How the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Remote Work

Even before the pandemic, many employers were looking for ways to expand their remote work opportunities. However, nationwide shelter-in-place orders accelerated that trend. In an October 2020 Gallup poll, 33 percent of Americans said that they were “always" working remotely, while another 25 percent said they “sometimes" worked remotely.

If you’ve ever wanted a career with flexible scheduling, high pay, and an excellent work-life balance, many new remote opportunities offer those advantages. Employers are actively looking for positions like:

• Customer Service
• Sales and Marketing
• Computer Coding and Programming
• Data Entry and Transcription
• Medical Billing & Medical Coding
• Management & Administration
• Web Development

The requirements for these positions can vary significantly. Many require a bachelor’s degree, but some occupations — for instance, customer service and data entry — require only a high school diploma or GED. Certifications can help applicants stand out, and many online schools offer online certification programs to help students build appealing resumes.

Advantages of Remote Work

In 2021, more Americans are enjoying the significant benefits of remote work. Working from home allows you to avoid lengthy commutes, providing more free time, and with a well-designed home office, you can keep your professional and personal life separated. Remote work is especially beneficial for people with families, part-time workers, and anyone looking for a second job.

More reasons to look for remote work careers:

• Saving Money- In some states, drivers spend upwards of $1,000 per year on gasoline, and a large portion of that fuel is spent waiting in traffic jams while commuting. Working from home lets you cut out this expense along with the costs of professional clothes, office lunches, and other unnecessary budget items.
• More Opportunities- When you’re working from home, you can access job markets in other cities. That means that you don’t have to move to find high-paying careers — and when you’re ready to move, you don’t have to base your decision on the local job market.
• Ability to Work Anywhere- Thinking about taking a vacation? If you’re able to work from your computer, you don’t have to base your travel plans around your boss’s schedule. By taking a working vacation, you can explore the world without sacrificing income.
• Better Focus- If open office plans and frequent meetings don’t appeal to you, you’re in luck. Remote jobs allow you to work in a way that makes sense. That might mean wearing a t-shirt and sweatpants, spending the day under a blanket on your couch, or creating a home office that rivals your CEO’s office space. However you focus, remote work gives you the opportunity to do your best.

While the benefits of remote work are significant, not all jobs offer the same perks. If you’re ready to find the career of your dreams, you’ll need to do some serious research.

What to Know When Applying for Remote Work Jobs

In order to find job opportunities, use online resources to get an idea of the market. Make a list of your goals and capabilities; if you haven’t completed any postsecondary degrees (such as a bachelor’s or associate degree), consider looking for certification programs that will make you an attractive hire. This might include a coding or transcription class at a school that offers online coursework.

Look for career opportunities from a variety of sources. Don’t submit applications until you’ve done your homework — researching will give you a better idea of what employers expect, and you’ll be able to craft your resume for the careers that appeal to you. As a general rule, you should look for jobs on at least 3-4 sites before submitting applications.

Researching Work-From-Home Opportunities Online

Working from home can change your life, and whether you’re trying to take care of your family, cut out your commute, or simply add some flexibility to your life, remote work opportunities are worth consideration.

Remember to research carefully. Look at a variety of websites to find remote positions, evaluating each option before submitting applications. If you can’t find any positions with appropriate pay or benefits, consider earning certifications or applying to online degree programs to build your skills. The internet gives workers an incredible number of opportunities — and there’s never been a better time to work from home.