Work From Home – 5 career options for flexibility
Work From Home – 5 career options for flexibility
When the COVID-19 lockdowns happened last year, many companies were forced to suddenly accommodate work from home arrangements.
For many companies this had to be organised in the space of a couple of days and really tested the logistical expertise of their protocols and management procedures.
For many workers it was strange shift in their schedules and environment that sometimes proved challenging but could also be rewarding.
It’s been a year since the first lockdowns happened in Australia and we carried our computers and files out in boxes to set up home offices for what we thought might be a few weeks.
Interestingly, a year on, many organisations have opted to retain their flexible work from home arrangements for their employees.
Who is working from home?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics published a survey that stated in February 2021 41% of workers had taken advantage of flexible working arrangements and completed work from home during the month compared with 24% spent at the same time in 2020.
With the flexibility that work from home arrangements offer, Australians are coming to expect it from their employers with the survey finding 42% of workers wanted the arrangements to stay the same going forward.
Working from home may be a win-win for both the employees and the employers with a survey conducted by Lenovo reporting that 63% of the global workforce were more productive working from home.
For employees the allure of working from home includes saving time and money on commuting, being able to customise your work environment to your liking and not having to spend time or money on corporate attire.
The flexibility is especially appealing for parents who might have small children they can monitor instead of having to pay childcare fees.
If you’re wanting to make a switch to permanently working from home you may be wondering what kinds of jobs you would be able to do or how you might break into that industry to find the flexible conditions you’re looking for.
Five work from home jobs and how you can get them
1. Customer Service Representative
Companies need people on the front lines handling enquires, answering questions and explaining services for their clients.
If you’re good at talking to people and like to have variety at work, this might be the right career move for you.
To break into this industry you should study a Certificate IV in Customer Engagement.
It will give you the skills and knowledge to excel in this client-focused field.
2. Administration
Because of recent advances in technology and the shift in work culture, administration staff can now work from home effectively.
If you’ve got an eye for detail and are good at jumping between tasks, administration might be a good option for you.
You’ll have an edge over other applications with this Certificate IV in Business Administration.
3. Marketing Assistant
The work Marketing Assistants do is often project-based and with many companies utilising online application for marketing reporting and workflow management this role can often be completed remotely.
If you’re someone who enjoys writing and has a head for numbers this could be the role for you.
It’s a competitive industry and a Certificate IV in Marketing and Communications is a must to give you a leg up on the competition.
4. Virtual Assistant
If you’re wanting to work for yourself and take on clients, becoming a Virtual Assistant could be your next career move.
VAs complete a variety of tasks including data entry, email / Inbox management, administration, calendar management and appointment scheduling.
To get into this industry you’ll want to do the Certificate III in Business Administration.
5. Run your own business
Got a passion project or a hobby? Why not apply your entrepreneurial spirit and run your own business?
Many people want to start a business and be their own boss but with the paperwork of getting set up and the process they become overwhelmed.
Completing a Certificate III in Micro Business Operations can give you everything you need to get set up with your own from home business.
The course will cover everything you need to know about insurance, taxes, finances and building a clientele.
The course is also funded under the Queensland Government’s Certificate 3 Guarantee program for eligible persons.
If you’re looking for a career change, have a chat with our friendly course advisors to figure which option would be the best fit for you.