Introduction
In today’s digital age, the opportunity to work from home full-time or part of the week has opened up numerous jobs for housebound individuals. Generating income without needing to leave home can significantly enhance one’s quality of life, providing financial stability and a sense of purpose. There are three methods of remote working: employment (job); self-employment (entrepreneur); and business owner (franchisee or shareholder). We will just cover jobs for housebound people in this post.
We’re all Housebound, but We’re Different
Being confined to your home can be due to chronic illness, physical disability, or mentality, so not all housebound individuals can work. However, by the end of this blog, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the various fully or partially remote job opportunities available, helping you find the best fit for your skills and circumstances.
Check that Job Offers are Genuine
Finding genuine remote job opportunities is crucial for those working from home. Ensure you can trust the legitimacy of the job, that you will receive fair compensation, and work in a supportive environment.
Assess Your Skills and Interests:
Assess your skills, interests, and preferences, considering these job opportunities. What tasks do you enjoy doing? What skills do you excel in? You can maximise job satisfaction and performance by aligning your job choice with your strengths and interests.
If you need help figuring out where to start, consider exploring online skills assessments or career quizzes to gain insights into suitable job options. You can also contact career counsellors or online communities for advice and support in identifying the right path.
I. Supportive Roles
Customer Service Representative
As a customer service representative, you’ll handle customer inquiries and complaints via phone, email, or chat. Your primary role is to assist customers with their questions and resolve any issues they may encounter with a company’s products or services.
How to Get Started:
Check job boards and the career pages of any companies you’re interested in. Many companies regularly post openings for remote customer service positions. Additionally, you can register with recruitment agencies specialising in remote customer service work. Check out Remote.co or Reed for remote customer service positions.
Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants provide administrative support to businesses or entrepreneurs from remote locations. Tasks can range from managing emails and calendars to booking travel and conducting research. This role is perfect for organised individuals who enjoy helping others stay on top of their tasks.
How to Get Started:
To start as a virtual assistant, join platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and VA-specific job boards such as Zirtual or Belay. These platforms connect virtual assistants with clients looking for administrative support. Building a solid profile and gathering favourable reviews will help secure more clients.
Freelance Writer/Editor
Freelance writers and editors create or edit content for websites, blogs, magazines, and other publications. This role requires excellent writing skills and adapting to different writing styles and topics. Conversely, editors need a keen eye for detail to ensure the content is polished and error-free.
How to Get Started:
Building a portfolio is essential for freelance writers and editors. Start by writing sample articles or offering your services to friends and local businesses. Once you have a portfolio, seek opportunities on sites like Upwork, ProBlogger, and Contena. Networking with other writers and joining writing communities can help you find job leads and gain valuable advice.
Online Tutor
Online tutors teach or tutor students in various subjects through online platforms. Whether you specialise in math, science, languages, or test preparation, there is a demand for knowledgeable and patient tutors who can help students succeed academically.
How to Get Started:
Sign up on tutoring websites like Chegg Tutors, Tutor, Tutor Hunt and VIPKid to begin tutoring online. These platforms connect tutors with students seeking help in specific subjects. Additionally, you can create profiles on freelance sites and advertise your tutoring services on social media or local community boards.
Data Entry Clerk
Data entry clerks input, update, and maintain data in databases and computer systems. This job requires attention to detail and working quickly and accurately. It’s ideal for those who prefer repetitive tasks and have strong organisational skills.
How to Get Started:
Look for data entry positions on platforms like Clickworker, Amazon Mechanical Turk, and Upwork. These sites often have listings for remote data entry jobs. Some companies hire data entry clerks directly, so checking company career pages can be fruitful.
II. Information Technology Jobs
Web Developer
Web developers design, create, and maintain websites. They work on websites’ front-end (what users see) and back-end (server-side) aspects. This role requires coding knowledge and the ability to solve technical problems creatively.
How to Get Started:
Learn coding through resources like Codecademy, freeCodeCamp, or online courses. Build a portfolio by creating your projects or contributing to open-source projects. Look for job opportunities on Stack Overflow Jobs, GitHub Jobs, and other tech-focused job boards.
Web Designer
Web designers focus on websites’ visual aspects and user experience. They create layouts, graphics, and interfaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. This role blends creativity with technical skills.
Software Developer or Programmer
Software developers and programmers create software applications or systems. This role involves writing, testing, and maintaining code to ensure software runs smoothly and meets user needs.
How to Get Started:
Join coding boot camps or take online courses to learn programming languages. Build a portfolio with personal or open-source projects. Search for jobs on Stack Overflow Jobs, Remote OK, and tech company career pages.
IT Support Specialist
IT support specialists provide technical support and troubleshooting for computer systems and networks. They help users resolve technical issues and ensure systems run efficiently.
Data Analyst
Data analysts analyse and interpret complex data sets to help businesses make informed decisions. This role involves collecting data, identifying trends, and presenting findings clearly and promptly.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine learning engineers develop algorithms and models that enable machines to perform tasks without explicit programming. This role involves working with large data sets and using machine learning frameworks to create predictive models.
How to Get Started:
Enroll in specialised courses or degree programs in machine learning and data science. To gain experience, participate in online competitions on platforms like Kaggle. Search for machine learning engineer positions on job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn.
Cybersecurity Specialist
Cybersecurity specialists protect computer systems and networks from cyber threats. This role involves implementing security measures, monitoring for security breaches, and responding to attacks.
How to Get Started:
Earn certifications like CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+ to demonstrate your expertise. Look for cybersecurity roles on job boards like CyberSec and LinkedIn. Joining cybersecurity forums and attending conferences can also help you stay updated on industry trends and find job leads.
III. Sales and Marketing
The following roles in sales and marketing are usually at hybrid working locations. Hybrid locations mean you work part of the week at home and the rest at an office, so consider this before sending your CV.
Telephone Sales
Telephone sales involve making outbound calls to potential customers to sell products or services. It requires persuasive communication skills to engage prospects, address their concerns, and ultimately close sales over the phone.
How to Get Started:
Look for remote sales positions on Indeed, FlexJobs, and Remote.co job boards. Many companies offer remote opportunities for telephone sales representatives. Tailor your resume to highlight your sales experience and communication skills. Prepare for interviews by practising your sales pitch and demonstrating your enthusiasm for the product or service you’ll be selling.
Social Media Management
Social media managers create, curate, and manage content across social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. They also engage with followers, analyse metrics, and implement strategies to grow a brand’s online presence.
How to Get Started:
Start by building your social media presence and showcasing your skills. Look for remote social media management positions on Upwork, Freelancer, and LinkedIn job boards. Gain experience managing social media accounts for friends, local businesses, or nonprofits. Certifications in social media marketing can also enhance your credentials.
Content Writer
Content writers create engaging written content for websites, blogs, social media, and other digital platforms. They research topics, write clear and compelling copy, and ensure content is optimised for search engines and target audiences.
How to Get Started:
Build a portfolio showcasing your writing samples and SEO knowledge. Look for remote content writing opportunities on job boards like ProBlogger, Contena, and Freelance Writing Gigs—network with content creators and editors to find freelance gigs or full-time positions. Continuing SEO and content marketing education can keep your skills current and relevant.
SEM or SEO Manager
Search Engine Marketing (SEM) or Search Engine Optimization (SEO) managers optimise websites to increase their visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). They manage PPC (pay-per-click) campaigns, conduct keyword research, and analyse website performance metrics to improve search rankings.
How to Get Started:
Gain experience in digital marketing and SEO through internships, freelance projects, or entry-level positions. Obtain certifications such as Google Ads or Google Analytics to demonstrate your expertise. Look for remote SEM or SEO manager roles on Indeed, Glassdoor, and Digital Marketing Institute job boards.
Website Marketing Manager
Website managers oversee the functionality, performance, e-commerce and content of websites. They ensure websites are user-friendly, up-to-date, and aligned with business goals. Tasks include updating content, sourcing products, monitoring site traffic, and collaborating with web developers and designers.
How to Get Started:
Start by gaining experience in website management through volunteer work, personal projects, or internships. Familiarise yourself with popular CMS platforms and web analytics tools. Look for remote website manager positions on job boards specialising in digital marketing and IT roles. Networking with web developers and designers can also lead to job opportunities.
Conclusion
This wraps up our exploration of remote job opportunities for housebound individuals. We offer practical advice and resources to support your journey towards meaningful and fulfilling remote work. Please note that we do not endorse any businesses to which we have shared links. You should investigate whether job offers you receive are genuine and valid.
Remember, finding the right remote job may take time and persistence. Stay proactive in your job search, continue building your skills, and remain adaptable to new opportunities that align with your goals.
Further Reading and Job Searching:
Job Boards: Visit popular remote job boards such as Indeed, Remote.co, and FlexJobs to browse remote job listings across various industries.
Freelance Platforms: Explore freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Guru, where you can find freelance opportunities in writing, design, virtual assistance, and more.
Training and Courses: Consider enhancing your skills through online courses and training programs. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses in various subjects, from IT skills to creative writing.
Networking: Connect with professionals in your desired industry through LinkedIn and industry-specific forums. Networking can lead to job opportunities and valuable insights into remote work trends.
By leveraging these resources and staying informed, you’re well-positioned to embark on a successful remote career journey from the comfort of your home. Good luck!