Help with remote working: here's how to get started without unnecessary costs

You would like to work remotely and are exploring your options. There is a lot of information out there, but which information is really good? And how do you avoid spending money on online products that are supposed to help you, while you’re not getting anywhere? I like to help you with that, because sometimes you can’t see the wood for the trees with everything that is offered. And I understand that you don’t want to spend money directly in your search.

ChatGPT as a sparring partner (or another AI tool)

Are you already using AI? I personally use ChatGPT, but Gemini, Copilot and the like can also get you started well. Then keep in mind that you work with the right prompts, that is the query you give to your AI tool. Because if that command is not clear or complete, you won’t get the right information out of it either. And as nice as AI is to get you started, the information is not completely foolproof. Always check whether the answers given are correct. In fact, I still notice often enough that the information is not entirely correct or accurate.

Free roadmap from Working Remotely

Finding a remote job doesn’t happen overnight. Building a life as a digital nomad doesn’t happen overnight. You don’t just hop on a plane to start working from abroad, whether it’s long-term or short-term. A lot of steps precede this. For this purpose I made a checklist with the 11 most important steps to start working remotely, downloadable for free on the website.

Use your training budget / IKB

But few people know that you can also use the training budget you get when you’re employed for help with remote work. Here’s the thing. The training budget or Individual Choice Budget (IKB) you receive as an employee can be used however you want. It is a pot of money from the company intended for your personal or business development. On average, this development and learning budget is between € 500 and € 1000 per employee per year.

If you want to work remotely, this is a way of working that contributes to your job happiness. It energizes you, makes you happy to travel, and you love the freedom it gives you. Often it also contributes to your creativity, focus and productivity. Personally, I always notice that I am more relaxed in a different environment and it immediately lowers my stress level. Work happiness is something that is relevant to both yourself and your employer. Because simple fact is that happy employees perform better, are sick less often and are more loyal to your organization.

Examples of employers

I know from several employers that the personal development budget is used for this purpose. Hellofresh and Bloomon are examples of this. I also recently did a 1-on-1 coaching program with someone working at Stadgenoot housing corporation in Amsterdam, which was paid for entirely by the employer. Together with my coaching client, I looked at the possibilities within and outside the organization for working remotely. With the great result that she is going to adjust her position so that she can largely work from abroad and will live in Spain for half the year starting next year.

Claiming as business expenses for self-employed workers

Even as a freelancer, self-employed person or entrepreneur, you can write off expenses for your own development as a business expense. As a freelancer, you may deduct the costs for your own development from profits, provided the course, training or coaching is directly related to your work or expanding your professional skills. Think of a copywriting course for a copywriter or coaching focused on time management, communication or so remote working.

Training that is purely personal, such as a mindfulness course with no business purpose, is not deductible. Always keep invoices and substantiation of the business purpose, so you can prove in an audit that the investment contributes to your business.

Help with remote working from abroad

So you see, sometimes a lot more is possible than you think and I am happy to help you with this. Whether you are employed or freelance. With both scenarios I have more than enough experience to help you further. In addition to my own online course and coaching, I work with other subject experts who can help you, think about creating a website, becoming a Virtual Assistant or learning the basics of marketing and social media management. All experienced remote professionals who know what they are talking about.