10 Ways to Find Job Freedom with Remote Work

Frustrated by your onsite job? Want to work remotely on a permanent basis? Then join the Great Resignation and find job freedom with a work from home lifestyle. Now that a large segment of the workforce has had an opportunity to choose how and when they work, it’s not surprising that many want to continue working remotely. Break the chains of onsite employment and find a renewed sense of purpose in these personal and professional freedoms achieved through telecommuting.

1. Freedom from a Set Schedule

With most telecommute positions, job freedom means you get to set your own schedule. No more 9 to 5, five days a week. In a recent survey by LiveCareer, 64% of employees reported that flexibility was the most important benefit of working from home.

The move to flexible schedules has resulted in another novel approach to scheduling our workdays called the “nonlinear workdays.” This is simply a fancy term for employees taking back control of how they spend their time. Without an employer dictating work hours, the onus is now on the employee to plan their own days and make the most of their time.

2. Freedom to Be a Digital Nomad

For 35 million worldwide in 2021, job freedom means the ability to combine working remotely and traveling. Called digital nomads, these individuals follow a variety of paths. Some live on the road and change location two to four times a year. These nomads enjoy in-depth exploration and gaining local experience of the places travelled. This approach also keeps the travel expenses down.

Another type of digital nomad works from a homebase, taking “workcations” and sabbaticals that can last weeks to months. Where nomads travel to also varies, with some travelling the world whiles others never cross a border.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increase in the number of digital nomads as well, changing the make-up of digital nomads. Prior to 2020, most digital nomads were freelance or independent contractors. However, while the number of freelancers increased 15% in 2021, the number of digital nomads holding traditional jobs increased by 42% to 10.2 million. If you’re not sure if the digital nomad lifestyle is for you, you might want to consider that 85% report being highly satisfied with their work and lifestyle.

3. Freedom to Live Where You Wish

Even if travel isn’t your thing, job freedom for remote workers means it’s no longer necessary to live close to your company offices. For workers who live in expensive areas or large cities, this can mean moving to a less expensive area, or simply somewhere with more space to move around. This is illustrated by reports that in 2021, 29% of remote workers reported they are “likely” or “somewhat likely” to move to a new city or town in the next 18 months.

If you’re in the market to move to a new town or smaller city, there are communities across the country vying for new residents and offering big money to move. Check out the MakeMyMove website for a comprehensive listing of available communities, the incentives they are offering, and access to applications if you find an offer you like.

4. Freedom Over Your Work Environment

In addition to living where you wish, remote job freedom means you also control factors in your workspace. You are now free to customize your work environment in a way that will optimize your productivity. This is a very important freedom as research studies show that incorporating pleasing colors, having live plants, and maintaining a comfortable temperature, among other factors, contributes to a positive attitude and high productivity.

5. Freedom to Love the Planet

If you want to contribute to solving the environmental crisis, working remotely is a wonderful place to start. There are many benefits to the planet that come from working remotely. In addition to the obvious reduction in greenhouse gases that comes from nixing the commute, there are more subtle benefits. These include reductions in paper usage and power consumption, less plastic waste from disposable food containers, and improved air quality.

6. Freedom from Chatty Coworkers and Noisy Workplaces

Noise is more than a mere annoyance. Hence, the ability to control the noise level in your work environment can make a world of difference. Studies have shown a variety of negative performance effects due to noise, including reduced job satisfaction and motivation and increased stress levels. In addition, when noise is turned off, research revealed a reduction in errors and increases in productivity. Noise is such an issue that office workers consistently report that “the ability to concentrate without noise and other distractions” is one of the most important factors in their work environment.

7. Freedom from Overwork

Remote job freedom means being able to choose how much or how little you work. If you are a contractor, you can cut back on your hours for more free time or take on an extra assignment to pay off extra bills. Or, if you prefer, a growing number of remote workers are employed in regular, full-time work from home jobs.

One frequent complaint about remote jobs is the difficulty in setting boundaries between work and home, with workers reporting difficulty in unplugging. Overall, the time employees are working has increased by almost 50 minutes a day since the beginning of the pandemic. It’s important to remember that a productive and happy life means making sure to take breaks and schedule an end to the workday.

8. Freedom to Save Money

Remote job freedom also means an opportunity to reduce a variety of daily expenses. For example, telecommuters spend less money on gas than commuters who drive long distances to and from work every day. In addition, remote workers don’t need to buy parking passes and spend less on work clothing and meals out. According to Global Workplace Analytics, a typical employee can save between $2,500-$4,000 per year. You can save much more if you live in a large city and move to a less expensive area. Check out how much you could save using this Employee Savings Calculator.

9. Freedom to Put Your Family First

Moms and dads shouldn’t have to choose between work and family. Remote job freedom offers the opportunity to customize your workday in a way that makes the most sense for your circumstances. Work from home parents can often work early mornings, evenings, and after their children are tucked into bed. This approach can maximize quality family time while still getting work done. Now, you can accommodate family activities, attend school functions, and take your kids in for doctor appointments.

10. Freedom from the Daily Grind

Looking at the big picture, remote job freedom offers relief from the daily grind. No more long commutes, endless meetings, and constant coworker chatter. You are free to adjust when you get up, when you take breaks, and when you knock off. You can eat what you want, when you want, and you can exercise how and when you wish. This freedom can bring challenges, such as setting clear boundaries, and sticking with a schedule of your own making. However, for many, it’s a challenge worth meeting to improve the quality of their life.

If you’re ready to take back control of your life and enjoy the freedom of a remote job, begin your search today. The perfect place to start is by visiting the Virtual Vocations jobs database that features tens of thousands of hand-vetted remote jobs.

What inspired you to choose remote work? How did remote working change your life? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!