More and more people are turning to remote work and not without a good reason. This new work model (which is, in fact, a slew of different work models) is convenient in more ways than one. For starters, it leaves one with more free time and, in case of digital nomads, more options to travel.
However, remote work is not for everyone. People used to office work and traditional interactions may find it difficult to switch to online communication. People who aren’t tech-savvy or aren’t interested in new technologies are definitely not a good fit.
For the rest, there is a perfect remote work model for everyone.
How come?
Simply, there are different work models that befit different tastes, so let’s take a look at the options.
Working at Home for a Company
The first option is to work for one employer from home. How do you find this type of remote work? Remote startups to work for are a good starting point, especially with the current labor shortages. As a rule, IT professionals don’t find it difficult to find an employer no matter where they are located, but this doesn’t apply to other professions.
If you’re looking for one job that can be done remotely, look up companies already offering this option. In addition to the abovementioned startups, you can also look for outsourcers which are, as a rule, U.S.-based.
Using a Hybrid Work Model
For some, they may work for a company, partly in-office and partly from home. This is great, as long as there are the right opportunities for cross-cultural training in place, especially if you may be working with a diverse team.
Keep in mind that there are different hybrid work models. You may work for a company, partly in-office or partly from home. The six usual hybrid work models are:
- Almost entirely off premises – mostly remote work with no office space
- Almost entirely on premises – limited remote work, large office space the majority of managers and workers
- Partially remote work, large office space – the majority of managers and workers spend most, but not all, of their time at the office
- Partially remote work, multiple hubs – multiple offices with the workforce dispersed among them
- Multiple microhubs – management and employees are dispersed across small microhubs located in different cities and countries
- Partially remote work, with flexible office space – no permanent offices; rented flex space used for periodic collaboration (but not connectivity)
Being a Freelancer
Freelancing is another popular option. There are, in fact, so many opportunities that everyone can combine jobs to reach their professional goals while working remotely.
Some freelancers rely on one-off gigs exclusively, while others work as contractors for one or more employers. The main difference between freelancers and other remote workers is that they are not employees – they are contractors.
The good news is that almost everything can be done remotely, so regardless of your profession, you should be able to find a remote work opportunity.
For example, even teachers can nowadays teach online both for local and international schools. ESL teaching, in particular, has witnessed a boom, so if you’re an ESL teacher, you’re in luck.
Traveling as a Digital Nomad
Digital nomadism is the most exciting type of working remotely but also the most expensive. To top it off, there are different tax rules depending on the location, but there are methods for streamlined filing.
While digital nomadism sounds like a dream come true to many people, it is only fair to say that it requires some savings. People with low wages with no extra money on the side will need to save some money and secure a stable client base first as to ward off any potential costs while traveling.
Finally, health insurance for people who country-hop often can be expensive, so some proper planning is a must. Be sure to take care of any health issues, such as injury recovery, before heading out, as you can’t always be prepared for what you’ll encounter in some more remote areas.
How to Choose the Best Type of Remote Work
Obviously, there isn’t a manual for remote workers. Much depends on your preferences and the current demand for the recruitment of global talent.
If you’re having difficulties finding the perfect job(s) for you, you can turn to creating and selling online courses to help you get started and earn some extra money in the long run.
eLearning and mLearning are gaining momentum, so the time is ripe to jump on the bandwagon. Basically, if you’re an expert in any field, you can sell an online course of your own.
Also, if you have a hobby you’re good at, you can sell your handiwork and advertise your services on specialized platforms. You can also create online courses to teach other people.
Finally, there’s dropshipping for people looking to open an online store. To be sure, you’ll need to invest some money in advertising, but if you’re a marketing guru, you should be able to start off your business in no time.
Simply put, there is an option for everyone, so plan ahead!
