The typical nine-to-five commute and work schedule can have serious implications for any worker. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. In fact, Americans spend an average of 87 minutes a day in their cars, and in the midst of late night, rush hours, and traffic jams, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Fortunately, times are changing: according to Upwork’s 2018 Future Workforce Report, 38% of hiring managers predict that their employees will work predominantly remotely in the next 10 years. And if you’re ready to make the transition to a telecommuting position, there are plenty of resources to help you during your search.
Before You Begin
Before you jump into a full-time remote job search, it’s important to examine your values as they relate to your workplace habits and overall job satisfaction. Sure, a remote job can provide extra freedom, but it also requires increased responsibility, accountability, and self-awareness.
“No one is over your shoulder telling you to do your job. With remote work, the only person telling you to work is you…The best remote workers really love their work and take pride in what they produce. If you don’t love what you do, your bed suddenly becomes really comfortable — especially when no one is telling you to get up and go,” writes John Cunningham on Ryrob.
You should also be aware that finding a full-time job that allows you to telecommute is often a longer process than a traditional job search, so plan accordingly. According to a Bankrate study, 32% of Americans between the ages of 53 and 62 reported they had zero dollars saved, more than any other age group. But regardless of your age, you need to cushion your savings account so that you’re prepared to go without a paycheck for at least a month or two.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s go over some of the top resources that can help you land the telecommuting job of your dreams.
Upwork
If you’re looking for part time gigs or side projects, Upwork is a great place to start your search. Though it does charge a service fee depending on the client’s billing needs, the platform is intuitive and easy to get started with as a freelancer.
The Muse
Approximately 43.3 million foreign-born people live in the United States, and if you’re interested in learning more about cultures from all over the world, the Muse is the job-searching tool for you. This unique platform allows you to search by location and potentially get hired from clients in other countries. You can search for on-site jobs as well, and even take a sneak peek, ‘behind the scenes’ look at the company’s values and culture itself.
Remote OK
As a platform geared primarily toward those in the tech industry, Remote OK posts new job listings every day. They communicate with their users and update them consistently about new opportunities.
“Providing a daily listing of remote employment opportunities, Remote OK also sends email updates when new jobs in your category are posted. Though it is most common for telecommuting employees to work in tech, Remote OK also advertises employment opportunities outside of the tech industry,” writes Mary Lister on WordStream.
While knowing these web resources is always a good idea, it’s also important to prepare yourself and get in the mindset necessary to complete any type or duration of remote work. Happy (remote) job hunting!