The COVID pandemic triggered an unprecedented workforce experiment when over 70% of the American workforce was sent home to work at the height of the pandemic. For many, the experience was a revelation, especially for busy working parents. Suddenly, there was no rush to pick up the kids from after-school care. There were no more missed bedtimes. Not to mention no white-knuckle commute or boss looking over your shoulder.
Now that more and more people are getting vaccinated and offices are beginning to reopen, there are a significant number of employees that are unwilling to go back to the status quo. The same poll also found that 44% of respondents wanted to continue working from home because they preferred it in comparison to working in an office.
So, if you’re a parent who has decided to make remote work a way of life, you may be faced with the daunting prospect of starting over in another job or transitioning careers. To help you identify the next step in your professional life that will foster a better balance between work and family, below is a list of five great entry level remote jobs for parents.
1. Entry-Level Remote Jobs in Web Development
One career that lends itself beautifully to working remotely is web development and digital design. The benefits include work that is easily completed independently using a high-speed internet connection. In addition, since the internet never closes, this job can be completed at any time of day.
Due to its reliance on computer power and access to the internet, a well-equipped home office is important, and this cost may or may not be covered by employers. In addition, web developers are often called upon to collaborate with management, clients, and marketing teams, as well as outside vendors. This means that scheduling some video or in-person meetings is part of the job.
Education & Skill Set
There are some employers that prefer candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in web design or computer programming. However, technical certifications can compensate. In some cases, employers prefer certifications as they tend to be more up-to-date and reflect current industry trends.
Required skills include the knowledge of commonly used programming languages including HTML, JavaScript, and SQL. Web developers will also benefit from graphic design skills and knowing how to use popular creative software and publishing tools.
Salary & Outlook
In addition to being a very flexible occupation for parents, it is also quite lucrative. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for web developers was $77,200 in May 2020. The number of web developer jobs is projected by the BLS to grow by 8% between 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than average.
Entry-Level Job Search Advice
There are several things you can do to break into the web developer profession. The first step is to obtain the necessary technical skills and certifications/degree. Most training can be conducted online, and many of the top certification providers also offer the training required.
With the necessary training in hand, you’ve taken a key step in landing entry level work from home jobs. First, however, you will need to create a portfolio to showcase your work. A portfolio that you code and launch is your potential employer’s first introduction to your skills. Then populate your portfolio with samples of your coding and layout ideas.
2. Entry-Level Remote Jobs in Medical Coding
Another career choice that offers flexible hours and remote work opportunities is medical coding and billing. In this position, individuals review patient medical records and apply clinical codes for reimbursement by insurance companies. They also verify the accuracy and completeness of medical information and update databases.
One of the most important aspects of this position is the ability to maintain the confidentiality of patient records. For this reason, there may be special home office requirements to ensure the security of the information.
Collaboration with others in this position is minimal. However, the coder might need to reach out to healthcare providers or insurance representatives for clarification or additional information. This means some work hours will need to be during office hours and a quiet space for phone calls is helpful.
Education & Skill Set
Some medical coding positions only require a high school diploma and experience in a healthcare setting. However, others ask for associate or bachelor’s degrees in a related field from an accredited institution. There is also a middle ground where jobseekers can complete a vocational or technical program in medical coding.
At some point, medical coders will need to secure certification. Certifications available include the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), the Certified Coding Associate (CCA), and the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
Salary & Outlook
The median annual wage was $44,090 in May 2020 according to the BLS. This is also an occupation that is expected to grow much faster than average with employment projected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029. The increases are due to an aging population and the widespread use of electronic health records (EHR) that will require specialized knowledge to manage.
Entry-Level Job Search Advice
While there are medical coder positions that do not require any training or previous experience, the majority of them will require some. If you have a background working in a healthcare facility such as a doctor’s office or hospital in an administrative position, you will have an advantage over other applicants to secure entry level remote jobs.
Another option is to consider undertaking a position as a medical receptionist or records clerk in order to get your foot in the door. Additional avenues include gaining experience with a medical staffing agency or a company that specializes in providing outsourced medical claims reviews. There are also accredited training programs and degrees that can prepare you for a career in medical coding.
3. Entry-Level Remote Jobs in Programming
Computer programmers are responsible for writing and testing the code that facilitates the functioning of software applications and programs. This is a career option that allows for a large degree of independence and flexibility when it comes to work hours and location.
There are usually specialized software and hardware requirements for entry level telecommute jobs in programming, so a well-equipped home office is needed. Sometimes programmers are part of a larger project team so online meetings scheduled during office hours may be necessary.
Education & Skill Set
Programmers write software applications and programs in a variety of computer languages, such as C++, Java, and Python. In addition to writing code, programmers test for errors and fix faulty code. These responsibilities require being accurate, detail-oriented, and a problem-solver.
To find the best route, research the types of jobs you want to apply for and identify the education and technical skill requirements. Most employers will ask for a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. However, sometimes an online coding bootcamp or software certifications can suffice.
Salary & Job Outlook
Computer programming is a field that offers very good earning potential. According to the BLS, in May 2020, the median annual wage for computer programmers was $89,190. However, the job outlook may not be as rosy as it once was with the BLS projecting a 9% decline in employment between 2019 to 2029. This is because of the trend to outsourcing programmers to offshore companies.
Entry-Level Job Search Advice
As with many entry level positions, it can be difficult to secure a programmer position without prior experience. Even if you have a bachelor’s degree or all the certifications you might need, it can still be a challenge. The key is to try and prove yourself and your coding capabilities.
As with web developers, a coding portfolio can be very helpful to demonstrate your skills. Populate your portfolio by including class assignments and try to pick up a few freelance and volunteer projects to include as well. This tangible evidence of your skills, along with highlighting your ability to work independently and collaborate in a team, will serve you well in your search.
4. Entry-Level Remote Jobs in Writing
If writing is your passion, then remote writing jobs offer an unparalleled opportunity for working whenever and wherever is convenient, especially if you are willing to work freelance. The drawbacks to freelance work, especially for parents needing to support their children, are a lack of job security and a steady income. These risks can be offset by combining remote freelance writing gigs with ongoing contracts.
Education & Skill Set
Employers advertising for writers may require a bachelor’s degree in English, Communication, or Journalism. If you don’t have a degree, another way to become a writer is to develop an area of expertise. You will still need to be good at writing, but you won’t need a degree in it.
If you decide to develop an area of expertise, formal education and/or work experience in those areas are important to gain credibility. This is especially true if you are pursuing a career in technical writing.
Salary & Job Outlook
Remote writing jobs offer the opportunity to earn good wages, especially for technical writers. The BLS reported median annual wages of $74,650 per year for technical writers and $67,120 per year for writers and authors in 2020. The job outlook for technical writers is better too, with the BLS projecting employment to grow 7%. The more general category of writers and authors is expected to decline 2% between 2019 and 2029.
Entry-Level Job Search Advice
Securing an entry level remote writing job can be a challenge. Most positions will ask for experience, and all will ask for links to published articles or a portfolio. A few common ways for gaining initial experience are through internships, blogging, or writing for community and school papers.
Other options for entry level writing jobs include taking on freelance jobs or part time contracts with blogs, content providers, or media outlets. Another way to gain experience is to research blogs in your areas of interest for paid and unpaid guest blogging opportunities.
5. Entry-Level Remote Jobs in Cybersecurity
If you’re technically oriented, want to make good money, and are willing to put in the effort, a career in cybersecurity might be the perfect fit. Like a police force for the digital world, cybersecurity analysts defend computer networks against external attacks. Cybersecurity is a largely independent position that can be accomplished anywhere there is a high-performance, secure computer system.
Education & Skill Set
Cybersecurity analysts must usually hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information assurance, or a related field. Prior IT experience is usually required as well. Work experience is best gained in a related field such as network, systems, or database administration.
In addition, many employers request a security certification such as those provided by the global cybersecurity professional organization, (ISC)². While most certifications require industry experience, (ISC)² also offers an Associate of (ISC)² membership. This allows individuals to take the certification exams without experience.
Salary & Job Outlook
The median annual wage for information security analysts was $103,590 in May 2020 as reported by the BLS. In addition to the high median wage, demand for cybersecurity professionals is projected to grow 31% from 2019 to 2029 which is much faster than the national average.
Entry-Level Job Search Advice
The barriers to securing an entry level remote cybersecurity position can be daunting. Once the educational requirements are met, one way to prepare for a cybersecurity role is to seek similar experience in your current position. Try to gain familiarity in security tasks or work closely with individuals working in cybersecurity positions. Also, becoming an Associate of (ISC)² will demonstrate your understanding of the advanced technical skills and knowledge required although you may be short on work experience.
Find an Entry-Level Remote Job That Makes Your Life as a Parent Easier
While there are many parents who want to continue to work from home after the pandemic, not all employers are on board. Luckily, there are many more remote opportunities in the job market than there were just two years ago. With a little planning and effort, parents can forge a new job or career direction and attain a work/life balance that will benefit their family now and in the long term.
As a parent, what entry-level remote job do you have your eye on? What makes virtual work such an attractive work arrangement? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!
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