5 Jobs You Can Do Remotely (from home) So You Can Be Your Own Boss

 

A Quick Guide To Freelance Jobs you can do remotely

 

In 2020, the world changed.

Suddenly, we were at home most of the time, confusing our pets. Online shopping soared. We no longer hugged or shook hands. Masks became the norm. So did working from home, in your pyjamas (probably).

As mentioned in our previous blog, freelancing has been growing for years, but 2020 proved to everyone how possible it is to do so many jobs from home.

As a freelance bookkeeper and specifically a remote bookkeeper, this was my reality years before the world changed. I chose to be my own boss for several reasons, but the benefits have kept me doing this.

This is the penultimate in a four-part series about freelancing. To catch up on the challenges I’ve faced as a freelance bookkeeper during the pandemic, have a read here. My far more upbeat article on freelancing and the reasons it’s a fast-growing way to work is also linked above.

Next time, we will be covering the ins and outs of freelancing from a tax and compliance perspective. For me, it’s the most essential part of this series, since compliance is my game, and making sure that people have the choice to do their own bookkeeping or outsourcee, is something I love.

In this article, we will be chatting about some of the jobs you can do as a freelancer, whether you prefer to work from home for the flexibility, to be with your kids or family, or if you just like the solitude- we’ve got you covered.

If you’re looking for a career change, read on. You might just find the job of your dreams below.

 

1. Bookkeeper/Accountant

 

If you’re a numbers person, this might be the vocation for you. If you’ve previously worked as a bookkeeper or similar before, it’s relatively easy to transition to freelance, and you may already have some of what you need in order to slide into becoming your own boss.

Make sure that you have the relevant qualifications that align with the services you want to offer. At the very least, you should consider registering as a BAS agent to provide a more well-rounded service to your clients.

A solid knowledge of appropriate software like QuickBooks Online,  MYOB, Xero etc. will allow you to service your customers adequately. Keep yourself educated and up to date with the latest software, equipment, compliance orders etc, to offer the best possible service to your clients.

The beauty of being a freelancer is that you’re able to make your space your own and offer a service menu that suits you and your schedule.

TIP: All freelancers need a website, even if you’re active on social media. It adds credibility and allows potential clients to get a glimpse into how you work. Word-of-mouth and recommendations are a great way to get clients, but a website shows professionalism. 

 

2. Copywriter/ Editor/ Proof-reader

 

Some people are better with words than numbers (and thankfully, there is a demand for both!).

Writing is a popular job amongst freelancers. It’s easy to get started, is a sought after skill, and is a great outlet for creativity combined with excellent sales skills.

If you have a way with words, a great eye for detail, and the ability to sell your socks off, copywriting could be for you. There are many aspects to focus on as a copywriter, whether you decide to do web writing, blogging, or social media writing- the possibilities are endless.

Although not all writers are great spellers, you should have good grammar. Even with fantastic tools like Grammarly orHemingwayapp, being able to sound human is crucial.

If you’re able to focus on a specific niche, you’ll be able to increase your earning potential, and copywriting can be quite lucrative. It can be challenging to find clients initially, but once you have a portfolio, it’ll be easier to pick up more clients. Beware of those trying to take advantage of rookie writers by offering insulting rates. Know your worth and charge as such.

TIP: Get a good bookkeeper and accountant to help keep an eye on your numbers.

3. Virtual Assistant

 

Over the last 20 years or so, the demand for VAs has risen exponentially, and because virtual assistant work is such a broad industry, it allows for almost anyone to enter.

As a VA, you can cover admin, data entry, website building, virtual reception, calendar or sales support, and social media management. Like writing, it’s best to have a niche so you can be more specialised and increase your earning potential. No matter your current skill set, as long as you are organised and meticulous, being a VA is a wonderful and rewarding job.

It can be beneficial to familiarise yourself with organisational apps such as Trello or Asana but otherwise, your app or software knowledge is dependent on the niche you choose to focus on.

TIP: No matter which road you’re thinking of going down, you’ll need some practical stuff to get started. Relevant qualifications/experience and insurances, an ABN, a good computer and reliable internet are all the very basic tools needed to begin your life as a freelancer.

 

4. Graphic Designer

 

Becoming a freelance graphic designer is similar to becoming a freelance writer.

It’s likely that you have the necessary tools if you’re already a designer. Having a visual job means that you can do a lot of promotion via social media (although a website and portfolio are still crucial). Increasing your social media following could have a profound effect on your business and sales, as long as you’re reaching your target audience.

Finding clients can be a challenge when you’re just starting out. Facebook groups,  Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr can be an excellent place to start as you build your portfolio, reputation, and client base.

TIP: If you’re new to the job, practice, practice, practice. There is a lot of competition out there and you will need to be at the top of your game.

 

5. Tutor

 

If you’re an ex-teacher, becoming a freelance tutor– whether face-to-face or online- seems like an obvious step to take.

You don’t need to have a formal qualification to be a tutor but there are certain courses you’re able to take if you wish. For example, a TEFL course allows you to teach English as a foreign language, which can be done online.

Tutoring is needed at all levels of education, so it’s a wide-open market.

Thanks to apps and software like Zoom or Teams, online video calls make tutoring an accessible job. Depending on your experience and specialisation, you’re able to charge more per hour. If you’re already a teacher, you’ll be aware of how satisfying it is to impart knowledge to others.

The start-up costs to start are relatively low, and as with most jobs you can do remotely, the hours are flexible. However, depending on who you’re tutoring, you may find yourself working outside of regular hours, e.g. evenings and/ or weekends.

TIP: Don’t wait until you have everything set up before searching for clients. Too often, freelancers get lost in the business of coming up with a name, designing a logo, and building a website- all of which can take quite a long time- and they lose momentum. Do those things but once you have clients, you can actually call yourself a freelancer.

In reality, this is just a handful of potential freelance jobs for you to consider. If anything good has come out of 2020 and the pandemic, it’s that it proved to us that most jobs are doable from home, so the list is endless.

Don’t forget to tune in next time for the last instalment in this freelance series – jobs you can do remotely – where we will give you some tax and compliance tips for you to use as a freelancer.

For a free business health check, visit our Sudoku Bookkeeping website!