How To Make Money While Working at Home Remotely

Explore lucrative work-from-home opportunities, set up an efficient home office, and learn essential remote work tips for professional success.

The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Taylor McKnight on behalf of Franchise Direct Canada. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.

Remote Work Success: Finding and Thriving in Work-From-Home Careers

Whether you’re looking for ways to earn some extra cash or are interested in a change of pace from your primary career, there are ample opportunities to make money at home. By honing in on your particular skillset and identifying a career path that aligns with it, you’ll be more likely to discover a strong fit, no matter your area of expertise.

Finding the Perfect Work-From-Home Gig

Conducting an honest self-assessment is the first step towards discovering your perfect remote work opportunity. By identifying your skillset, you can start to focus more on positions where you can use these skills to your advantage. Your skill set can include soft skills (like communication), technical skills (such as computer proficiency) and transferable skills (skills that work well in many different types of industries).

Once you’ve identified your strengths, see if they align with your interests. Doing this will help you determine what kind of work you may enjoy and find fulfillment in. You should also consider the amount of time you’d like to work. Whether you plan on working from home as a part-time job alongside your regular job or want to pursue full-time remote work, it will significantly influence your schedule.

Research Potential Platforms

There are many companies that are geared towards remote workers and can provide you with the right opportunities that complement your strengths. For example, if you enjoy writing, consider freelance writing opportunities online or positions as a data entry clerk. Many people with expertise in a particular field may opt for work as online tutors or full-time remote educators. Medical billing, coding and sales positions play essential roles in the healthcare industry and can be a good fit for those interested in working in a medically oriented position.

While maybe not many, but a few people have made a living by becoming work from home entrepreneurs. In which an individual gets an idea about a product or service to offer to consumers and starts a business from the ground up at their residence. With your home also being your home base of work it has to be advantageous to some extent. Some may even became a franchise investor instead of starting their own company from the ground up. Most people usually weigh out the positives and negatives when it comes to this. 

Items To Include in Your Home Office

Once you’ve found the perfect remote work opportunity, you should create a space in your home to help you stay productive throughout the day. One of the most difficult parts of remote work is staying on task. Many distractions can get in the way of productivity at home, causing you to work long into the evening. Some items to help you stay on task include:

• Reliable internet connection which won’t go out in the middle of team meetings
• A larger monitor that will maximize your screen space
• Additional monitors to seamlessly keep tabs on important documents
• Memory foam gel pads for wrist and elbow support
• A daily planner to help you prioritize what needs to get accomplished each day
• Bluetooth speakerphone to reduce background noise and enhance call quality
• An ergonomic and adjustable desk chair that provides lumbar support
• Your own office area complete with desk and the above accessories.

While you may have other career-specific items you should keep handy, these items can help you stay on task and tackle your workday, even if you’re clocking in from your living room.

Remote Work Tips To Remember

Although remote work offers flexibility and convenience, unlike traditional office jobs, it also comes with unique challenges, especially for those in unfamiliar territory. Fortunately, some easy tips can help you effortlessly transition from the traditional office to a remote work environment.

If you’re new to remote work, working on your ability to self-manage is important. Stay focused on your daily tasks and always be dressed for the day, even if you are working from home. Getting dressed as though you were going to the office will put you in the proper mindset to stay productive. You can also use tools to stay on track, such as alarms or timers, to keep you chugging along until it’s time to clock out.

While staying productive is crucial, allowing yourself short breaks to recharge is also essential. Remember to get up from your workspace occasionally, stretch your legs or grab a fresh cup of coffee. Regular breaks can reframe your perspective and help you refocus your mind so you won’t get burnt out. Set boundaries, and remember to keep your workday from digging into your personal time and vice versa. Establish a regular work routine and schedule for yourself that aligns with the hours of the company you’re working for.

Although remote work can seem intimidating for those unfamiliar with the concept, it can be an excellent opportunity to achieve a healthier work-life balance, save money and increase productivity. By understanding what to expect and how to prioritize tasks throughout your workday, you’re sure to enjoy a successful transition into remote work.

Be wary as many individuals will pass themselves off as fake companies offering remote work. If a “fully remote” job description and role responsibilities mention general tasks one is expected to do without any relation or special duty then this could be a red flag. Make sure to do extensive research if looking for remote work on the place hiring as well as look up tips on conducting remote work generally.