None of us ever got anywhere without a little help.
That’s why I decided to gather the most useful resources for remote workers and digital nomads – which have also helped and continue to help me in my journey.
Below you’ll find a list of online courses for upskilling, job platforms to help you find your next role and online communities to offer support, advice and networking. This list is by no means complete – so please, if you have any good suggestions feel free to contact me and I’ll add them!
Digital Nomad & Remote Worker Resources
Job boards, job search engines and online resources are always a good starting point for those who want to work remotely. Nowadays, there is a wealth of different sites that actually cater towards those who prefer to work from anywhere. Even if you already have a job, it’s always advisable to keep a few decent job search platforms in your bookmarks. The “job for life” concept no longer applies in today’s market, so we must always be ready to find and accept a new role.
While job boards are important, you’ve still got to get out there and talk to people. The Internet has made networking a lot easier. With plenty of forums and communities out there for telecommuters and globetrotters, there’s really no excuse to get in touch and expand your horizons.
Online Courses
Digitalisation is eating up the world – fact. With it comes a whole new range of different skillsets that are fast becoming highly in-demand. Upskilling is the watchword of the twenty-first century and anyone who fails to do so risks becoming obsolete. This isn’t all bad news, however: online courses are available which are not only affordable but also comprehensive. Looking to start a new career or learn a new skill to get a promotion? You’ve come to the right place!
What do I really need to work remotely?
The short answer? A job. The long answer? Well… First and foremost, you need to have the right mindset to work remotely. Most people like the idea of working from home or wherever they please but in reality, that’s not something everyone can actually do. Self-discipline is a HUGE part of being a telecommuter and those who cannot stick to tasks themselves will end up suffering in the long-term (i.e., probably losing their jobs).
Working remotely is a skill in and of itself. Self-discipline is one aspect and time management is another. Additionally, you need to be able to cope with loneliness. For many people, going into the office is also the social highlight of their day. When you take away your colleagues, it is basically just you sitting there with a computer and getting work done. You may only have your cat to talk to.
Are you okay with that? If so, then you’re already on the right path towards working from home.
How do I find a remote job?
Let’s rephrase that question: “How do I find a job?”. The thing is, “remote” is just a detail. “Remote worker” isn’t a profession in and of itself. Finding a telecommute position is no more challenging than finding a “standard” job. In fact, most office jobs these days can and are done remotely. Depending on your current profession, you don’t necessarily have to switch careers. Do you work in HR? You may be able to organize a telecommute arrangement with you current role. Are you a digital marketer? Working from home is already fast becoming the standard.
That being said, there are of course plenty of jobs that don’t lend themselves well to a remote work environment. Plumbers, chefs, receptionists all spring to mind. However, if you are considering a career in a more knowledge-based role then working from home is entirely possible.
So then, how do we go about finding a (remote) job? Well, I’ve found that the following points really help.
Finding a Remote Job: A checklist
Before you start firing off applications, make sure you tick off the following points.
Your Industry – Is it suited to remote work?
The truth is that not every job lends itself to telecommuting. While a lot of jobs in the knowledge economy can pretty much be done from anywhere, this isn’t always the case. Really take the time to think about what you do on a daily basis and ask yourself if you can really see the job being done from home.
If some aspects of your profession prove a challenge to working remotely, are there any other jobs that you can transfer your skills to? What skills are missing – and can you pick them up within a certain amount of time? Really think about these questions – maybe enrolling in an online course is just what you need.
Know Your Needs & Wants
Really examine the reasons why you want to work from home. Do you generally want to be location independent, or would it make things easier? Are you sick of commuting for hours? Maybe you don’t even want to work from home all the time – just a few days a week would do.
Telecommuting, believe it or not, can be likened to a skill. Some people have fantastic discipline and can work without a manager looking over their shoulders. Others… not so much. Be honest with yourself – could you do it?
Build Your Online Presence
If you work remotely then you will deal with people – remotely. That includes recruiters, your colleagues, your boss and people in your network. Prospective employers and recruiters, in particular, need to be able to reach you. Make sure you have an email and at least one social media profile. You don’t have to use Facebook (I personally don’t) but Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn are good options – depending on your industry.
Additionally, make sure you have a website/blog! It doesn’t have to be fancy but it should be clean and professional, detailing your experience and work history. Try to give it a bit of a unique spin as well.
Know Your Network
How many within your network already work from home? If so, ask them how they landed a remote setup. Try to expand your network as well. Take a look at online groups, communities and forums and see what you can do to achieve the same arrangement. Nowadays, it isn’t as difficult as it seems!
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