manager
With almost all companies now having dedicated social media accounts, social media managers are in demand. Companies hire them to maintain their accounts or develop a comprehensive social media strategy, encompassing everything from social media campaigns to brand voice development for podcasts, among other services.
If you're creative, detail-oriented, have fresh ideas, and are great with new tools and digital media, social media management could be a good fit. You'll be responsible for increasing engagement, social media traffic, and building brand recognition. Many social media managers work for multiple companies, as the position is often flexible and can be remote.
- Online Trainer/Instructors
About 20+ years ago, I discovered that I could teach. Not just teach but teach with excitement (to myself and my students). I had not even the slightest clue that fortune would move me in that direction. Try yourself! It’s gratifying. In fact, I consider teaching to be one of my most outstanding achievements in life.
The role of an online educator is similar to that of traditional teachers in developing curricula, monitoring student performance, and providing instruction on specific subjects and specializations. The key difference lies in the medium in which the educators operate.
Perfect for anyone with a teaching degree or specialization in a core competency, online educators teach students via online platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams.
If you have any profession that can be taught over the Internet, see what you can do and share your best experience. It can even be the language you are proficient in!
- Web Designer or Web Developer
If you have web development skills or want to take a few online courses and get hands-on, you may have a great career online.
Not long ago, web developer roles were typically on-site positions. However, with the growing popularity of digital nomads and remote roles, web developer positions are now well-suited for a work-from-home career. As a web developer or a programmer, your job is to create the software (for desktop Operating systems), build websites, and applications (for Android or iPhones) by writing code, debugging it, and deploying it.
You employ one or more programming languages to build a product or service, or specific parts of it. While web developers operate in agile teams, each team member has specific tasks assigned to them.
- Graphic Designer
As most companies strive to enhance their digital presence, the demand for skilled graphic designers in computer system design and related services is on the rise.
Almost all graphic design jobs are going remote, thus giving designers the flexibility to work from anywhere they choose. You can also create and sell templates, be a design consultant for several companies, or design fonts, pre-made logo packages, and printable items.
- Product Reviewer
Surprisingly, you can make a decent living by reviewing the products that you use. You can select a niche and register on a site that offers product review gigs. You have to come up with ideas for new products, review products, provide opinions on advertising campaigns, and more.
Companies also hire product reviewers to evaluate products during the testing phase. They ship you the products and pay you an amount that's mutually agreed upon in return for honest user feedback.
Work From Home Careers Are Fast Becoming the Norm
Work-from-home careers are expected to rise as both employees and employers increasingly prefer them. They increase productivity, decrease stress, and promote a better work-life balance for employees, while also increasing revenues and reducing costs for employers.
No doubt, you should get more educated in each of the jobs above before applying, unless you already possess the necessary set of skills.
I specifically do not provide many links because if you want to work online, the search engine should be your friend. So, do your research, and jump into the ocean of online jobs.
The jobs listed above are just a few popular “work from home” careers that are gaining traction. You must choose the one that best fits your skill sets, relevant experience, and areas of interest.
To become an efficient and productive remote team member, you should also excel in remote working skills by attending free online classes.
Well, OK, I give up! Here are a few links you may find useful:
https://remotewoman.com/ (I have quite a few women among our members)
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