Here you can find a collection of resources about remote work, as well as a rundown of what you can expect when setting out on this journey.

WHAT IS REMOTE WORK?

Let’s start with the basics… While you may have heard these terms before, what is a digital nomad and remote work?

I thought I’d be cliché by pasting a definition for this here, but remote work actually isn’t in the dictionary (at the time of writing). So you’ll have to make do with my explanation for the time being.

Remote work is the act of holding a job online, which you get paid for. Typically, remote work allows you to do your job from anywhere, so long as there’s a decent WiFi signal.

In general, remote work can be broken down into two categories:

• An office job that’s able to be completed online (think company employees working from home)
• Freelance work (various jobs on a project by project basis)

That being said, there are certainly outliers to this norm, like a digital nomad job that allows you to work on your own schedule from anywhere in the world. Bloggers fall into this category, but we’ll talk about this more in a minute.

WHY WORK REMOTELY

There are so many reasons why remote work is the best that I could fill an entire notebook talking about it.

But let’s just say that if you’ve had enough of office culture, are sick of staying in one place, or simply need a meaningful change in your life, remote work could be the answer to your prayers.

In case you don’t feel like reading all of this, at a glance, the main benefits to working remotely are:

• Location independence – work from anywhere in the world!
• Time freedom – set your own schedule and work when you want (in some cases)
• Meaningful connections – global, local, you name it!

Location Independence

Personally, remote work changed my life. I could never, ever picture myself sitting in an office from 9-5 every day, but I never realized that there was any other option. Luckily, someone turned me onto the digital nomad movement on one of my first days alone in Thailand and I began seeking out remote work for myself.

Not only has remote work helped me avoid a monotonous life of sitting in a cubicle, but it’s helped me gain location independence and time freedom.

Since all I need to work as a writer is a WiFi connection, I can work pretty much anywhere in the world. Whether I’m sitting at a cafe, sprawled out on a friend’s couch, or curled up on the floor of the airport in between flights, I’ve been able to make a meaningful income while working on the go.

Beyond location independence, I’ve also gained an immense amount of time freedom and control over my schedule (and life).

Time Freedom

Since I mainly freelance (or work full time for badass clients), I get to work when I want so long as I ensure I meet my deadlines. Some Mondays I sleep until noon and hit the beach before I even crack open my laptop. Others, I’m up at six and grinding away so I can finish early to go hiking in the afternoon.

Being able to work when I want has given me the ultimate sense of control over my life. I’m not living to work, but rather working to live.

Meaningful Connections

Finally, one of the most rewarding aspects of remote work has been connecting with clients and fellow freelancers all over the world. I’ve worked with people from Macedonia to Mexico, Bali to Boston, and have forged meaningful relationships both near and far. This is something that rarely comes from an office job and a part of my work that I cherish deeply.

I’m not saying that all of this is going to happen for you – and maybe you don’t even want these things. Remote work looks different for everyone. But these are the doors that this career path has opened for me and why I feel like it’s such a valuable journey to take if you are interested in living a life outside of the norm and pursuing (and profiting from) your passions.

TYPES OF REMOTE JOBS

You’ll be surprised to know that there are literally hundreds of remote jobs out there, and they aren’t constrained to the boring stuff. Here are some remote jobs just to show you some of the possibilities out there:

And this is just scratching the surface!

Chances are, you can find remote work that suits your individual skills and allows you to seriously earn.

As you can see from the list above, there’s no “one type” of remote job. There are a wide range of opportunities… So long as you know where to look for them.

HOW TO FIND REMOTE WORK

There are so many avenues to find remote work, you’ll never run out of places to look. Here are some of my go-to spots when I’m seeking new remote jobs:

Overall, it really depends on the type of job you’re looking for. Some remote jobs already have dedicated communities, and you can find huge groups on Facebook or elsewhere, teeming with people in a similar boat… or people looking to hire.

My biggest tip when it comes to finding remote jobs, and the ultimate secret to my success, is:

PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE

You’re never going to get anywhere if you don’t take that initial leap. Go all in, market yourself, and don’t be afraid to be bold. Chances are, you’re more likely to find a remote job if you go seeking it rather than waiting for one to come find you.

HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL WHILE WORKING REMOTELY

Honestly, there’s no cookie cutter answer to how to be successful when it comes to working remotely. I know all sorts of remote workers who have different keys to their triumphs.

While some people will tell you that you absolutely need to stick to a routine or have to work X hours every week, the truth is, only you know what will make you the most successful.

So if that means sleeping till noon and having a walk on the beach before sitting down to focus, so be it. If that means waking up at the same time every day and putting in 8 hours of work, that’s fine too.

It’s all about figuring out what’s going to help you be the best that you can be.