Best work-from-home careers explained

Remote work has moved from a dream to a reality for many people. In fact, about 11% of U.S. workers who can work from home do so full time, while another 11% do so part time, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports.

What’s driving the interest in remote positions? For employees, the benefits can include greater job satisfaction and financial savings. Remote work can also lead to increased productivity and better work-life balance.

“Working from home often allows you to plan your work around your life, rather than your life around your work,” says Kyle Elliott, a career and executive coach. “You’re able to create more flexible schedules that allow you to more easily attend to being a modern human—like running errands, going to appointments or caring for a child or parent.”

Of course, what works for some might not be what’s best for you. So, how do you figure out if remote work might be a good fit? And what are work-from-home careers that pay well?

We’ve got you covered. Check out our guide, “Best work-from-home careers, explained,” for answers to these questions and more.

Even if you’re hoping to find a new job, remote work may not be the right fit for everyone. Before putting time and energy into your search, it can help to think about your work style, preferences and goals. These questions can help you decide if a remote career is what you’re looking for.

Tech, finance, and professional and business services are the fields where remote work is most common. But don’t assume remote work isn’t a possibility if your industry falls somewhere outside of those categories. You can find work-from-home careers in a number of fields, including office support for manufacturing and food services. The biggest factor isn’t industry but rather the type of work you want to do. Hands-on work is impossible to do remotely, for example, and spans across industries. Think: surgeon, hair stylist or airline pilot.

Though digital tools make it easy to collaborate with co-workers from anywhere, remote employees often have less day-to-day oversight from managers. They may have fewer opportunities to ask quick questions or get feedback. As a result, employers often look for people who are organized, motivated and able to manage their time independently. They also value employees who ask for help when needed and seek out opportunities to grow.

“Work-from-home careers require significant dedication and self-motivation,” Elliott says. “You have to be honest with yourself and decide if you can be productive in an entirely remote job.”

If you already have a spare room or dedicated home office, working remotely may be easier than if you’re sharing space with roommates, children or pets. It’s also worth thinking about the resources you have at home. Working remotely often means giving up office perks like office supplies and free breakroom snacks. Some employers offer a home office stipend or a one-time payment to help you get set up. But in many cases, you’ll be responsible for buying your own equipment, supplies and snacks.

Tip: Whether you’re in the office or remote, many companies allow you to split your direct deposit between savings and checking accounts, providing an effortless way to save with each paycheck. Setting up your direct deposit at Capital One is a quick and easy process that gets your paycheck moving to the right place without the usual paperwork.

Toni Frana, lead career expert at an online job site, says remote workers need to be mindful of the time they spend working compared to focusing on their personal lives. Without clear boundaries, work responsibilities can easily start to take over more of their day. “From a life balance perspective, remote employees must understand the importance of setting boundaries between work time and nonwork time because it can be easy to blur the lines when working from a home office,” she says.

Even with a calendar full of virtual meetings, some people prefer connecting with colleagues in person. Feelings of loneliness and isolation can be a challenge for some remote workers. If you enjoy frequent social interaction, you may need to create more opportunities to connect with others outside of work.

Remote-only job boards and social media groups can be great places to find opportunities. But it’s also worth searching more general job boards. Try adding terms like “remote,” “virtual” or “telecommute” to your job title search. On many job sites, you can also enter your desired job title and set the location to “remote” to filter the results.

Note: Not all could-be-remote job openings will share that fact in the job listing. Look for clues like “flexibility” and “work-life balance,” indicating that an employer may be open to remote or hybrid work models.

Your network can be a powerful way to find your next great gig—but only if people know what you’re looking for. If your job search comes up at networking events, don’t be shy about telling people that you’re looking for a remote role.

If you have experience working remotely, you’ll want to state that clearly in your resume and cover letter. But even without such experience, you’ll want to show potential employers that you have the skills that align with remote work. For example: initiative, self-direction, strong communication and problem-solving.

Did you lead a big group project in college where everyone worked on their own? Or maybe you broke down larger deadlines into daily tasks in your last role. Do you have experience coordinating with team members spread out across geographies and time zones? Now is the time to highlight such skills. You might also want to add a technology section to your resume to highlight your experience with digital collaboration tools and software.

Choose a quiet, tidy and well-lit space for your interview to help you look professional and minimize distractions. A clean background can also show employers that you have a workspace suited for remote work. Before the interview, test your camera, microphone and internet connection. It can also help to do a practice video call with a friend to check your audio, lighting and camera angle.

What interests you about a remote position? Why do you think you’re well suited for remote work if you don’t have remote experience? What do you think will be your biggest challenge in working remotely? Though career experts generally advise job hunters not to introduce the topic of remote work during an interview, you may be asked about it at some point. To avoid being put on the spot, think through potential responses beforehand.

Another thing to be ready for: negotiating your salary. Just because you’re asking to work remotely doesn’t mean you have to settle for less than you’re worth.

Working from home has opened the door to careers across nearly every industry. Remote opportunities are available in fields ranging from technology and healthcare to customer service and marketing. Many of them offer competitive pay. Finding a role that matches your skills, experience and income goals can help you focus your job search. It can also make it easier to find a career that fits your needs.