Remote work was a thing before the pandemic hit the world in early 2020. Some of us were lucky enough to experience this flexibility. While some of us spent up to 2 hours in traffic every day. The global outbreak forced many companies to adapt to a virtual world. In a report compiled by Zapier, employees opted for remote work
- To save money
- To spend time with family
- For higher productivity, and
- To take care of their parents.
That said, remote work has come to stay, but it is not due to fear of the global crisis.
With a closer look at the above reasons, we’d see that they apply more to women. Women who work from home are able to strike a balance between their aspirations and raising a family. They don't have to choose between being their own person and being there for their loved ones.
As we adjust to our new normal, a lot of companies are transitioning back into the office. That doesn't mean everyone wants to - that you are reading this proves that. As a career woman or female business owner, here are 4 options you can consider:
1. Join a remote-friendly company
Many companies understand the benefits of remote work; it won't be hard finding one that aligns with your values & career goals. HubSpot, AT&T, Amazon, Dell Technologies, and Microsoft are only a few. There are also sites like FlexJobs & Weworkremotely that list work-from-home jobs. Are you launching your career? Is your current workplace opposed to telecommuting? Then it’s time to refresh your resume, maximize your LinkedIn profile, and apply for your desired job.
2. Talk to your manager
The mere thought of asking your boss if you could telework can be nerve-racking. But come to think of it, what if the conversation turns out better than you imagined? Here are a few steps you could take:
- Approach your boss with valid reasons that will benefit you and the company
- Present a workable plan
- Outline clear paths of communication.
If going completely remote isn't possible, negotiate a few days of the week.
3. Become a freelancer
Your current work experience and skillset are all you need to become a freelancer. Do you teach? Are you a web developer or writer? Are you a super organized person? Are you hands-on with project management, bookkeeping, or design software? Once you've outlined the areas of your know-how and expertise, that would be a good place to start. Build a portfolio and start offering your services on sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour.
4. Start a home business
If you'd prefer to operate your own business by offering a product or service to a specific audience (aka work for yourself), this is the best option. This is more cost-effective as compared to running a brick-and-mortar store. It comes with other costs though. Storage for inventory and equipment, and obtaining licenses, are only a few. Starting a dropshipping store, photography business, virtual event planner, and subscription box services are some good examples.
Interestingly, you can juggle any two of the above options to maximize your earnings. Take me for instance, I work for a remote-friendly company and also run my side hustle from wherever I am. What about you? Which of these opportunities are you leveraging at the moment? Let me know in the comments.
I have a gift for you if you want to start your own business. Indicate your interest and I’ll send it right away.
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