Written by Katie Conroy
Unemployment peaked at almost 15% shortly after the pandemic was declared earlier this year. Fortunately, that number is dropping, thanks in part to the availability of remote work opportunities. While considered a novelty just a few years ago, remote work is quickly replacing cubicles as the office-of-choice for workers across the country. There’s a good reason for this, as telecommuting is often flexible and is typically compensated as well if not better than a similar on-site position.
If you’re looking for a job that works for you on your terms, keep reading for today’s post on Andrew Heibeck’s blog.
Finding Remote Work
Finding remote opportunities is not that difficult if you know where to look. Many online job boards, including Freelancer, Textbroker, Upwork, and even Craigslist, offer contract opportunities. If you are more interested in a traditional job working from home, many companies also offer this option during the hiring process. Monster, Indeed, and LinkedIn are all excellent resources that can help you land the job of your dreams working from the comfort of home.
Self-Employment An Option
If you can’t find a job or contract opportunities that interest you, you always have the option of starting a traditional business as a self-employed individual. There are plenty of benefits, and The Millennial Money Man blog points out that two of these are earning potential and flexibility. But, it is not always the proverbial land of milk and honey that many people expect. One of the most prevalent drawbacks is that, depending on how you set your business structure, your personal assets may be at risk.
To protect yourself, your family, and your property, consider forming an LLC if you choose to start your own business. There are some tax advantages, and it is a fairly straightforward process that involves little paperwork. If you use an attorney, shop around. It’s not an inexpensive process, although, using a specialized service, you can do it yourself. Follow your state's regulations, and you should have no problem getting set up.
Success For The Long Haul
No matter which option you choose, taking the occasional freelance gig, working as an employee, or starting your own business, operating from home requires a commitment. Not only do you have to carve out a schedule – and stick to it – but you should also set your home office up for success.
Your home office should have all of the equipment you would have in a brick-and-mortar environment, and it should be located in a relatively quiet spot if you will be working while others are in the home. The ideal home office setup is dedicated for the task at hand and is comfortable and ergonomic. Keep yourself organized, and set up your desk so that you have access to natural light. Good internet service – at least 50 Mb per second – is crucial. Further, you will likely work best when there are few distractions, such as visible laundry.
When you want to work from home, you’ll have to put work into finding a situation that works for you. Your options are almost limitless, and it is not that hard to land a high-paying remote job. If you want to keep it, set yourself up for success by establishing your home office in a way that works best for you. Good luck, and, remember, remote work doesn’t have to be a temporary situation. You can make it your long-term reality by following the steps above.
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Andrew Heibeck is an aspiring journalist with an interest in content creation across all channels. His blog often features useful information for other young men and women looking to make their mark in a competitive world.