Business

What are the 4 best work from home jobs?

By: Dale Arasa - @inquirerdotnet

Inquirer Los Angeles / 09:08 AM June 16, 2021

Nowadays, more people are looking for the best work-from-home jobs. Many countries are entering post-COVID life, but remote work is here to stay. In response, you may want to take advantage of the next evolution for jobs.

We’ll begin with the 14 remote work options that are great for first-timers. Then, we will talk about why this work trend has been growing pre-COVID. What’s more, we’ll explain the pros and cons and teach you how to find WFH jobs that suit you.

More people want to work from home nowadays, but they’re not used to it. That’s why we listed the four positions that are beginner-friendly and pay decently. We hope this article can help you find employment during the pandemic.

#1. Call center agent

You could earn $30,000 – $40,000 a year

These guys do everything a typical call center does. These include telemarketing, sales, and customer support. As the name suggests, expect to answer and make calls to clients.

For example, you’ll probably talk to customers about problems with products and services. You’ll guide them in fixing it themselves. Otherwise, you’ll help send someone to solve their problem.

On the other hand, you may have to call clients. You’ll promote a company’s offers to someone over the phone. Also, you may inform them of late payments or other issues.

Some companies prefer employees with experience. Still, lots of them prefer newcomers. Regardless, you’ll have to undergo training first. This means it’s fine if it’s your first time.

You may perform this role full-time at home. However, you might have to stay up late. If your company gives 24/7 customer service, you’ll be the one delivering it.

Alternatively, you may take a part-time role. Even if you need to work from home late, you could catch up on sleep easily. Of course, you’ll probably earn less compared to a full-time role.

#2. Customer service representative

You could earn $28,000 per year.

These folks are similar to call center agents. As a rule of thumb, CSR = call center agent + other tasks. Customer service reps don’t just call customers.

Nowadays, companies have other ways to connect with customers. For example, clients may forward their concerns via live chat. As a CSR, you may have to speak with customers this way.

What’s more, some companies still rely on good old email. You may have to correspond with customers with this method. This means learning how to construct a proper email.

Don’t worry, as you’ll also get training. You could be a customer service representative full-time or part-time. It’s lower on the list of best work-from-home jobs because of the added tasks.

#3. Online teacher

You could earn $30,000 – $40,000 a year

Online learning lets children continue their education despite the pandemic. As a result, there’s a bigger demand for online teachers. And you could be there to meet it!

This usually involves speaking with students on Skype or Zoom. You’ll conduct live classes online in front of multiple students. Though you probably have to create learning aids by yourself.

You may teach a variety of subjects. The ones that pay the most are English, Math, and Science. Your students could range from grade-schoolers to college students.

We understand that educators play a vital role in society. Not everyone can be an online teacher, though. This barrier for entry is why it’s lower on the list of the best work-from-home jobs.

First, you need a license. Schools don’t just let anyone start teaching. It’s not easy to earn this certification. It’s especially harder now because of the coronavirus lockdowns.

Second, you have lots of competition. Even if you’re a licensed teacher, many others are vying for your chosen position. As a result, you may struggle to land an online teaching job.

Third, this is different from a regular teaching post. Even experienced educators struggle to teach online. It can be difficult to teach when your students aren’t physically near you.

#4. Writer

You could earn around $63,200

These folks write articles for websites, magazines, newspapers, and other businesses. It’s a lucrative position, so it’s one of the best work-from-home jobs.

All you need is a computer, an internet connection, and solid writing expertise. You may write articles about personal finance and various other topics.

You could apply to a specific company and get assignments regularly. However, you may have to meet strict standards. If you’re confident in your writing prowess, you may land that role.

On the other hand, you could be a freelance writer. You’ll earn from $30 to $500 per assignment, depending on several factors. You may find your first clients on many others are vying Fiverr or other sites.

Most people can write, and they have several ways to hone this skill. You may have what it takes too. Working at home as a writer can be a source of income and fun!

Working from home was a thing before COVID?

There are a bunch of other WFH jobs we haven’t covered. You can apply for other remote jobs like virtual assistant or web developer. The remote work trend is certainly here to stay.

According to UpWork, we will see 36.2 million people in the US work from home by 2025. During the initial months of the pandemic, 41.8% of Americans have been working remotely.

Believe it or not, the remote work trend has been growing before COVID. China has been studying this work option since March 2013!

Ever since there have been several online articles about work from home jobs. Check these reputable sources like Harvard, Buffer, and CNBC dating back around 2018.

Even mainstream sites like LinkedIn have been exploring this topic. See these articles from 2014 and 2018. Back then, many websites have been seeing the remote work wave building up.

Pros of working from home

Remote workers enjoy unique benefits that office workers may not have. Here are some of the good things about work from home opportunities

Better work-life balance
Less stress
Work anywhere
Save money on commutes
Reduce environmental impact
Customizable office
Better productivity and performance

Even better, companies also gain advantages by offering work-from-home options. Here are some of the ways remote work can help big and small businesses:

Companies could save around $10,000 per year.
The best Work from home jobs allows companies to hire talent across the globe.
They could get higher productivity from remote workers.
Hire personnel with certain disabilities.

Cons of working from home

Of course, some folks don’t like working from home. It negatively affects their work in various ways. Here are some of the ways remote work might not be for you:

You’ll lack chances to socialize.
You may find too many distractions at home.
You’ll need to manage your time diligently.
You’ll rely too much on devices.

Moreover, employers have some issues with remote jobs too. The benefits also bring a different set of challenges. Here are the reasons why some companies don’t like remote work:

A company has to find ways to keep employees motivated.
Businesses may need to spend on online monitoring software.
It requires companies to create a workplace culture in the office and on the internet.

How to find the best work from home jobs

Now that you’ve seen some of the best work-from-home jobs, it’s time to pick one. First, figure out what you want from remote work.

It could provide several benefits like extra income and freedom. An online job may even help you follow your passion. However, you’ll have to prioritize a few.

Your first WFH job probably won’t be what you’ve always wanted. That’s why you should pick the one that has most of what you want. Check online lists and jot down a few that you like.

Second, look for online job vacancies. Check your country’s job portals for a list of available remote jobs. More companies are hiring many others are vying now because of the current trend.

Third, apply for the available posts. Don’t be afraid to forward as many as you can. It’s a good idea to have a job soon, especially during these times.

Eventually, a company will allow you to go through its hiring process. Treat each part seriously. Act as if the interviews are taking place in a physical office!

Final thoughts

Another beautiful aspect of remote work is the possibilities. Ever thought about earning from Facebook? If you have communication skills, you can be a social media manager at home!

Some pay $15 an hour. Others involve bigger salaries than their office counterparts. Keep looking, and you’ll find the best work-from-home job for you!

While searching, you may need to handle your finances better. Money management is an important skill, especially now. It can help you deal with emergencies and meet your needs!

Learn more about work from home jobs

What kind of work can I do from home?

You have so many choices for remote work. Lots of conventional roles have WFH counterparts. Some may even be similar to your previous or current office job.

How can I start work from home?

Go to an online job portal. Find available work-from-home jobs and send applications. Once a company responds, do your best in their exams and interviews.