The popularity of remote work is increasing by the minute. If you’re hoping to change your lifestyle to have more freedom but don’t know how to get started, we’ll just about to provide some tips.
Note that everyone can work remotely. No matter your field of expertise (or its lack thereby), you will be able to find or create a job for yourself and work remotely enjoying a flexible schedule you decide.
That being said, let’s get started!
Look Into Remote Customer Service
Even though conversational AI is on the rise, the fact that businesses worldwide are in dire need of frontline workers can’t be denied.
To top it off, AI doesn’t necessarily have to replace human beings, but it can step in to help in remote working situations, such as customer service. In fact, if you’re looking for a customer service role and chance upon an employer who employs AI, all the better! You’ll be able to focus on specific tasks and leave routine ones to AI!
Customer service roles can be performed by anyone with some training (provided by the employer) and since there’s a critical shortage of workforce in this field, it’s a good way to start.
However, note that customer service roles are fit for people with solid soft skills as you can expect to encounter all kinds of customers!
Begin an Online Business
If you’d rather have your tasks and schedule all to yourself, why not start an online business?
So many people are turning to all kinds of online activities for a living and the trend is only to increase as time goes by.
The reason why this is so is simple — literally anyone with basic computer literacy can find a niche. Just consider dropshipping. Not only is it likely to sink traditional retailers, but the only investment it requires is for a good website and basic marketing.
Of course, many vocations have successfully transitioned to remote work. If you are an IT professional, a writer, journalist, researcher, a teacher, an SEO expert and similar, you should have no problem finding your next job.
Now, the choice here is whether you’d prefer to work for a single employer or to take on gigs. If the latter is your preference, it would be a good idea to find a couple of stable clients to ensure recurring jobs in the future.
Offer Integrator Services
Integrator services are highly praised, so if you happen to be experienced in this field, you may count on plenty of great job prospects.
The term “integrator” was coined by Gino Wickman in his best-selling business books Traction and Rocketfuel. You typically learn about integrators when implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) as a management practice for your company. “An Integrator is a person who is the tie-breaker for the leadership team, is the glue for the organization, holds everything together, beats the drum (provides cadence), is accountable for the P&L results, executes the business plan, holds the Leadership Team accountable, and is the steady force in the organization.” (EOS Worldwide).
Plus, every business implementing the EOS management system really needs an integrator, so you should be able to find a myriad of opportunities to step in and help companies establish themselves in their niche!
Become a Digital Nomad
For adventurous souls, digital nomadism is a dream come true. Just imagine: traveling the world while working on the go and exploring the wonders of the wide, unknown planet!
Admittedly, it sounds tempting but contrary to popular belief, it’s not nearly as easy as it sounds.
To become a successful digital nomad, you’ll need some savings, to begin with. Next on, you’ll have to think of double taxation as a US citizen, and finally, you’ll have to think of insurance policies and payments due back home.
Shortly put, this lifestyle is great, but it requires proper planning and execution.
Luckily, there are some tips and tricks when it comes to taxes.
First of all, many countries are offering visas for digital nomads, which means there may be benefits for people coming from abroad and bringing additional profit to the host country.
Net on, there are several ways to decrease the taxes as a digital nomad, as follows:
- Tax Treaties
The U.S. has in place tax treaties with 70 countries or so. If you found a business in a country that has a tax treaty with the U.S. and also levies low taxes, you’re set to save considerable sums of money from day one.
- The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)
If you can pass either the Bona Fide Residency test or the Physical Presence Test, you qualify for the FEIE. This program allows you to exclude up to $107,620 of your foreign earned income in tax year 2020.
- The Foreign Tax Credit (FTC)
The FTC helps expats claim a dollar-for-dollar credit on foreign income taxes. To qualify, you should obtain a foreign tax liability.
- Streamlined Tax Filing Procedures
The Streamlined Filing Procedures (SFP) are an alternative to the IRS programs and are designed with expats in mind. The SFP help people get to speed with missed taxes.
The SFP is a set of a number of tax returns, which are easier to get hold of than the standard tax procedures.
As you can see, there is much more to discover when it comes to remote work, so take your time planning your future endeavors!
