Top Telecommuting Cities from Around the Globe
I’ve always wanted to be a writer. However, I didn’t decide to become a freelancer until after college. With my journalism and communication’s degree in hand, I looked into opportunities with the local television stations and the newspaper. As a recent graduate with zero published clips, I had just enough experience to work as an editorial assistant (glorified secretary per employment description), or become an entry-level staff writer, which offered minimal pay.
That’s when I looked into freelance work.
I wanted to be a freelancer back when few people considered this route. Now, it appears as if everyone wants to jump on the telecommute or freelance bandwagon - can’t say that I blame them. Freelancing is perfect for those who don’t want a “job-job.” Where else can you call all the shots and still get paid? Read more
Knowing When to Throw in the Towel
Over the weekend, Freelance Switch featured a timely post written by Logan Strain. The article highlighted four reasons why he doesn’t want to be a freelancer anymore, and it explored the real side of telecommute or freelance life. You know, that side that few people are ready to admit. Everyone wants to tell their success story, and relate how they were able to replace and exceed their full-time income in a short length of time.
I don’t doubt their success. Likewise, I’ve accomplished a lot as a freelancer - professionally and financially. At the same time, I’ve experienced a few lows and disappointments. Thus, I can empathize with Strain’s plight. Read more
How to Tell if an Online Business or Opportunity is Legitimate?
I recently had a unique experience. Like most freelancers, the majority of my opportunities come from online job sites and classified ads. I browse freelance opportunities once or twice a week, and if I find a potential match, I’ll submit a cover letter and resume.
About two months ago I received a response from a resume I sent three months prior. The payout was good. Still, there was something very vague about the response. The company that responded to my resume functioned as the mediator for a well-known website. And while the company provided their name and contact information, they offered little information about the project. Read more
Sharing a Workspace with Your Spouse: How to Make it Work?
I often think how cool it would be if both my husband and I worked from home. He works in advertising sales, and while he’s required to report to his office each day, he spends a great deal of time in our home office during the evenings and on the weekends.
This works well for both of us. I don’t normally work during those times. But when I do, I usually grab my laptop and head elsewhere.
Still, there have been times when we’ve both needed the office. There’s a single desk, desktop computer, and printer. Since our laptops aren’t compatible with the printer, we have to transfer files to the desktop before printing a document.
We argue on who gets to work at the desk, who gets to sit in the comfortable chair, and how bright to keep the room. Fortunately, it isn’t a huge problem and we generally work it out. But if we had to work side-by-side on a daily basis, I’ve come up with a few solutions. Read more
The Best Way to Look for Telecommuting Jobs
Once you’ve made the decision to work from home, now comes the hard part…finding a telecommute job.
There are plenty available jobs. Unfortunately, most companies that hire telecommuters don’t advertise these jobs in the local classifieds. To find a legitimate work from home opportunity, you’ve got to hit the Internet, and the pavement.
1. Visit Work at Home Job Boards: The Internet features several legitimate work at home boards, and most don’t require a fee. Find opportunities for freelancing writing, data entry, order entry, and virtual assistants.
2. Present the Idea to Your Boss: Companies, especially small businesses, are always looking for ways to lower their expenses. In fact, a few companies have created telecommute positions, wherein employees work from home. In turn, employers don’t have to pay retirement benefits, health insurance, etc.
3. Hit the Pavement and Market Yourself: If your current employer doesn’t want to experiment with telecommuting…another employer might. Don’t let the word “no” stand in your way. Choose a business specialty or niche and market yourself as a freelancer. Design business cards, draft a cover letter and resume, put on your best professional attire, and go business-to-business.
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