Working from home is something we’ve all dreamed about. The perks are alluring: you work your own hours, there are financial benefits from no longer paying for gas or public transit, and you can wear pajamas all day while enjoying the freedom of doing what you want, when you want.
While the benefits of working from home or telecommuting sound incredible, it can be hard to avoid procrastinating with all the different distractions.
How can you stay focused when your cute new cat is rubbing up against you just begging to be cuddled? How can you stay productive when in the back of your mind, a pile of dishes has been growing in your kitchen?
That’s why we wrote this post. Below, we’ll look at 21 remote jobs, plus tips for staying productive when working from home.
21 remote work from home jobs
Here are some of the top work-from-home opportunities:
- Online customer support representative
- Online tutor
- Recruiting specialist
- Transcriptionist
- Translator
- Travel agent
- Virtual assistant
- Ecommerce entrepreneur
- Social media marketer
- Content creator
- Online therapist
- Business consultant
- Blogger
- Bookkeeper
- Brand ambassador
- Data entry clerk
- ESL teacher
- Freelance writer
- Insurance agent
- Video editor
- Online events coordinator
1. Online customer support representative
A customer support representative assists customers with questions or concerns about a company’s products or services.
They may work in a call center, or be the sole point of contact for a company. A customer support representative’s duties may vary depending on the company they work for, but they typically include responding to customer inquiries, troubleshooting customer problems, and providing customer service.
💰Yearly average salary: $42,163.
2. Online tutor
An online tutor is responsible for providing academic support and guidance to students via the internet. This involves developing lesson plans, creating instructional materials, and delivering lectures online.
The tutor must also be available to answer student questions and provide feedback on assignments. In addition, the tutor must keep track of student progress and send progress reports to parents or guardians.
💰Yearly average salary: $57,094.
3. Recruiting specialist
A recruiter is responsible for identifying and recruiting qualified candidates for open positions within an organization. They may post job openings on various websites and job boards, conduct interviews, and administer skills tests.
Additionally, they may work closely with hiring managers to identify specific needs and desired qualifications. Once a candidate is selected, the recruiting specialist may extend an offer of employment and facilitate the onboarding process.
💰Yearly average salary: $67,060.
4. Transcriptionist
A transcriptionist is responsible for transcribing audio files into written text. This may include transcribing meeting minutes, dictate from doctors, or other audio files.
A transcriptionist must be able to listen to audio files and type out what is being said. This requires good listening skills and the ability to type quickly. A transcriptionist must also have good attention to detail in order to ensure that the transcription is accurate.
💰Yearly average salary: $58,876.
5. Translator
A translator is responsible for converting text from one language to another while maintaining the original meaning of the text.
A translator must have a strong command of both languages in order to accurately convey the meaning of the text. In addition, a translator must be able to write clearly and concisely in both languages in order to produce an accurate translation.
💰Yearly average salary: $55,906.
6. Travel agent
A travel agent is responsible for booking travel for their clients. This can involve booking flights, hotels, tour packages, and more.
A travel agent must be able to find the best deals for their clients and make sure that all of their travel arrangements are taken care of. They must also be able to provide helpful information about destinations, travel options, and more.
💰Yearly average salary: $44,145.
7. Virtual assistant
A virtual assistant is a type of administrative assistant who provides administrative support to clients from a remote location. Virtual assistants typically work from home, but may also work from coworking spaces or other remote locations.
The duties of a virtual assistant can vary depending on the needs of the client, but often include tasks such as scheduling appointments, making travel arrangements, managing emails and phone calls, managing social media accounts, preparing and editing documents, and providing customer service.
💰Yearly average salary: $58,991.
8. Ecommerce entrepreneur
An ecommerce entrepreneur is responsible for the overall success of their online store. This includes creating and managing the website, curating and adding products, marketing the store, processing orders, and providing customer service.
An ecommerce entrepreneur must be organized and detail oriented, and have excellent time management skills to succeed. They must also be proactive in order to stay ahead of the competition and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of online retail.
💰Yearly average salary: $68,465.
9. Social media marketer
A social media marketer is responsible for creating and managing social media campaigns that promote and sell a company’s products or services. They work closely with the marketing and communications team to come up with strategies that will increase brand awareness and grow the company’s customer base.
Some of the specific duties of a social media marketer include creating and managing social media accounts, creating and posting content, monitoring and responding to comments and messages, running social media ads, and analyzing data to identify trends and insights.
💰Yearly average salary: $58,150.
10. Content creator
A content creator is responsible for developing and managing content for a website or other digital platform. This may involve writing, editing, and curating content, as well as managing a team of contributors.
A content creator should have a strong understanding of the brand they are representing and the audience they are targeting. They should be able to produce engaging and relevant content that resonates with the brand’s voice and style.
💰Yearly average salary: $48,964.
11. Online therapist
As an online therapist, you will be responsible for providing counseling and therapy to clients over the internet. This will involve meeting with clients online, using video conferencing or chat services, and providing counseling and therapy services through these means.
You will need to be able to build rapport with clients and create a therapeutic relationship online in order to be successful in this role. In addition to meeting with clients, you will also be responsible for conducting intakes, writing progress notes, and providing other clinical documentation.
💰Yearly average salary: $82,293.
12. Business consultant
A business consultant provides advice to businesses to help them improve their operations and bottom line. The consultant evaluates the business’s strengths and weaknesses, and provides recommendations on how to improve. The consultant may also help to implement the changes.
The duties of a business consultant can vary depending on the client’s needs. However, some common duties include conducting research, analyzing data, developing plans and strategies, and presenting findings. The consultant also works with the client to set goals and objectives, and track progress.
💰Yearly average salary: $77,634.
13. Blogger
A blogger is someone who writes and maintains a blog. A blog is a personal website where an individual can record their thoughts and opinions on a given topic. Blogs are typically updated on a regular basis, and many bloggers use them as a way to share their passions and connect with like-minded individuals.
Bloggers are responsible for creating content that is interesting and engaging for their audience. This often requires conducting research, staying up-to-date on current trends, and being creative in their approach.
Additionally, bloggers must be dedicated to promoting their blog in order to attract readers. This can be done through various marketing strategies, such as social media, search engine optimization, and influencer partnerships.
💰Yearly average salary: $45,082.
14. Bookkeeper
A bookkeeper is responsible for maintaining financial records for a company or organization. This includes tracking income and expenses, preparing financial reports, and ensuring that financial transactions are properly recorded. Bookkeepers often work with accounting software to streamline record-keeping and financial reporting.
In addition to maintaining financial records, a bookkeeper may also be responsible for managing accounts payable and accounts receivable, as well as preparing and filing taxes. A bookkeeper with advanced training and experience can provide advice on financial matters and help with long-term planning and budgeting.
💰Yearly average salary: $42,084.
15. Brand ambassador
A brand ambassador is a person hired by a company to promote its products or services. Brand ambassadors are usually hired to work at events, such as conventions, trade shows, and product launches. They may also be sent to other places, such as colleges and festivals, to promote the company’s products.
💰Yearly Average Salary: $50,233.
16. Data entry clerk
A data entry clerk is responsible for inputting data into a computer system. This data can be in the form of sales figures, inventory, customer information, or any other type of data that needs to be stored electronically. A data entry clerk must be able to type quickly and accurately, and must have a good understanding of the data that is being inputted.
💰Yearly average salary: $35,812.
17. ESL teacher
An English as a second language (ESL) teacher is responsible for teaching English to students who speak a different native language. The ESL teacher will create lesson plans and instructional materials to teach English to these students.
They will also assess students’ progress and adjust their teaching methods as needed. In addition to teaching, the ESL teacher may be responsible for other duties, such as planning and organizing extracurricular activities, supervising field trips, and serving as a mentor to students.
💰Yearly average salary: $47,375.
18. Freelance writer
A freelance writer is a self-employed writer who writes for a variety of clients, usually on an as-needed basis. Freelance writers typically work from home, set their own work hours, and choose their own writing assignments.
The primary duty of a freelance writer is to produce high-quality written content for their clients. This content must be well-researched, well-written, and original. They may also be required to format and proofread their work before it is published.
💰Yearly average salary: $68,691.
19. Insurance agent
An insurance agent is responsible for helping clients choose the insurance coverage that best suits their needs. They work remotely with clients to determine what type of coverage they need, and then research different policies to find the one that offers the best coverage at the most affordable price.
Insurance agents must keep up with industry changes and updates in order to best serve their clients. They must also be able to answer any questions that their clients have about their coverage.
💰Yearly average salary: $65,926.
20. Video editor
A video editor is responsible for cutting and assembling footage to create a cohesive final product. This involves selecting the best takes from each scene, splicing them together, and adding any necessary effects or transitions.
A video editor must also ensure that the final product meets all technical requirements, such as file format, resolution, and frame rate. In addition, a video editor may be responsible for creating title cards, lower thirds, and other graphic elements.
💰Yearly average salary: $49,560.
21. Online events coordinator
The online events coordinator is responsible for the planning and execution of all online events. This includes working with other members of the team to develop event concepts, creating event timelines and budgets, coordinating event logistics, and promoting the event.
The coordinator must also ensure the event is executed according to plan and that all attendees have a positive experience. After the event, the coordinator will debrief with the team to identify any areas for improvement.
💰Yearly average salary: $51,347.
Productivity tips for working from home
1. Invest in a home office
Whether you’re fortunate enough to already be telecommuting or you’ve been given a flexible in-person office option—being a remote employee can be an incredible experience.
But that doesn’t mean it’s as easy and fun as everyone thinks.
It takes a lot of discipline to be able to work from home. With constant distractions, chores, and simply getting caught up in daily requirements, it can be hard to stay focused and productive.
Working from home will look different for everyone, so the most important part is understanding what works for you may not work for someone else.
But with the help of these tips and tricks, you’ll have a much better grasp on working from home—and how to do it comfortably and productively.
OK, so you might not be the tidiest person in the world, and that’s fine. Perhaps your home office has always been a clutter of books, sketches, notes, and external hard drives scattered across your desk.
To some, that might sound like total chaos and a living nightmare. But for others, that’s how they’re most productive.
Take this famous quote from Albert Einstein, for instance, and you might feel better about working in a cluttered workspace:
If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?
It’s important to find out for yourself what makes you productive. What sort of environment do you work best in?
I need everything to be organized. For me, a cluttered desk is a reflection of a cluttered and anxious mind. I know I’m not productive in that sort of environment.
But how do you work best? Do you need clutter? Is there organization behind your clutter?
There’s no right or wrong answer here. But it’s certainly worth trying different working environments every once in a while to find the best fit for you.
With that in mind, let’s get into some of the different ways you can stay productive while working from home—no matter what type of worker you are.
2. Keep your workspace and personal space separate
Blending your workspace with your personal space is not a good way to stay productive.
Sure, the idea of watching Netflix while working is great if you have some downtime—but it actually decreases your productivity tremendously. And, when these two worlds start to blend into one, it can be difficult to allocate time to one or the other. It’s a vicious cycle.
Worst of all, it’s hard to leave your work at the office after a rough day if you’re working from your bedroom.
A study by Porch asked business professionals about their biggest distractions when working from home.
Here are the top five answers:
- Having the TV on
- Personal tasks around the house
- Running errands
- Exercise
- Going out for coffee
Sound familiar? You’ve probably had to deal with one of those things at some point while working from home.
Here’s what you can do though: make a distinct boundary (either physically or mentally) between your workspace and personal enjoyment space. Whether that’s formed around allocating specific time slots in your day to working hours or even keeping any distractions out of arm’s length, either should help.
It may be difficult at first to remove yourself from situations that arise at home, but it’s well worth it. If you have the opportunity, try taking a spare bedroom and turning it into your office rather than working from your couch.
Consider this: Look into purchasing a room divider if your workspace isn’t a separate room from where you should be spending your personal time.
3. Organize clutter and save time
You’ve determined that you’re one of those people who just loves clutter. But have you considered trying to organize it?
Think of it like this: you have a lot of stuff. Books, notes, notebooks, pencils, pens—they’re all over the place. Even your desktop on your computer is cluttered with old screenshots, Word documents, and more.
You do know where everything is (most of the time), but it's not a very pleasant working environment for you or for those around you at home.
However, what about those things you can never find? Do you know how much time you’re wasting looking for a document when you could be working on your small business?
Here are a few steps to take if you think it’s time to declutter.
- Do a paper purge. Find any receipts, notes, papers—whatever you have laying around—and consider even just throwing them in a box.
- Find a home for your pens, pencils, and whatever tools you have on your desk.
- Do a weekly desktop purge: delete any files that are distracting or you no longer use, and be sure to empty your computer trash bin. Check out these productivity apps that can help your computer stay organized.
- Throw stuff out. If you have old bottles of Mountain Dew or empty chip bags on your desk, just throw them out.
Consider this: Have fun with your clutter and use a shredder to get rid of documents you no longer need.
4. Get dressed for success
In the past we’ve discussed the importance of a morning ritual and how it can increase your daily productivity—but what about when you’re working from home?
It can be tempting to spend your day sitting around in your pajamas, drinking coffee, and eating junk food—but that’s not healthy for your mind or body.
Take some time to wake up early and actually get dressed. Dress as if you were heading to a meeting or if you were working in an office.
It really does put you in a different mindset for your day.
An experiment by the team at A Life of Productivity found the following when looking into what sort of attire meant a higher level of productivity:
- Clothes are symbolic and hugely affect how you feel about yourself. Your pajamas might help you feel relaxed and ready to wind down to sleep, whereas some slacks and a button down shirt might help flip your mental gears and get you into “work mode.”
- The more time you put in your appearance, the more you’re motivated to “get out there.” This is particularly helpful when interacting with more people will make you more productive, like at a networking event or a party.
- You can compartmentalize by changing your clothes when you get home. This helps you separate your work and home lives, particularly as more and more businesses adopt casual dress codes.
Of course if you feel more successful in your pajamas, by all means work in your pajamas.
Consider this: Create a morning routine that stops you diving straight into the workflow as soon as you open your eyes each morning.
5. Invest in ergonomic and beautiful furniture
You might get up a few times for a break, but you may find yourself sitting down at your desk for hours on end once you get into a groove.
That’s why it’s important to invest in ergonomic furniture for your office. You can’t afford to have your productivity and mental health hindered by a poor workspace.
If you can, try and get an ergonomic chair or even a standing desk. Standing for a few hours while working will save your back and will make you more productive.
Don’t think it’s worth it to invest in a good chair? Think again. The team at Ergo Plus found the following:
- Ergonomics improves productivity. The best ergonomic solutions will often improve productivity by up to 25%. By designing a workspace to allow for good posture, less exertion, fewer motions, and better heights and reaches, the workstation becomes more efficient.
- Ergonomics improves quality. Poor ergonomics leads to frustrated and fatigued workers that don’t do their best work. When the job task is too physically taxing on the worker, they may not perform their job like they were trained. For example, if an employee’s work bench is too high for them, they may not be able to fasten a screw tight enough, and this could create a product quality issue.
Consider this: Do a quick search on your favorite online furniture store to find an ergonomic solution that works best for you.
6. Consider working from a co-working space
Some days working from home just doesn’t feel right. It’s good to take a break from your home office, Zoom video calls, and get some fresh air.
Luckily, you have the freedom to work where you want.
Consider working from a library, local coffee shop, or even rent a co-working space to work from for a day or two a week. Not only will this help you reevaluate your efforts and give your mind a break from life at home, but it’s one way of getting rid of loneliness as an entrepreneur.
If you can, try working from somewhere that has a lot of natural light. A study published in Psychology Today found that beyond the health benefits, exposure to natural light increases workspace productivity tremendously.
Plus, if you do end up working in an official coworking space (something besides a coffee shop or library), there’s a chance you’ll be seated beside someone who’s able to help you out, and vice versa.
Consider this: Try to use a specific location to perform certain tasks. For instance, respond to emails or do your data entry in a coffee shop, or use the quietness of your home for deep-focus work.
7. Prepare meals for the week ahead
Usually, if you have a home-based job, you’ll have to take time out of your work day to cook for yourself. Or, if you’re lucky, you might have someone working from home with you that can help with cooking.
To avoid spending too much time in the kitchen when you should be working, try doing some advance meal prep on Sunday evening. The idea here is to cook something in large quantities, throw it in airtight containers, and eat each meal throughout the week.
Bodybuilders and athletes have been doing this for years. So why shouldn’t entrepreneurs?
Tim Ferriss, an entrepreneur, author, and podcaster outlines what UFC champion Georges St-Pierre did to meet the training and nutritional goals that supported him to become a champion fighter.
In 2009, when the Georges experiment began Jennifer Nickel, chef at Bice and one of Georges’s personal chefs, had the entire professional kitchen of Bice to herself in the morning and prepared three meals for Georges: a post-workout meal that could be eaten cold, a dinner meal, and a breakfast meal for the next morning. Meal prep took between two to four hours.
You probably don’t eat as much as Georges does, so it may take you even less than two to four hours. Give it a shot! Also bear in mind that if meal planning or cooking aren’t your forte, there are meal delivery services that allow you to skip the grocery shopping and deliver the exact ingredients to you, and services that deliver pre-made healthy meals that you can simply reheat.
Consider this: Double the ingredients and portion size on your next Sunday meal and have some already-prepared healthy lunches ready to eat.
8. Know when to stop working
Working long, late hours may seem noble when hearing about startup founders who worked hours on end to achieve their goal. But what you often don’t hear is that they do take time for their personal life.
They know when to turn off. They know when to unplug.
It’s important to know that it’s OK for you to take a break. It’s OK for you to watch TV for a few hours. It’s OK to do what you want, when you want, when you feel as though you deserve it.
The team at Becoming Minimalist found some compelling reasons why it’s important to unplug:
- Powering down helps remove unhealthy feelings of jealousy, envy, and loneliness.
- Powering down combats the fear of missing out.
- Life, at its best, is happening right in front of you.
- Powering down promotes creation over consumption.
Consider this: Binge watch that new favorite Netflix show. Go for a run or a walk. Whatever you’d like! Just make sure it’s after you’ve done your work for the day.
9. Remove distractions
You may not realize how much time you waste because you sit in front of a TV or because you’re constantly checking your favorite social media platform.
So the question is, How you can work with fewer distractions?
Here are some ideas:
- Watch TV during your break time. Save it for after work.
- Close your social media tabs, log out of your social media accounts, or use an app like Freedom that allows you to block websites that are distracting.
- Use apps like RescueTime or StayFocusd that allow you to block distracting websites.
- Avoid using your phone. Check email, social media, and whatever else during your break time.
Consider this: How much time are you wasting with distractions while working? How much more productive do you think you’d be without them?
Working from home successfully
Now that we’ve taken a look at 21 ways to work from home comfortably and maintain productivity, it's important that you actually put them into practice.
To make adjusting to working from home full time easier, try implementing at least one work-from-home tip now, and once you’ve mastered that, choose your next one.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed if you try them all out at once, and the result will be falling back into bad habits. Simple, small steps is how you’ll see success in learning how to work from home.
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