The Era of Remote Work: How to Transition to a Fully Remote Career

These days, the idea of working 100 percent remotely isn’t just a dream. It’s a reality for many working professionals. Here’s what you need to know to cultivate a successful remote career of your own.

Photo by cottonbro studio from Pexels

The idea of working remotely isn’t a new one. However, the pandemic found more companies and individuals exploring the possibility out of necessity.

The result was a new understanding of the potential benefits of remote work. Benefits that found many workers and businesses choosing to remain remote or adopting a hybrid approach to work instead of returning to a traditional model.

So, if you’ve been exploring freelance work lately and are considering transitioning to a fully remote career yourself, you’re far from alone.

Here’s a closer look at how to set yourself up for success.

What Is Remote Work?

The term “remote work” describes the practice of working from anywhere other than a designated business location run by an employer.

You may also be familiar with terms like “work from home,” “mobile work,” “work from anywhere,” and similar examples.

A person can perform remote work as a freelancer or self-employed individual. But it’s also possible to work remotely while traditionally employed by a third party.

Ongoing communication is usually facilitated primarily online and occasionally over the telephone.

What Does Remote Mean in Your Career?

Although some professions transition more readily into a remote work situation than others, there are many types of work that can effectively be done from anywhere, especially here in the digital age.

For example, designers, engineers, IT professionals, customer care specialists, therapists, personal assistants, and many more can easily move operations online or set up a home office.

Those who prefer traditional employment are exploring opportunities with employers who are open to hiring remote workers.

However, there are just as many people choosing to monetize their passions and other skills they might have by exploring freelance work and self-employment.

Some do this to supplement a traditional income, but there are many people who freelance on a full-time basis, as well.

The Advantages of Working Remotely

Whether your remote career finds you working for yourself or for an outside employer, there are numerous benefits to working remotely. Here’s a look at a few of them.

You can set your own schedule

Even if you work remotely for a traditional employer, being able to work from wherever you want gives you a lot more flexibility when it comes to how you spend your time.

For example, you don’t have to fit mandatory morning and evening commutes into your schedule anymore. And it’s often easier to coordinate personal or family responsibilities with your work schedule.

And if you’re a freelance creative or another type of self-employed individual, you’re free to set your own schedule from start to finish.

You can work whenever you’re most productive, whether that’s first thing in the morning or after midnight. It’s easier to make room for quality time with family and friends, too.

You don’t have to deal with office politics

Although there can be a lot to love about interacting with people in a traditional office setting, even the most outgoing people usually aren’t fans of office politics.

Factors like gossip, potential personality conflicts, and more can damage the joy a person takes in their work after a while.

Remote workers are fairly well-insulated against that sort of thing, thanks to the physical distance.

And freelancers have maximum control regarding the people they work with and for, as well as how much extraneous chatter (if any) happens throughout their workday.

You can make your workspace your own

In a traditional office environment, you might have some control over how your work area looks and feels, but it’s going to be limited.

For example, you may be able to have a plant or some personal photos on your desk, but that won’t change the fact that you have to work in a cubicle or according to an open-office plan.

When you embrace remote work, you write the book as far as what your workspace is like. If you have the space, you can convert an entire room into a dedicated office area.

You can also add little touches that can make a big difference in your productivity – like candles, wall art you like, a comfortable office chair, or music.

You can achieve a better work-life balance

Professional burnout is a very real thing, and it’s easier than you think for it to sneak up on you and take its toll.

Hours that are too long and schedules that are too full to allow time for the things that matter most to you can affect your productivity and morale, not to mention your health.

Remote work makes it much easier to establish a work-life balance that works well for you, especially if you’re self-employed. If you need a break or a breather, you can take one.

And you can arrange your work schedule around your personal life instead of the other way around.

What Is a Good Remote Career?

Everyone’s different, so what makes an amazing remote career for one person might not work for another. But generally speaking, a solid choice meets all of the following criteria:

• There’s plenty of available work for newcomers
• It’s in line with your marketable skills and experience
• It lets you play to your strengths and natural personality
• It’s potentially lucrative enough to support you
• It involves doing work you’re genuinely passionate about

Top 3 Remote Careers to Start

Photo by Ivan Samkov from Pexels

Chances are you already have some possibilities in mind regarding your future remote career. But if you don’t, here are some hot options to consider further.

1. Freelance Writing

If you have a way with words and love to write, then freelance writing is definitely an option to consider. Every digital-age business needs a steady stream of written content at its disposal.

You can potentially help them scale content production efforts by writing blog posts, guides, email outreach material, and much more.

2. Graphic or Web Design

Every modern company also needs a website to host its content, connect with its target audience, and more.

So, if you’re a whiz at web design, consider going into that field. And if you’re better with graphics, look into creating original imagery, logos, web assets, and similar visual materials for clients.

3. Digital Marketing or SEO

Just about any job that involves helping businesses gain visibility and connect with new audiences online can be embraced as a full-time remote career.

Digital marketing and SEO are great examples for professionals with an eye for detail, who are good at predicting trends, and who can empathize with a target audience.

How Do I Switch to a Remote Career?

Even positive career changes take some adjustment, so it’s important to plan ahead with that in mind.

Here are some tips for making the transition from traditional work to a remote career as smooth as possible.

Be honest with yourself

The idea of a remote career appeals to almost everyone. But that doesn’t make it right for everyone.

For example, it may not be a fit for people who aren’t self-starters or who have trouble staying productive without a boss looking over their shoulder at all times.

Test the waters first

The best way to make an easy transition from traditional work to eventual full-time self-employment is to start freelancing on a part-time basis first to get a feel for it.

For example, if you want to be a full-time writer eventually, start by finding a good content marketplace to join.

Connect with a client or two and complete a few assignments. Get some experience under your belt, develop a work groove that works for you, and gradually upscale your business.

Only quit your full-time job once you no longer need it financially.

Set up a work area

Even if you think you don’t need a dedicated workspace, it’s important to set one up anyway.

Having a space in your home that’s used only for work – even if it’s a single corner of your bedroom – helps you stay organized, productive, and focused.

It makes it easier to separate your work life and personal life, as well.

Draw proper boundaries

Speaking of separating one’s professional and work lives, it’s essential to maintain proper boundaries where needed.

Set regular office hours that you stick to and hold sacred. Be professionally available and work only during those hours to avoid burnout.

If you live with other people – like family or roommates – make them aware of your business hours, too. Ask that they respect your schedule and leave you to work uninterrupted.

Wrap Up

It goes without saying that there’s a lot to love about working remotely. But careful planning and forethought are crucial parts of setting a future remote career up for success.

So is choosing the right platform to help you on your journey.

For example, a top platform like WriterAccess can take so much guesswork out of finding the right clients.

And if you’re a business owner looking to hire some of the best talent out there, sign up for a free two-week WriterAccess trial today to see what it’s all about. You’ll be glad you did.