Did you make the switch to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic? Many people are seeking remote or hybrid workplaces so that they can enjoy a greater work/life balance with a work-from-home, work from anywhere lifestyle.
You may be wondering, what kinds of jobs would allow me to work remotely? Could I work remotely in my current field?
First, we’ll define what remote work is. Then, we’ll look at the top jobs that allow you to work remotely. Some of them might surprise you.
What Constitutes Remote Work?
The news has been filled with stories of companies going virtual. During the pandemic, agile companies swiveled to remote and hybrid formats in order to stay in business during staffing shortages and lockdowns.
Remote work goes by many names – work-from-home, WFH, work from anywhere, WFA, digital workplaces, digital nomads. Basically, remote work is any job done outside of the office or a normal place of business. Usually, it is facilitated by the use of the internet, computers, and related technology. Hybrid workplaces are those that require work to be done both in-office and remotely.
What Jobs Are Well Suited to Remote Work?
If it can be done from a computer or smartphone, it can be done remotely. Consider the following top jobs done remotely.
Software and Web Development/Computer Programming
Because computers are the primary technology allowing remote work, those jobs focused on the utilization, use, and improvement of computer technology are especially well suited. This includes software developers, computer network architects, computer programmers, web designers, computer and information systems managers, computer systems analysts, and coders.
Customer Service/Sales Representatives
Customer service and sales can easily be transferred from the call center to the home office. Sales calls are typically made by phone, and customer service assistance may be attained via phone or through online chat features. Sales managers can also direct an organization’s sales teams remotely.
The industries that can take advantage of remote sales and customer service representatives are diverse – specialty retail companies large and small, technology providers, and roadside assistance, to name just a few.
The remote worker likely already owns the needed tools to carry out the work – a computer, a phone, a headset, and an internet connection.
Content Creation – Graphic Design, Writing, and Social Media
Businesses need menus, flyers, logos, and other visuals to be professionally designed. They need blogs, articles, newsletters, and even books to be written. And their social media must be filled with photos, videos, and text.
Even before the pandemic, many companies had moved away from in-house content creators in favor of remote freelancers. Some individuals will even hire freelance ghostwriters to pen their memoirs, textbooks, or other material.
Editors and Proofreaders
Have you ever read a marketing email, product packaging, or a best-selling novel and been annoyed by a missing comma or misspelled word? If so, remote proofreading might be for you.
Editors take things a step further. Not only do they look for mistakes, but they offer suggestions on structure, style, and flow.
Most editorial work can be done on a computer, with occasional phone consultations.
Market Research and Marketing
Today, both marketing campaigns and marketing research utilize internet and computer technologies. Databases are available for online perusal, and marketing channels include online ads and social media. Even traditional advertising channels such as print media can be accessed from the home office, and marketing materials can be designed on the home computer.
Lawyers
Believe it or not, law practice is well suited to remote work. Lawyers can communicate with clients and other persons of interest via phone, email, or video chat. Software like Adobe Fill and Sign even allows legal documents to be signed electronically.
Medicine
Telemedicine has boomed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth services allow patients to receive treatment for common issues such as rashes, colds, ear infections, and sore throats from the comfort of their homes. Therapy, counseling, and other mental health consultations can also be done remotely. Doctors, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, physician’s assistants, psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and therapists can communicate with patients by phone or video chat. They may also advise patients to seek in-person medical care if needed.
Could Your Current Job Be Remote?
If your current employment falls into any of the above categories or involves extensive computer use, you may not need to look for a new job in order to go remote. Ask your employer to consider letting you work from home, even if it is just a few days a week.
Many companies are embracing hybrid and remote work even as pandemic disruptions seem to be nearing an end. Employers have observed increased productivity and employee satisfaction as well as reduced operating costs when they give remote workers a try.
