Photo from pexels

Originally Posted On: Find jobs with Washington Post National Jobs

 

Approximately 4.3 million Americans work at least part-time from home, and studies show that they are 24 percent more likely to be satisfied and productive.

One of the most significant benefits of remote work is the flexibility that these jobs allow workers. About 40 percent of remote workers feel that this is the greatest benefit. Moreover, remote workers save money on meals and fuel, as well as time.

If you want to benefit from the perks of working from home, you’ll need to find a remote job. This article will consider twelve of the best remote jobs in 2021.

1. Transcriptionist

Transcriptionists convert voice recordings into documents, so they need to have excellent grammar and typing skills. In addition, many clients are doctors and lawyers, so it is also helpful to understand medical terminology and legal jargon.

As a transcriptionist, you can either work for an online company that provides you with jobs or freelance. As a beginner, it’s helpful to work for a company such as Rev or Transcribeme! to gain some experience. Later, you can go out on your own and increase your pay rate, which averages between $13-20/hour.

One of the perks of getting a job as a transcriptionist is that you will continuously learn new things and increase your knowledge in several fields. If you’d like, you can even obtain clients in a niche field where you have a lot of expertise. Moreover, this job can be a part-time or full-time gig, depending on how much income you want to earn from it.

2. SEO Specialist

Search engine optimization specialists implement changes to websites to improve their ranking on search engines. This position requires knowledge of SEO tools and Google Analytics, as well as website building platforms.

Most people become SEO specialists by taking courses, practicing the techniques on their own website, or working at a marketing agency. Then, after gaining adequate experience, they take on some clients or find a remote position at a company.

This career goes hand in hand with content writing, so you may want to learn both skills to provide more services to your clients or increase your likelihood of being hired by a marketing firm.

As an SEO specialist, you can expect to earn roughly $33 an hour, depending on your experience. However, keep in mind that you will need to keep up with the constantly changing world of SEO, which will require you to learn new skills.

3. Proofreader

If you love grammar and have good attention to detail, proofreading jobs are right up your alley! Proofreaders make sure that content is free of errors and that the intended audience can understand it clearly. They can work for various clients, including websites, textbook writers, public relations firms, and more.

Usually, proofreaders need to be familiar with the AP Stylebook and the Chicago Manual of Style. However, there are many resources online that can help you gain some experience with these guidelines.

Those with a bachelor’s degree in English or another related field make prime candidates for proofreading jobs. Still, a degree isn’t necessary to freelance if you have some experience and possess the right skills.

The best thing about working as a proofreader is that you can complete your tasks whenever, as long as you meet deadlines. And, if you get enough work, you can generate a pretty good income, as proofreaders make an average of approximately $22 an hour.

4. Virtual Bookkeeper

If you already have professional experience as a bookkeeper at an office, why not use it to work from home?

Many companies allow their bookkeepers to work remotely by granting them access to the server on their home computers. Sometimes, bookkeepers work as independent contractors for multiple companies, but it is also possible to find a well-paying remote bookkeeping position as an employee.

Virtual bookkeeper jobs usually require a degree in accounting and a working knowledge of Quickbooks, but this depends on the company. Sometimes, having related job experience is enough!

Thus, if you have no previous experience as a bookkeeper, you can take an online course to learn skills like invoicing clients, managing accounts, and running payroll. Then, look for local companies or agencies that are hiring!

5. Web Developer and Designer

Web developers and designers focus on creating and maintaining websites. Sometimes they need to update an existing site to make it more appealing or user-friendly. These freelance jobs require familiarity with a variety of tools and skills in:

• Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator
• HTML and CSS
• Programming languages
• Web server management
• SEO
• Content management
• Digital marketing

The great news is that you can take free online courses to learn most of these skills. If you’d like, you can even earn your degree online to build your skillset, allowing you to charge more by the hour. However, this isn’t necessary, and you can find work without a degree if you have a decent portfolio.

The best thing about working as a freelance developer is that you can set your own rate, depending on your experience level. Moreover, the demand for this job will continue to increase as more businesses grow their online presence.

6. Translator or Interpreter

The demand for translators has increased in recent years, and the internet allows the majority of these professionals to work from home. Some translators translate publications, documents, or content for websites. Meanwhile, others proofread and test websites to ensure everything is correct.

On the other hand, interpreters have less flexibility since they usually need to take phone calls, whether scheduled in advance or at the last minute.

If you want to become a sworn translator or interpreter, you will need to get a degree and pass an official test. However, those who are bilingual can usually find freelance work without a degree.

Many people assume that speaking two languages is enough to become a translator or interpreter, but that is far from the truth. As a translator, you need to learn how to use certain programs and have excellent IT skills. Moreover, you’ll have to know terms that even the average native speaker doesn’t understand in both of the languages in which you are fluent.

The best way to become a translator is by taking courses or getting a degree in the field. However, if you are looking for some part-time work, you can freelance and get clients online.

7. Content Writer

If you are creative and love to research new topics, content writing is a great option. Most of the time, companies hire content writers to create blog posts, but they may also ask for press releases, social media posts, emails, or other types of content.

Content writers should learn about search engine optimization, as some clients ask for specific keywords that can increase their views and drive more internet users to their content.

Some content writers work for content mills, which provide them with clients. However, writers who work for these companies will not get credit for the published work. Nevertheless, working for these companies is the best way to learn how to create great content for clients and build your portfolio.

Later, you can choose a niche field to work in and get clients of your own, which will be much more profitable.

8. Social Media Manager

Social media managers are in high demand since most companies are looking to boost their online presence. Usually, this job allows you to work from home and doesn’t require a degree. Nevertheless, you will need to have an excellent grasp of the various social media platforms and understand what type of content to post.

Some responsibilities that social media managers have include:

• Creating social media marketing campaigns
• Promoting your brand or product
• Encouraging user interactions
• Responding to comments or posts
• Measuring the success of campaigns using data

One of the best ways to gain experience as a social media manager is working with small businesses. Later, you can apply to larger companies that offer remote positions.

9. Customer Support

Almost every large company has a customer support team that serves as the first point of contact when there is a problem with a product. If you love dealing with people, work well under pressure, and have great problem-solving skills, you would likely enjoy working as a customer support agent.

This job involves talking on the phone, answering emails, and chatting virtually. Thus, you will need a computer, headset, and internet access to work in customer service. Moreover, you will likely have a fixed schedule with this job, so it isn’t as flexible as other remote jobs.

The best way to find customer support jobs is by searching online job postings since many companies are looking to expand their team. Also, if you speak multiple languages, be sure to check for openings in companies in other countries that allow you to work remotely from your country.

10. English Teacher

Are you outgoing and passionate about education? As an online English teacher, you can help hundreds of students improve their language skills and prepare for important exams.

One of the easiest ways to get started as an online English teacher is by applying to companies such as Vipkid or DadaABC. Like all Chinese-based companies, they require their teachers to have a bachelor’s degree, but it can be in any field. Of course, you’ll primarily work with school-aged students, but some companies do offer classes for adults.

If you don’t have a degree, you can always start your own business as a freelance English teacher. Of course, you’ll need to find your students and develop your curriculum, but you will likely earn more money. If you choose to go this route, it is best to get your TEFL or CELTA certificate first, which will help you grasp effective methods for teaching English as a foreign language.

11. IT Support

Most companies require some IT support, whether fixing computers, handling helpdesk tickets, or installing software. Yet, no matter what tasks the job description involves, you’ll likely need some training or experience.

If you already have experience in technical fields, you can look for positions that allow you to work from home or get your own clients!

12. Virtual Assistant

Are you great at organizing, multi-tasking, and planning? If so, this is one of the best online jobs for you! Virtual assistants are in demand as more entrepreneurs work from home and need help managing their businesses.

As a virtual assistant, you’ll help business professionals with administrative tasks such as:

• Updating websites
• Making phone calls
• Fulfilling online orders
• Scheduling appointments
• Handling travel arrangements
• Sending emails

Perhaps you already have experience as an administrative assistant or in a similar field. If so, you are ready to start your own business as a virtual assistant!

Even if you have never worked in an office before, you can take some online courses to acquire Microsoft Word and Excel skills. Then, when you are ready, contact local businesses or look at online job postings.

Typically, businesses only need assistants to work a few hours each week, so you may need to get a few clients to turn it into a full-time gig. However, some industries pay their assistants very well, so you may not even need additional work to support yourself!

Best Remote Jobs

Remote work is becoming much easier to find as more companies allow their employees to work from home or hire freelancers. This post considered some of the best remote jobs, so be sure to research in detail any that caught your attention!

Did you enjoy learning about these unique remote jobs? If so, be sure to check out more of our interesting content!