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Over the past year, the pandemic has transformed the job market, with many people moving to remote work as a way to combat the spread of COVID-19. With this shift, the idea of working from home has become more popular than ever. According to a recent survey, more than half of office workers would like to continue working from home even after the pandemic ends. This is because remote work is not only safer in terms of health, but it also offers many advantages that traditional office jobs do not. Working from home offers greater flexibility, a better work-life balance, and the opportunity to save money on commuting and other expenses. Moreover, a remote workforce can help companies reduce overheads by cutting down real estate expenses. In this article, we explore some of the jobs that can be done from home, the benefits and challenges of working remotely, and some tips on how to find a legitimate work-from-home job.

Reputable Jobs You Can Work From Home

When it comes to working from home, there are many legitimate job options available. Here are some of the most popular jobs that you can do from home:

• Freelance writing: Freelance work allows you to write on a range of different topics and for a variety of clients. Some reputable websites where you can find freelance writing gigs are Contena and Upwork.
• Virtual assistant: As a virtual assistant, you will be responsible for managing your clients’ administrative tasks, such as scheduling, data entry, and customer support. Some reputable platforms to find virtual assistant jobs are Zirtual and Time etc.
• Online tutoring: With online tutoring, you can help students all around the world learn different subjects, from English as a second language (ESL) to math and science. Some reputable platforms to find online tutoring jobs are VIPKid and Chegg Tutors.

Note however that these broad categories don’t fully capture the range of work from home jobs there are available. Many other jobs may be done from home, including those not traditionally done on a remote basis. Before diving in, it’s important to assess your interests and skills, research what work from home opportunities are available, and educate yourself about the nature of the job offer itself.

Benefits of Working from Home

Working from home can offer numerous benefits, such as:

• Flexibility: Being able to work from home allows you to set your own schedule and have more free time to enjoy other activities.
• No Commuting: Not needing to commute can save you time, money and eliminate the stress of traffic.
• Lower Costs: Working from home can save you money in multiple ways; not needing to commute can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars each year, with an average savings of $4,000 per year on travel costs.
• Increased Productivity: Many studies have shown that people who work from home are more productive than those who work in an office environment.
• Better Work-Life Balance: Being able to work from home can allow you to have a better balance between your work life and your personal life.

Here are some interesting facts that further highlight the benefits of working from home:

• A survey by Airtasker reveals remote workers gain an average of 77 minutes of extra sleep every night.
• According to a study by Canada Life, remote workers take fewer sick days than in-office workers. In fact, the study found that remote workers took just over half the amount of sick days than their office-bound colleagues.

Overall, there are many reasons why working from home can be a great option. From enjoying flexibility to saving money and time, working from home can offer both a more productive and healthier lifestyle.

Challenges of Working from Home

Although there are many benefits to working from home, there are also some challenges associated with remote work. Here are a few of the most common challenges:

• Difficulty separating work and personal life: Working from home can blur the lines between work and personal life, making it hard to switch off and take a break.
• Lack of social interaction: Working from home can be solitary and limit social interaction, potentially harming employee morale and motivation.
• Distractions: Home life can include a range of distractions that make focusing on work difficult.
• Technology issues: Working from home can require a reliable Wi-Fi connection and up-to-date tech that isn’t always accessible in some homes.

To mitigate these challenges, it can be helpful to establish a routine that separates work from personal time, set boundaries with family or roommates, and create an ergonomic work environment to lower risks of ergonomic-related injuries. Using to-do lists, time-tracking apps, and productivity tools like Doist and Trello can help keep remote workers on track and minimize distractions.

At the same time, there are countless tips and tricks available to help remote workers address specific challenges. For the one who is dealing with distractions, for example, apps like Freedom and RescueTime can help them focus by blocking access to social media and other tempting but counterproductive online activities.

Tips on Finding Work from Home Jobs

Finding work from home jobs requires a combination of research and networking. Here are some tips on how to get started:

1. Start with a Job Search

Begin your search with some of the most reputable job boards like:

• Indeed
• FlexJobs
• Remote.co
• We Work Remotely

2. Look for Companies that Offer Remote Work

Check out the websites of companies that you’d like to work with and see if they offer remote or work from home options. Even if they’re not hiring right now, it’s worth joining their talent pool for future job opportunities.

3. Use Online Marketplaces to Offer Your Services

If you’re looking for freelance work, different online marketplaces can help you get started. They range from general freelance sites like Upwork and Freelancer, to specific job sites for writers like ProBlogger.

4. Join Professional Networks and Job Boards Online

Social media has opened up new avenues for networking, so find freelance job boards and Facebook groups that cater to your profession or industry to find leads and get connected with potential employers.

By doing the research and mixing and matching job search tips that work best for your unique talents, you can land the ideal work from home job that best matches your skill set and interests.

Conclusion

Working from home can be a great way to maintain a better work-life balance and flexibility in when and where you work. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend of remote work, and it seems that working from home will be part of the new normal. However, it’s important to remember that finding a quality work from home job that pays well takes time and effort. You should do thorough research to find legitimate jobs and sites to avoid scams, and network to tap into your industry for potential leads.

Keep your eyes on applying for jobs remotely, improve your knowledge on how to do it better and take advantage of the plethora of resources out there for folks seeking work that doesn’t require being in an office environment. Also, keep abreast of job-specific requirements and qualifications needed for the type of remote work you want to do. With a good strategy and commitment to follow through and learn, you can be successful in getting and working at your ideal work from home job.