With the dream of attaining a healthy work-life balance, the number of jobseekers searching for remote work is steadily increasing. However, shedding preconceived notions on the types of telecommuting positions available to jobseekers is difficult. For a long time, the only jobs available for telecommuters were either high-tech jobs that required a computer science degree or were get-rich-quick schemes targeting vulnerable jobseekers searching for a more flexible schedule. “Real” telecommute-friendly jobs were few and far between. Most of the time, they were available solely to advanced professionals and people with advanced education levels already employed by large companies.
A significant number of jobs require a technical background, especially since there have been advancements in information and communication technology. However, the belief that most remote jobs now require a specific advanced education level is flat out wrong. Telecommuting jobs are available to jobseekers with a myriad of educational backgrounds and in a variety of career fields.
And, thankfully, regardless of your educational background, you can still earn a comfortable income as a remote worker. Take a look at some of the types of positions available to jobseekers of all education levels.
Remote Jobs for High School Graduates
With the number of workers having only a high school education making up less than 34% of the workforce, joining the telecommuting lifestyle may seem out of reach for people with only a GED or high school diploma. But the reality is much different. Numerous jobs don’t require a specific education level and only require workers that can match the desired skillset.
Customer Service Representative
If you enjoy speaking on the telephone and are a natural people person, then a career in customer service might be exactly what you’re looking for. Do you live in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere? No problem! This job is available nationwide. Earn hourly compensation and medical benefits with this full-time, permanent job. The position has no travel requirements, so you can work from the comfort of your home. As a customer service representative, you will be helping the company develop strong relationships with their clients.
To qualify for most positions, you need:
- One year of previous customer service experience
- Solid organizational skills
- Excellent communication skills as you will serve as the communication liaison between students and members of the team
Sales Representative
Although sales jobs in some specialized industries (finance or insurance) do sometimes require a degree, others don’t. If you are searching for a flexible position that will allow you to work either full- or part-time while earning a competitive hourly base pay plus commission, then this is the job for you! Many sales jobs are available nationwide, require zero travel, and may offer paid training.
Sales jobs include either inbound or outbound positions:
- Inbound sales are when the client initiates the sale and the salesperson follows up
- Outbound sales are when the salesperson cold-calls potential clients
To qualify, most jobs only require:
- Previous sales or cold calling experience
- A reliable computer
- High-speed internet connection
- Headset (optional)
Sales jobs reward by performance, not by education level attained, and require a “go-getter” mentality and a pleasant personality.
Remote Jobs for Associate’s Degree Holders
According to a Georgetown University study regarding job growth and education requirements through 2020, 30% of job openings require some college or an associate’s degree. Not only that, but in a tight labor market, employers may have less stringent education level requirements in order to access a higher number of qualified candidates. For remote jobseekers with an associate’s degree, this not only means a better economic outcome but more opportunities to find a telecommute career you will love. Read the job descriptions below for some inspiration.
Financial Services Representative
A financial services representative uses their expertise to help their clients earn a profit and build wealth. However, their education level can vary greatly. By investing client money and understanding the client’s degree of risk, the financial services professional can make ideal investments or offer the best advice. Although their accounts often require constant monitoring, these professionals can often make their own hours and expand their clientele as they gain more knowledge. Most financial service representative jobs require:
- Series 7, Series 63, and/or Series 66 license(s)
- Customer relationship experience
- Some knowledge of financial markets, securities, and other financial devices
- Time management and organizational skills
Medical Coding and Billing
A medical coder translates the documents in a patient’s chart into codes and mainly work independently while occasionally interacting with coding staff, medical billers, physicians, and office staff. Usually, these full-time or part-time jobs need candidates willing to work during the daytime shift. During this shift, workers code all services and payer inpatient accounts. Is that you? Although some medical coding and billing jobs do require an occasional office visit, no additional travel is required for most positions.
To qualify, you must have:
- An associate’s degree
- Coding experience (unless entry-level)
- RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CPC, or CIC certification for some positions
To find positions if you currently hold an associate’s degree or have some college experience, view the Virtual Vocations job board.
Remote Jobs for Bachelor’s Degree Holders
Since the Great Recession of 2008, employers expect a higher educated workforce. Currently, 37% of the current workforce possesses a bachelor’s degree, which is the highest figure in U.S. history. With this abundance of educational riches, many employers will simply require a bachelor’s degree (in any subject) for some jobs. However, there are some fields where a specialized bachelor’s degree is the bare minimum for an entry-level career.
Accountant
Do you have an accounting background or an accounting degree? Jobseekers searching for a position that will allow them to choose their own flexible schedule will love work-from-home options that fit their experience and education level. As an accountant, candidates will balance general ledgers, oversee accounts, and create accounting policies and memos. These professionals may also perform bank reconciliations, prepare tax statements, and assist in internal audits. To qualify for most positions, you must have:
- A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
- At least one year of transactional accounting experience (usually none required or some bookkeeping required for entry-level)
- QuickBooks, Sage 50 (Peachtree), or other accounting software experience
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
Teacher (Varying Levels)
Technology is opening the doors for everyone to live a telecommuting lifestyle, including children! As a result, leading online education providers are always on the hunt for qualified teachers. Opportunities and salaries will vary by teaching experience and education level. But teachers can typically work online with special education students, grade school students, or high school students.
To earn employment, most candidates must have:
- A bachelor’s degree (preferably in education)
- Six months of student teaching experience
- Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, and Outlook
- Strong communication skills
- Meet the state’s No Child Left Behind and other licensing requirements
Check out the Virtual Vocations job board to find other job opportunities for bachelor’s degree holders.
Remote Jobs for Master’s Degree Holders
With the number of master’s degree holders now as commonplace as bachelor’s degree holders were in the 1960s, a master’s degree can help jobseekers stand out in today’s competitive job marketplace. Not only that, but some career paths require a higher education level and more intense specialization to be eligible for certification or state licensing.
Speech-Language Pathologist
A speech-language pathologist is a human services professional who helps diagnose and treat speech impairment problems. In most scenarios, they work with young children to correct speech problems with exercises and practice. To facilitate this process, they often work directly with parents to ensure the student completes their tasks and improves over time. Most virtual speech-language pathologists possess:
- A bachelor’s degree in biology or human services
- A master’s degree in speech-language pathology or communicative sciences and disorders
- Post-graduate fellowship
- Pass the national exam given by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Apply for state certification and licensing
- Earn professional certifications (often optional)
Researcher
Researchers collect, organize, and analyze data. Although this sounds simple, researchers have to employ a variety of methods to gather information. Once researchers compile the information, they use it to impact decisions from their employer or clients. However, researchers can work in a number of industries. This includes sociology, politics, psychology, and science. To become a researcher, candidates typically must have:
- A master’s degree in a specialized field
- Experience as a researcher (usually completed during a college program)
- Critical thinking
- Attention to detail
For other remote job roles, take a glance at Virtual Vocations job listings for master’s degree holders.
Remote Jobs for Doctorate or Professional Degree Holders
Jobseekers with a doctorate or a professional degree may want a job in academia or research. But those aren’t the only career paths available. In fact, thanks to the growth of telecommuting as a viable lifestyle choice, the doors have opened for PhD’s and professional degree holders who love their careers, but crave flexibility and refuse to be tethered to a single location.
Professor or Adjunct Professor
Becoming a professor or an adjunct professor is a typical career path for many post-graduates. However, online educational platforms now allow these individuals to teach a variety of subjects online. From foreign language studies to psychology to business, doctorate degree holders have plenty of opportunities for a career or even supplemental income. To become a professor or adjunct professor, candidates should hold:
- A doctorate degree in the field they’re teaching
- Analytical and critical thinking skills
- Great verbal and written communication
- Teaching experience
- Proficiency with word processors, spreadsheets, and other online platforms.
Lawyer
Also known as attorneys, lawyers are professional degree holders who advise governments, businesses, and individuals on legal matters. In addition, lawyers have other tasks such as representing their clients in court or drafting legal documents. Aside from these duties, lawyers may also research and gather information to provide legal counsel or support their court case. In order to qualify for a job as a lawyer, applicants must typically:
- Hold a Juris Doctor degree
- Pass the bar exam in their state
- Have experience in a certain type of law such as real estate, commercial litigation, etc.
For candidates with professional or doctorate degrees, view this list of jobs for other virtual career opportunities.
The remote job market is rife with opportunities for people of all education levels. But jobs won’t just come to you. You have to seek them out. Regardless of your experience or education, the ideal position is just a few searches away. Armed with these potential jobs, motivation, and Virtual Vocations by your side, you’ll find your next career move before you know it.
iStock image: Antonio_Diaz
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