Did you know that having a remote job is the same as working abroad? For many of you, this can be your dream job. Because, unlike conventional work, you don’t have to commute to your office or have to meet a lot of people at the same time.
Doing your work remotely can give you the flexibility like no other. You can have multiple jobs if you can do it and still save money. Alternatively, you can move abroad and work there as you wish.
What Do You Need to be Successful In a Remote Job?
1. Skills and Experience
First and foremost, you need to have the required skills. The company will ask for certifications and even ask you to do some tests to see if you hold up to the claim.
Several jobs can be lenient when you have the experience. But working remotely means you need to constantly update and upgrade your skills. Don’t hesitate to take all of the necessary courses that can help you do your work.
You sure can find at least two courses in a MOOC (Massive Online Open Courses) that will further your career. A lot of MOOCs collaborated with universities to provide certifications. You can always include these certificates in your application to improve your chances.
2. Future Goals
Another thing you need to have is a good future plan. Doing work remotely doesn’t mean you can stay in your position for the rest of your life. Just like other jobs, you need to see if you can move up in the company.
Being an experienced worker means you can choose which company you want to work for. However, it doesn’t mean you can work as you wish. Your experience and skills can be a good addition to the team, but you also need to know how long you will be there to achieve your goals.
3 Most Popular Jobs You Can Do Remotely
1. Virtual Assistant
This is the more popular remote job that covers a large set of skills and experience requirements. You need to be meticulous, good with time management, able to work under pressure and can manage good communication.
An example of this job is the customer support job. However, this is quite rare since mostly they’re outsourcing to a local company instead of an individual contractor.
Yet, it doesn’t mean all companies are looking for the same qualities in a virtual assistant. Sometimes, they may just need you to manage their files, make notes during meetings, or simply answer calls. However, some employers may look for a virtual private assistant who needs to answer calls, manage schedules, send emails, manage files, and do other secretarial and administrative work.
If you want to be a successful VA, you need to have a stellar managerial skill and be adept with technology. You need to be flexible and quick to adapt to the changes.
2. Graphic Designer
Do you have an artistic streak in you? If you enjoy doodling, you may want to start a career as a graphic designer. Being a remote worker means you can be very creative with how you work.
Today, you can see numerous graphic artists use their social media as portfolios. And numerous brands are offering them various collaborations and projects.
You can choose to work in a company, usually a digital agency, or as a freelancer where you report directly to your clients. There is also no limit on the medium of your art. You can design a book cover, illustrate a package, create a logo, and many more.
3. Software engineer
Honestly, a software engineer today is more of an umbrella term that covers a large variety of jobs. You can be a backend engineer, technical writer, or UX writer. You need to know several coding languages to do your work.
Each job has different requirements and may not be the same. For example, a UX writer may need to know some HTML and CSS. These are the language that you can see on a website. While a backend engineer may focus on Java, Phyton, and maybe even Ruby.
This job can be highly demanding, especially if your employer is in a completely opposite timezone. But at the same time, it’s also highly rewarding since it’s highly popular and tech-based startups are everywhere.
Another thing you shouldn’t forget is this job is also a fast-paced one. Therefore, you need to constantly learn new skills to adapt to the changes.
Things to Note When Doing Your Job Remotely
1. Taxes
Most people tend to skip this information. But you should know that being a remote worker means you may be liable to double tax. Your employer pays for your taxes in their country while you are paying yours.
Even when you live as a digital nomad, you need to check with the local regulations. Unfortunately, many people tend to disregard this information. Or do you need a reminder that tax evasion counts as a serious crime in all countries?
2. Lifestyle
Digital nomads who live in a different and cheaper country tend to adopt a luxurious lifestyle. They maximize the exchange rate and choose
While there’s nothing wrong with having some luxuries in life once in a while. But you need to consider having a more sustainable lifestyle.
Financial sustainability is always one thing that most people forget. Doing this job may change your whole lifestyle. You need to adjust to many things, especially with the income that may differ from working locally.
3. Time Management
Working remotely means you may be in a different time zone than your employer. You need to know their working hour and match it with your timezone.
And while it sounds easy, the application can be highly different. You have to understand what you need to do.
Why do you look for jobs abroad? Do you want it for a competitive salary and various benefits? Or do you look for the time and flexibility to work at home?
But you need to realize how a remote job is not always sunshine and rainbows. You need to be realistic, especially when you’re a freelancer. You need to show that you’re the best hire.