Artwork by: Antonina Kasyanikova
Are you looking for a career change-up? Having navigated the pandemic and experienced the benefits of remote working, is this a viable option for your career? If so, a remote working career could be the new normal!
There is nothing like a pandemic to shake up the work landscape! Remote working refers to any role that an employee does out of the office. Due to the popularity of remote working, the number of opportunities across diverse industries is increasing exponentially.
Remote working allows you to work from literally anywhere, offers you flexibility, saves time and money, and will increase your motivation. This means you can maximize your time and reduce the costs of working in a traditional workplace.
If you have ever considered a remote work career, read on! In this blog, we will explore
Top 10 remote working jobs
Tips for securing a remote working career
Statistical Insight Recent research shows that remote workers are happier, more productive, and have a higher average income, with 97% of employees overwhelmingly recommending remote work to others in a recent Buffer survey. |
(Average pay: $47,990)
Translators are responsible for translating written text from one language to another, applying advanced writing and language skills to ensure nothing gets lost in translation! Translators typically work from home and are hired by businesses, individuals, and/or government entities on a freelance or contract basis.
Demand for freelance translators is expected to rise. As workers move jobs more, companies previously relying on bilingual employees will turn to freelancers.
Potential for high earnings, dependent on your competition in the market and the level of demand for the specific language.
(Average pay: $42,566)
Most customer service roles can be completed remotely, using the internet to access various communications tools. Customer Service Agents are on the front line, answering questions, providing product/service information, and resolving complaints. Industry options are diverse, from recruitment and outsourcing to online retailers, tech, finance, and healthcare organizations.
Online customer service agents are in high demand as an increasing number of companies adopt this remote working model.
Pay scales may not be the highest, but no daily commute and potential commissions can balance this out. More niche/complex customer service sectors have higher pay.
(Average pay: $49,869)
Graphic designers apply their skills to create visual text and imagery concepts to communicate ideas that captivate consumers. This includes creating advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports as well as graphics for displays, logos, and imagery for print or digital use.
Qualifications in this field can help, but if you are creative and have a stand-out portfolio that will tell a potential hiring manager you are ideal for this job opportunity.
Talented graphic designers in a remote working role can command good pay rates and this will also rise as your level of experience increases.
(Average pay: $47,906)
Advancements in technology providing the ability for teachers to work with global students, combined with a growing demand for teachers to provide online learning, has made this a popular remote working career. Remote tutoring is another option, where you can deliver teaching across diverse subjects, via one-to-one or group settings, and on a global platform.
Your income as a teacher will be dependent on the number of hours worked and the type of classes you teach.
Tutoring offers a great remote working option if you love teaching and are looking for a job that offers flexible hours.
(Average pay: $95,490)
Working from home as a software developer involves the creation of programs, applications, and assets. Key responsibilities involve the delivery of engineering solutions to existing software problems, coding of new applications, system/network monitoring, and security of all online components.
Computer programming is the perfect fit for remote working. You can code from anywhere with the right machine and tools.
Work-from-home coders require the same skills/programming experience as their work-based colleagues, such as Java, Python, HTML, CSS, PHP, SQL, and JavaScript.
(Average pay: $55,300)
Accountants compile and review financial records and statements, deliver expert financial advice, and ensure robust financial management and control for both individuals and businesses. Remote working is a great option, whether you are newly qualified or a more seasoned professional.
Accounting offers a high-growth, stable and rewarding profession if you have strong skills in analytical thinking, numeracy, taxation, and compliance law.
(Average pay: $49,527)
Freelance writing is an enjoyable and rewarding remote working option. There are many options you can choose from, including technical, marketing, and creative writing, content marketing, and/or ghostwriting. If you have strong writing skills and a creative outlook, this could be a remote job for you!
It can be tricky to secure a legitimate writing job when you start out. When your experience grows, so will the recognition and the pay rate.
Creating a professional portfolio of your best work and adding to this as you progress will be key to your career progression
(Average pay: $70,083)
Digital marketers manage a client’s entire online portfolio, including social media accounts, blogs, search engine optimization (SEO), advertising, and company website. They create engaging content to attract new business and create some buzz for both smaller enterprises and large-scale corporations. Internet access enables remote working from any location.
Every company out there needs digital marketers to help them with their online branding, so it’s also a great remote working option with long-term career prospects.
(Average pay: $106,001 - including bonuses & commissions)
Outbound sales jobs have been typically completed on a flexible schedule with no requirement to be in the office. There will be some amount of travel with this type of remote working, in terms of attending events to generate leads and visiting clients.
However, the rest of the time all you need is your laptop, cell phone, and an internet connection to work from home.
Sales jobs are plentiful, there are opportunities for progression and additional bonuses and commissions make this a great choice for a remote career.
(Average pay: $63,862)
If you are interested in network systems and troubleshooting technical issues, and have strong customer service and communication skills, a remote working career in technical support could be the one for you. Diagnosing and resolving IT issues for clients or ensuring an organization’s IT infrastructure runs like clockwork are the primary duties in this role.
Tech support specialists will be in high demand in the coming years due to rapid advancements in technology, with 6% growth in this occupation predicted over the next 10 years (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Do | Don't |
Maintain regular contact with your colleagues and office. | Work from just anywhere. |
If you are remote working, a connection will make you feel part of the team. | Having a routine and dedicated workspace is important. |
Tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Workforce by Facebook will keep you in touch with colleagues and staff. | Or try co-working spaces where you can network. Don’t work from the couch or your bed! You may fall asleep or look unprofessional if you get a Zoom call! |
If you are wondering how to get your remote working career on the go, here are some top tips and insights to get you started:
If remote working is a feasible option in your current role, then negotiating this arrangement with your employer is a great idea. Stress how the employer will benefit from this flexible working option. Sell to the employer how successful this was in previous roles. Were you more productive? Will working remotely mean you can work more hours instead of commuting?
Complete qualifications and certifications to make you more competitive in your remote working career. Identify the soft skills and remote working skills you need to be a top performer in your field, then focus on improving these areas as much as you can.
A side job is one of the best ways to get started working from home. Networking, online job sites, and social media can offer lots of opportunities as well as sites like Upwork and Elance where you can secure lots of different freelance work.
Remote working careers have become more common and acceptable following COVID-19, with recent studies showing that employees are more productive working from home.
Choosing remote working will provide you with many benefits including zero commute, increased flexibility, working in your own personal space, and saving you money.
Consider transitioning to remote working in your current role if feasible, or check out our top 10 remote jobs, tips, and insights to get started with remote working!