Remote work is no longer the “future of work”; it’s the present. Here are the top remote jobs and professions that could help you work anywhere.
Millions of people around the world are passionate remote workers and many others are joining the movement. If you’re on the fence, consider this recent Owl Labs “State of remote work” report which shared interesting findings on global remote work trends:
- Remote workers are not only choosing to work remotely to increase productivity and improve focus during working hours but also for better work-life balance. Those surveyed responded with: better work-life balance (91%), increased productivity/better focus (79%), less stress (78%) and avoiding a commute (78%) as reasons to choose remote work.
- The report also found that remote workers say they’re happy in their jobs 29% more than on-site workers.
On-site work is far from becoming redundant then how should you go about finding remote work? The truth is here are some remote jobs that are more common than the others. According to Flexjobs, the fields with the most number of remote jobs are:
1. Medical and Health
2. Computer and IT
3. Education and Training
4. Sales
5. Customer Service
6. Accounting and Finance
7. Travel and Hospitality
Taking the cue, Anyplace has put together a list of 10 high-demand remote jobs and what you need to land each one.
Remote job search tip: Not everyone calls these jobs remote. So when you’re searching for flexible or remote jobs online, use smart keywords such as “work from home”, “virtual”, “part-time”, “flexible”, etc. You could add this keyword to a job title such as “Virtual Academic Content Writer” or “Flexible Project Manager”, etc.
1. Data Analyst
Data analysts work with heaps of data to derive actionable insights and improve decision making for businesses. Collecting data, sorting it, spotting key trends, telling a story through it—are all part of the job. Many data analysts also use Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence on the job.
What you need: You need to understand statistics as well as know languages such as R, Python, Tableau for this in-demand, high-paying job.
2. Writer, Translator, or Editor
This is perhaps the most common remote job where writers work on a variety of content. This could be articles, stories, social media copy, scripts, or technical reports, white papers, among others. Along with writing, another popular remote job is translation services, where you may be employed to translate articles or books from one language to another.
What you need: There are no qualification requirements but you need to have solid writing abilities as well as experience writing for different audiences: from the public to business.
3. Digital Marketer
Digital marketers make a brand visible. They could be using social media marketing or email marketing to increase a brand’s reach. Those in this profession often work with a particular client or with an agency that can keep sending work their way.
As a digital marketer, you could look after a company’s many digital properties or simply handle their social media. Social media is a full-time job and many companies hire a social media manager to keep their audience engaged.
What you need: A background in PR or marketing is a plus but a sound understanding of digital tools including comfort with Google Adwords or Facebook marketing is preferred.
4. Tutor
One of the best remote jobs is that of a teacher. This could be online tutoring through your own vlog or Youtube channel or along with the many ed-tech companies that need instructors to teach their students.
What you need: An expertise. If you have extensive knowledge of a subject, say, AI or banking, you can make a good living tutoring students over skype or phone.
5. Consultant
If you have expertise in a particular field, apart from a teacher, you could also become a consultant. A consultant in a variety of fields from business, education, healthcare, or IT can help their companies streamline processes, make better decisions, and solve problems. They can work remotely which allows them to also work/interface with a variety of clients.
What you need: Years of demonstrated experience and expertise in a field you’d like to be a consultant in. Solid communication skills and networking abilities with business big whizz can also help open doors.
6. Software Engineer
This is a highly sought-after remote job. Software engineers use programming to develop apps, websites, and other innovative products. From Java, SQL, C++ to Python, they work on a variety of programming languages to get work done.
What you need: Many employers are no longer particular about a degree in computer science as long as you have a thorough understanding of information systems, can collaborate with UX designers, and are an expert at coding.
7. Designer
There are a variety of designing jobs out there. From UI/UX designers who can facilitate user experience to graphic designers who can help companies with their social media graphics, logos, brochures, among other collateral, there’s plenty of design work to be done from the comforts of your home.
What you need: Again, not so much a degree but an extraordinary design sense and masterful use of software like Photoshop, Illustrator, among others.
8. Video Making and Editing
Videos are all over social media. Most companies now introduce their services or communicate with their audience through videos. While shooting may require you to travel, editing is a location independent job and can be done from anywhere.
What you need: A background in filmmaking is helpful but not necessary. What is necessary is knowing how to handle the camera, cinematography, possibly animation, and an ability to edit through software like Premiere Pro, etc.
9. Customer Management
A customer service executive handles your online complaints and requests. Many times such executives work remotely and use phone, email, chat, and other tools to take stock of problems, coordinate between team members, and provide resolution.
What you need: Experience in retail, sales, or marketing can be helpful, but you definitely need solid communication skills and a lot of patience and empathy.
10. Your Existing Job
It’s counter-intuitive, but regardless of what your current job is—from nursing to project management to business development, it has the potential to go remote. Having employees work from home is a great way for companies to save on real estate costs, especially at a time when technological advances are making remote work possible, and its advantages are increasing productivity and retention.
Another important tip? Before finding a remote job you will job, talk to your employers about making your current job remote or more flexible.
Where to next? Find flexible month-to-month rentals across the globe on Anyplace.
