It has been a year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effects that it’s had on many industries continue to ripple throughout the globe. In particular, many businesses have had to remain shut for much of this time, while the work-from-home gig economy has flourished. As we begin this new year, these remote jobs will most likely continue to be part of the new normal.

The numbers speak for themselves: according to a 2017 study conducted by UpWork and Freelancers Union, long before the pandemic, nearly 50 per cent of millennials were already doing freelance work. That’s a figure that would have only risen in the wake of the global crisis that is COVID-19.

In decades past, landing a legitimate work-from-home job was much more difficult. Before the internet, they simply weren’t profitable enough. These days, the main challenge is learning to identify real opportunities in a sea of scams. Fortunately, technological improvements and social media have made it much easier to find legitimate jobs that you can do from home. Here are some of them:

Customer Service Representative

Customer service representatives handle customer concerns, answer questions, and resolve any issues that clients may be having with a product or service. This is usually done over the phone, e-mail, or instant messengers. Their responsibilities may also include processing orders and dealing with returns.

This is one of the easiest work-from-home jobs to get into. At most, you’ll only need a landline, a computer, and a stable internet connection. Because of the relatively low cost needed to get started, even entry-level representatives can earn a lot of money. However, if you want to command a higher price for your services, it may be a good idea to complete customer service courses first.

Virtual Assistant

Many businesses now operate mostly, if not completely, online. For this reason, plenty of executives have taken to hiring remote workers to help them stay on top of their schedules and see to administrative tasks. Virtual assistants can support multiple clients in a wide variety of industries. Depending on their skill set, they can fulfil a number of administrative, creative, and technical responsibilities.

The duties of a virtual assistant can vary from client to client. They can include composing and responding to emails, scheduling appointments, fielding media and business inquiries, doing research, and more. Because virtual assistant jobs can pay extremely well, the market for them is very competitive. To stand out from the crowd, you might want to reinforce your resume with the relevant online training.

Medical Transcriptionist

Many physicians, nurse practitioners, and healthcare providers make use of audio recording devices to take voice notes. These notes can include anything from medical reports to clinical summaries to surgery notes. All these then need to be transcribed and turned into a written document. Medical transcriptionists assist healthcare providers by doing this tedious and time-consuming task for them.

It is by no means an easy job to get into, though. Most employers require in-depth knowledge in medical terminology, while others look for candidates who have completed a postsecondary medical transcriptionist program. Fortunately, these professional development programs are also available as work from home courses. After completing the program and earning your certificate, all you need to get started is an earpiece, a computer, and a quiet space to work in.

Social Media Manager

Most businesses, whether they’re big or small, now have a presence on social media. In the age of the internet, it is the most direct way to market to and cultivate a relationship with one’s customers. However, not all businesses know how to maximise the power of their online platforms. Social media managers effectively act as a company’s online voice, formulating strategies to expand the business’ reach, grow its online following, and improve brand awareness.

Despite being a relatively new niche, this is one of the most in-demand work-from-home careers. Would-be social media managers must be able to demonstrate a strong understanding and command of social media. Some employers may also look for individuals who already have a sizable online following or someone who has an eye for visual design.

Content Writer

The internet thrives on content, and people are needed to create it. Content writers compose the news articles, blog posts and features that you find on all of your favourite sites. And unlike other forms of content creation, it can be done without ever moving from the comfort of your couch. If you’ve always had a passion for the written word or telling stories, now’s the best time to use it to make some money. All you’ll need is a portfolio of your work and a couple of writing samples to include with your resume.

Working from home is no longer a pipe dream, and there’s no better time to dive into it than the present. What are you waiting for? Take the initiative and find a great remote job today!

Trying to look for a job you can do from home? Upskill through one of our courses today.