Many people want to work from home these days, and with the ever-growing “gig” and freelance economy we are shifting towards, it’s becoming easier and easier to making a living from your bedroom (or anywhere for that matter!).
Flexibility is of course the main benefit, with home-workers often working to deadlines rather than specific hours.
So you can pretty much work when you want.
It also works well for couples where one party has a job that requires them to frequently move for work.
For example, working for the military or a construction manager on national (or even global) projects.
Though working from home certainly has some drawbacks – like not getting to bond and socialise with your co-workers, decreased productivity (possibly) and often, you’re working on contracts so you have to find your own work – the benefits are plentiful.
So if you’re looking for a career that you can do from home, here are some ideas:
1. Virtual Receptionist/ Assistant
Do you have receptionist experience?
Or perhaps you just have an amazing phone voice?
Numerous companies now employ virtual receptionists and virtual assistants that can help with clerical duties and day-to-day business from home.
At the end of the day, you can send emails, pass messages along, and use a telephone no matter where you are.
You may be working for one company, or you may be acting as the “sole receptionist” for a whole host of companies.
2. Translator
Are you multilingual?
Translators who are fluent in more than one language are often in high demand, especially if one of those languages is English or another widely-spoken language.
Remote translators are often employed to transcribe and translate audio recordings as there’s no reliable software that can translate sound into text.
Translators also have to take localisation and cultural differences into account, translating idioms and metaphorical phrases into the closest translations possible without losing their intended meaning.
3. Web Developer/ Designer
IT is the sector in which work-from-home jobs are seeing the most growth.
This isn’t too surprising, as the vast majority of remote jobs involve using computers in the first place.
Web developers and designers can pitch their skills to companies of all sizes who require professional-looking websites and features.
Given the way that technology and the job markets are headed, getting into IT probably isn’t a bad idea right now!
4. Writer/ Proofreader
Writers and proofreaders often work from home.
Because, as long as you have a computer, it’s easy to work from a remote location.
Many small-to-medium size companies rely on freelance writers and editors, outsourcing much of their work to these professionals as and when necessary.
5. Online Tutor/ Teacher
Online teaching and tutoring is a growing industry, with an increasing numbers of adults and children receiving lessons via online mediums such as Skype.
A number of leading universities now have online divisions, allowing online students to earn single units (or even full degrees) remotely.
6. Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is a massive sector these days, and job openings for it are cropping up all over the country.
Social media and the digital world has opened up a Pandora’s Box of consumer data for companies to comb through and analyze, and many wish to hire digital marketing experts who can help them to come up with strategies and ad campaigns that precisely attract their target demographics.
Being a largely online role, this is one of those jobs that are easy to perform from home.
7. Animator
Alas, animation isn’t quite the “draw 10,000 pictures and flick them together” that is used to be.
With Adobe Creative Suites and other similar technology, animators can now work entirely from a computer.
The reason I mention this is to bring your attention to the steady rise of animated explainer videos. “Explainer videos” are short animated videos that tell the viewer about the company’s products and ethos in a fun or quirky manner.
I’m sure you’ve seen some of these.
93% of businesses say that explainer videos have increased their web users’ understanding of their company and 36% say that they receive less customer queries as a result of the animated explainer video.
The point is this: startups are cropping up all over the place, and many of them want animated videos for their websites.
Cash in on this market by animating from home!
8. Composer
A lot of businesses seek bespoke music for their websites and ads, while many film and media production houses seek the perfect soundtrack to complement their visual art.
Online ghost composers and ghost producers are increasingly common, with advances in technology meaning that creative types only need a DAW (such as Garageband or Logic Pro), a MIDI keyboard, and a bit of creativity to create awe-inspiring songs from their comfort of their couch.
So if you’re good at music, this could be the work-from-home job for you!
Summary
So, there you go; 8 jobs that you could consider if you really want to work from home.
Like I said, there are downsides to working from home.
- You don’t get chance to socialise and bond with your team and boss.
- A lot of the time you’ll be working freelance so you’ll have to find jobs – and there’s no guarantees you’ll be kept on.
- Working from home can be more difficult (it’s easier to get distracted, especially if you haven’t got an actual study.)
You may also have to forgo sick and holiday pay, and other benefits of working full time at a company.
Always take these into account before deciding to work remotely full time.
If you want to read about the pros, check this blog out: 10 Reasons Working Remotely Is Even Better Than You Thought it Was.
P.S.
If you're considering freelancing, you should consider the adjustments you're going to need to make to your CV. Check out this blog post from Career Improvement Club, it's worth the time if you're serious about it.
Good luck!
