By Barbara W.
Over the past several years, the corporate workplace has undergone a meaningful transition. Remote work, once considered an exception, has become far more common as technology continues to advance and communication tools improve. Organizations have adapted quickly, creating policies and practices that have made it easier for employees to work from anywhere.
Now, many employers are reexamining those arrangements to determine whether remote work best serves their bottom line. Some are choosing to scale back or eliminate remote roles, citing issues such as collaboration, culture, and productivity. Additionally, the corporate tax breaks that companies once enjoyed using remote workers, has been reevaluated; supporting a virtual workforce has become less financially advantageous.
As a result, the virtual job market has become a dichotomy between the worker’s desire for flexibility and the company’s need for more control, community and structure. Although remote job listings have declined recently, they still exist. And applications for those jobs are at an all-time-high. Many people prefer working from home, or at least outside the office.
It is important to know where to look for the ideal opportunity and fully understand the benefits (or pitfalls) of remote work. The question we should ask ourselves is whether we possess the self-motivation to work alone, or if we should reconsider joining the office team.
Remote work originally grew out of the large technology companies over a decade ago. Project management platforms, video conferencing and related collaborative tools made it easier for teams to function from anywhere. Fortune 500 corporations to small, local startups, realized that workers were just as productive outside of the office. Workers gained flexibility and were happier. Without long commutes and rigid schedules, many found a better work-life balance, and more control over their lives. But that has changed.
Many companies are now asking employees to return to the office, for multiple reasons
Finding remote jobs in this competitive market is not easy, and requires diligence and creativity. Remote jobs are still an option, but you just have to know where to look, and how to present your information.
These are just a few of the websites that specialize in remote and freelance opportunities. Mainstream platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed also offer remote filters. When you are researching remote jobs, or marketing your credentials for a prospective job, be sure to use keywords such as: 100% Remote; Fully Remote; Work From Anywhere; and Virtual - to name a few.
Many Staffing Agencies like Beacon Hill Staffing have a dedicated prompt for Remote Jobs. And websites like Upwork and Fiverr also provide contractual opportunities to work remotely. There are many Social Media Influencers online who daily promote remote job opportunities, providing both the company names and job titles. Accessing Instagram, TikTok and related social media platforms will yield a lot of information.
Remember to also use AI, like Remotejobsfinder.co for assistance with identifying remote jobs and aggregating the application process.
Most remote jobs require a certain level of technical proficiency, or specialization. The large High Tech companies like Meta, Google, Amazon and Microsoft often have multiple opportunities for remote workers, like: software developer, coding, and social media marketing. In many cases these workers actually do better in isolated conditions where there is not a lot of interruption.
Other opportunities in high demand, across most industries and businesses, include positions for Project Management, Customer Service and Content Producer. These can be found by doing research into the company of interest and searching their posted remote jobs. Phone-based jobs are easy to do at home and save the employer a lot of money by not having to provide additional office space. Teaching or training online is another very common remote job. Many recruiters are working remotely. The Virtual Assistant has become a very successful remote option for individuals who have strong administrative skills. Whether working on behalf of one business, or as an independent contractor, the VA can provide a service to the client and have full control over their time, while earning an excellent income.
Independent contractor positions, such as proofreader, content writer, data analyst, and transcriptionist, are always in demand. These are often project-based or part-time roles, offering flexibility and autonomy for freelancers or those testing out remote work.
According to Peter Mann, in a recent article published in Medium, the best jobs for remote workers are usually not posted. He calls them the “Hidden Jobs”; jobs that a lot of companies really need to fill, but rarely advertise. Included are:
These jobs are not typically posted on job boards, and the best way to find them is through networking. (https://medium.com/@petermac9/best-remote-jobs-for-beginners-the-hidden-remote-job-market-20311a257ab2)
Regardless of whether you are interested in one of the “Hidden Remote Jobs”, or just a general job, it is best to develop a specialization. Then, create a presentation and market yourself to the companies in which you are interested.
There are many reasons professionals continue to pursue remote opportunities, even as more people are returning to the office.
Working remotely also has its issues:
Working remotely isn’t suitable for everyone. Many people prefer the daily interaction at the office, and working in a structured, team environment. It is best to consider all aspects before pursuing your remote job search.
Job seekers today must decide if working virtually is the best choice. If you strongly prefer flexibility, try researching companies who value remote workers - or even consider contractual work. During interviews, ask specific questions about remote policies and expectations. The key is to align your personal values and lifestyle with the structure that suits you best.
To have success in landing a remote job, it is important to have up-to-date skills that align with the prospective job. If necessary, take courses to ensure that your experience is current. By staying updated on trends, following industry blogs, attending webinars, joining professional communities and acquiring certifications, you will distinguish yourself from other candidates. As you remain proactive on your own professional growth, more opportunities will present themselves. Always make sure that your resume matches the job description and key words.
One Social Media Influencer and Recruiter, Va’Nae, indicated that the best time to apply for remote work is either Sunday night or Monday night, suggesting that the recruiter spends more times reviewing applications on certain days.
While it is true that more companies are requiring their employees to return to the office, there are still many opportunities out there to work remotely - along with a growing number of interested candidates. Many organizations continue to allow flexible arrangements, and technology continues to support new ways of working.
Whether you’re fully remote or heading back to the office, the future of work will continue to evolve. For job seekers, that means strategically searching, and identifying positions that suit your own unique situation.