As you read this, a quiet revolution is taking place. For years, only pioneers occupied the realm of online work.
Then a global pandemic forced tens of millions to work from home.
It was a chaotic transition at first. But once we sorted things out, something funny happened – a large percentage of us ended up loving it. With no managers breathing down our necks, we were finally able to do our best work.
And having control over our schedule and workspace? That alone justified any WFH pains.
But for some, this dream is now ending. Many employers are starting to call employees back to the office. Perhaps you are among them.
So, now you’re looking for a bona fide work-from-home career.
As the last year has demonstrated, there are many ways to earn an income from home. In this post, we’ll list off six of our favorites.
1) Programming
There’s no job more digital than the one that makes digital possible. Every aspect of the online world depends on computer code.
So, as the internet continues to grow exponentially, demand for programmers is surging along with it.
Before WFH went mainstream last year, it was already the dominant career among digital nomads.
So it doesn’t surprise us that programming has become a popular work-from-home job. However, there’s one thing standing between most people and this career – its perceived difficulty.
It takes hard work and dedication to become a programmer.
But many believe they need a Computer Science degree to get one of these positions.
This couldn’t be further from the truth – you only need to prove that you can get the job done. Start by taking online courses via providers like Codeacademy.
Then, build some spec prototypes that can act as your portfolio.
Then, hit online freelance boards like Upwork or Fiverr. Before long, you’ll land your first programming gig.
2) Day Trading
So, in case you’ve been hiding under a rock lately (totally understandable given the state of the world), the stock market has gone crazy.
After plunging 40%, the Dow Jones and the S&P have not only recovered, they’ve hit all-time highs. Then, a video game stock went from $5 a share to over $150.
And to top it all off, a cryptocurrency based on a meme has exploded 14,000% this year.
There has never been a better time to test the trading waters. Before we go any further, though, some disclaimers. First and most important, trading stocks is insanely risky.
It’s a field where you can make all the right calls and still lose money (in the short term). Because of this, you should never trade with money you cannot afford to lose.
Secondly, if you want to enjoy long-term success, you’ll need to commit to continuous, ongoing education.
Even after learning the fundamentals, you’ll need to constantly research companies, cryptocurrencies, market trends, and more.
This approach includes learning about different trading philosophies. For instance, if you’re trading on a budget, you should research micro-cap investing. Looking for penny stock ideas?
Check out InsiderFinancial.com, as this site has highlighted several companies that have gone on to make significant gains.
3) Freelance Writing
For years, everyone from parents to guidance counsellors has dissuaded people from arts-orientated careers. STEM fields were where the money was at, they said.
While that’s true, there are a couple of problems with that stance. For starters, not everybody is passionate about an engineering or science-based career. Those who lack an aptitude or interest in ANY field won’t advance far.
And second, it’s creative, right-brained careers that are on the rise. Logical, algorithmic, left-brained jobs are the ones that are under threat by increasingly sophisticated AIs.
Meanwhile, jobs that depend on creativity are thriving.
For the most part, freelance writing gigs in the latter group. Just like programmers, writers are in hot demand.
Code may build a website’s underlying form, but content gives it meaning and context. Without writers, content creation falls onto the shoulders of founders.
Many lack the time or ability to write well, so they hire others to do this important job.
Anybody can become a freelance writer, regardless of experience. With a little direction, anyone can generate SEO content.
But as you skill up, you can create more meaningful content or sales copy. These latter two positions create more long-term value, so they offer attractive pay.
With royalties and bonuses included, it’s possible to make considerably more than your engineer friends.
4) Customer Service Representative
Love to chat with strangers? If you need income – and fast – you can secure employment as a remote customer service representative.
This remote career isn’t a recent development – established companies like JetBlue have recruited home-based customer reps for years.
But as firms have experienced significant WFH success during the pandemic, they’ve embraced the shift. Take a quick scroll down any job board – most companies offer CSR positions offer remote work as an option.
To prepare to work from home as a customer service representative:
1. Start by getting a high-quality headset.
2. Take a look at your home office furniture – it should be able to support you through a long work day.
3. If it doesn’t, upgrade to a setup that is more ergonomically friendly.
5) Affiliate Marketing
Since the 2000s, many of us have blogged for fun. But in doing so, we’ve developed a writing style that others can relate to.
If you write in an engaging manner, you may want to consider a WFH career in affiliate marketing.
In affiliate marketing, agents earn commissions by promoting another company’s product/service. Affiliate marketers often do this by leveraging their blogging talents.
However, from PPC ads to social media posts, there are numerous ways to get others to buy via your affiliate link.
6) Tutor
Office workers aren’t the only participants in the grand 2020-2021 work-from-home experiment. Around the world, millions of students are in the same boat.
However, it hasn’t been without its problems. Many are struggling to learn key concepts, as the pandemic has deprived them of group-learning environments.
This situation has created a massive opportunity for online tutors. No matter your background, you possess more knowledge than the average person in a specific area.
Leverage that, and you’ll have no shortage of students beating down your virtual door.
This is Just the Tip of the Iceberg
If the past year has proven anything, it’s that people can do scores of careers from home.
And if you can’t, you can learn skills that will get you there.
Freed from the tyranny of imposed schedules and sterile environments, working from home can dramatically improve the quality of your life.