Working from home can have its challenges, but it also has lots of upsides. It’s no secret that remote work is an increasingly popular option for many people; according to a Gallup poll, the number of U.S. adults who work remotely has grown by nearly 20% in the last decade or so. In fact, this article you are reading right now might not have been written had the author not been able to stay at home and work! The statistics suggest that this trend will continue, with remote work becoming even more commonplace. Working from home is no longer merely a perk; it’s something that many employees demand as standard practice. But how do you find and secure such a job? How do you make sure your employer understands how you’ll be working? And what should you look out for if considering remote work as part of your career? Here are some top tips on remote work and how you can find and start a job where you can operate from home…
Find remote work that’s right for you
If you’re new to remote work, or if you’re just looking to make the switch from a traditional office job, it’s important to find work that’s well-suited to this type of work environment. Certain jobs are naturally more remote-friendly than others: programming, data analysis, graphic design and writing, for example, are jobs that can usually be conducted remotely with ease. If you’re in any doubt about the suitability of a job for remote work, it’s best to ask your potential employer before applying. In fact, you should be upfront about your desire to work remotely in your application, and be specific about how you’ll be tackling the job. With this information in mind, you can find remote work that’s right for you.
Network and do your research
We’ve already touched on the importance of networking in many industries, but it is even more important for remote workers. You’ll need to be proactive in your search for work, and a good network can be invaluable in helping you to find the right job. It’s also important to do some research, and to understand the state of the remote work market in your field. To do this, look out for online job boards that specialize in remote work, sign up for email alerts to stay up to date on new listings, and join professional networks where you can ask questions and learn more about what employers in your field are looking for.
Make sure the job is a good fit for remote work
Before you make an application, make sure the job is a good fit for remote work. You can do this in a couple of ways: Firstly, you can ask the employer whether the job can be conducted remotely. Secondly, you can do some research on your own: Are the company and its employees distributed or remote? What tools does the company use? Does the company have a remote work policy? Does it have a history of working with remote employees? Are employees satisfied with the remote work experience? These questions will help you to learn more about the employer’s remote work culture, and whether the job would be a good fit for remote work.
Don’t be afraid to stipulate remote work in your offer
If you’ve applied for a job and gotten as far as an interview, then you’re almost there. However, if you’re tempted to overlook the remote work aspect of the job (as many applicants may be tempted to do), don’t let yourself be put off by the employer’s assumption that you’ll want to work in an office. It’s not uncommon for some employers to assume that remote work isn’t for everyone, but don’t let this put you off. If you’re successful in your application, don’t be afraid to stipulate that you want to work from home. You have every right to do so, and your potential employer will respect you for being honest about your needs and desires.
Wrapping Up
Remote work is becoming increasingly popular, as more companies realize that employees who work from home are happier, more productive, and less likely to get sick. Before you apply for a remote work job, make sure the job is a good fit for remote work, and don’t be afraid to stipulate remote work in your offer. With these tips in mind, you can find and secure a remote work job that is right for you.
