WHAT IS WORKING REMOTELY AND HOW TO GET STARTED
Remote work is perhaps one of the most wonderful phenomena this modern world has seen. Working remotely has given most not just flexibility but also work-life balance no other jobs in recent history have been able to provide adequately.
If the concept is new to you and you’d like to learn more about what working remotely means or how to get started, you’re in luck. This post covers remote work and how you can start working remotely.
WHAT IS WORKING REMOTELY?
Working remotely means not walking into a traditional brick-and-mortar office each day. Instead of going to the office, remote workers work from home, coffee shops, and other locations away from the home office or headquarters.
Some companies are exclusively staffed by remote workers while others only hire a handful. Whatever the case, workers all meet on various online platforms where presentations, huddles, task-assigning, and even chitchats happen.
HOW TO START WORKING REMOTELY?
You don’t have to leave your full-time job to start working remotely. At least not yet-- or not even if you’re confident that you can juggle multiple jobs.
Because you can work from anywhere, you can start working remotely anytime! There are three basic steps you can do to start your career from home.
DEVELOP A NICHE SKILL
So you’re freelancing when you can and learning the ropes of a particular job. Keep at it. The online world is all about niches. Pick a niche and work on developing skills around that niche.
Chances are, some employers will look for someone with a particular set of skills no one else seems to have. And there’s your chance to start working remotely again or maybe even take the plunge and leave the corporate world forever.
FREELANCE
Start small and find short-term jobs or projects. This is the best time to ask Google for remote freelance jobs you can apply to. Be aware that not all job ads are legitimate.
There are plenty of scammers on the Internet who are only interested in getting your service or your work free of charge. If you have to pay to be able to apply, run. Run as fast as you virtually can and never come back.
Some freelance jobs require applicants to bid with their proposed rate. Don’t be afraid to bid for jobs you know you’re qualified for but avoid applying to jobs you’re not just because you can. While it’s logical to not demand higher pay, in the beginning, don’t shortchange yourself and settle for low pay. It sets a bad precedent for other freelance workers who deserve a higher payment.
DON’T BURN BRIDGES
If you do a project well, you’re bound to build connections (not to mention a good reputation). Value all the connections you make from working remotely and don’t burn bridges on your way out even if you feel unfairly treated.
The world is small and the Internet smaller still. You’ll never know when you might run into them again or someone they know in the future.
