Just a few years ago, most people sat in a train seat, car seat, and then office chair. And then that same routine again, but the other way around. There seemed to be no other option. And then… What happened next we don’t need to repeat for you. But it does illustrate something very important: people are extremely flexible and creative, and we can do more than we think. Thus, a whole bunch of occupations have become remote for many companies. A few classic digital nomad occupations are pretty obvious. But there are also quite a few you might not have thought of. In this article, we dive into some popular remote-proof occupations. And we look at what prerequisites are needed to successfully pursue an occupation. After all, who knows, with a little rethinking, you may be able to work yourself wherever you want.
Could you work remotely?
Remote working is a broad term. People often think of leaving for Bali for a few months, but a week working from Portugal can also be a nice change of scenery. Note: we have two checklists for you. Because working remotely is not only about the ins and outs of your job, but also about yourself. After all, an important part of remote working is the responsibility that comes with that freedom. Let’s start with a checklist for professions.
Checklist: can your profession be done remotely?
- Project management: does your job rely on physical presence for project management, or can it be done effectively online?
- Team interaction: does your role require a lot of direct, face-to-face interaction with team members, or can meetings and collaboration take place online?
- Access to specific tools: do you need specific physical tools or equipment that are only available in the office, or can you do your work with digital tools? (Or tools that are easy to move?)
- Customer contact: does your work require direct contact with customers, and if so, can this contact be easily converted into virtual meetings?
- Regulation and compliance: are there any legal or compliance issues that make it difficult to perform your work remotely?
- Creative collaboration: does your role require brainstorming sessions or creative collaboration that traditionally take place face-to-face? If so, can you find effective alternatives online?
- Training and development: are there opportunities for online training and professional development relevant to your role?
- Security and privacy: can you ensure the security of sensitive information when working remotely?
If you can answer “yes” to these questions, you are well on your way to a successful career as a digital nomad. But you’re not there yet…
Checklist: are you ready to work effectively remotely?
- Communication: can you communicate and discuss your tasks and projects effectively online?
- Independence: do you possess the discipline and motivation to work independently, even without direct supervision?
- Network: do you have access to an online network for support, advice and finding new opportunities?
- Digital skills: are you proficient with the necessary technologies and software to do your job?
- Flexibility: can you adjust your working hours to different time zones or deadlines, if needed?
- Work environment: do you have a suitable place to work quietly and concentrate?
- Problem solving ability: are you able to solve problems and find solutions independently?
- Time management: can you plan and organize your work effectively to meet deadlines and stay productive?
- Continuous learning: are you willing and able to continually hone your skills and learn new tools and methods?
Do you think on all (or at least most) points: yes, yes yes yes! Then remote working is probably for you.
Occupations ideal for performing remotely
Are you primarily looking for a new direction, especially a career that allows you to work remotely? Then the jobs below are a good starting point.
Graphic design – because creativity, knows no bounds
Graphic designers are fortunate that their work lends itself seamlessly to remote work. With just a laptop and design software, you can create beautiful visuals whether you’re on the other side of the world or at home at your dining room table. In addition, an inspiring location often works well for creativity. Do you want this creative freedom? Then delve into our graphic design courses to learn the intricacies of the trade.
Marketing – building a brand can be done anywhere
Digital marketing is a field that continues to grow and evolve, perfect for those who enjoy combining their analytical and creative sides. Whether you specialize in SEO, content creation, or social media marketing, smart marketers who can help put a brand on the map are always in demand. These marketing courses will give you a solid foundation to take on this challenging, varied and creative career.
Programming – coding languages are the same worldwide
Programmers are perhaps the ultimate digital nomads. After all, code is a universal language. Whether you dream of developing apps or building websites, online programming courses give you the tools you need to get started. And the great thing is: once you master the basics, the possibilities are endless.
An online course in selling – regardless of your field of work
Creating an online course is a great way to share your knowledge AND generate a passive income. Whether you’re an expert in yoga, photography, or web development, everyone has something valuable to offer. Even if your profession or passion is not normally practiced remotely, you can often still create an online course about it. Curious how? Soofos.com will give you a good primer.
More is possible than you think
Besides the obvious choices, there are plenty of other professions that are surprisingly suitable for remote work. We list a few for you that you probably haven’t thought of yet:
- Architecture and technical drawing: today’s technology allows architects and technical draftsmen to design and develop their projects completely digitally. Using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and cloud storage, they can work on their designs anywhere and easily share them with clients and colleagues.
- Urban planner: with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and other planning software available online, sharing plans, holding online meetings with stakeholders, and even giving virtual tours of planned developments is easier than ever.
- Product designers: like architects, product designers can develop their creations using specialized software. Collaboration with engineering and marketing teams can take place online, as can presentation to customers.
- 3D modelers: individuals who work with 3D modeling for games, movies, or product prototyping can do this work completely remotely. This role does require you to have a powerful computer and a good Internet connection, but you can work for clients all over the world.
An entire company remote: how Soofos handles it
There are a lot of companies that have made the switch to remote work since 2020. But there are also companies that were fully remote working long before that. Like Soofos. We not only built a Dutch-language platform for remote learning – where you can take online courses and sell them yourself – but we ourselves work from all over the world.
The developer, online marketer, customer success manager, even the founders – everyone works remotely. And with success. For example, founder Anton works from Vietnam, marketer Shauni is currently in Costa Rica, and the rest of the team has spread out across Spain, the Netherlands and Mexico, among others. Not only are we a close-knit team, we are also extremely effective. Our communication and way of working is completely geared toward working independently. But it works especially well because everyone works from a place that inspires and energizes – or is simply convenient. Whether that’s from home or from the beach after a surf session.
Learn the skills a digital nomad needs
The world of remote working opens doors to new adventures and freedoms. Whether you are a seasoned (or like most digital nomads, seasoned) professional or just starting out, the key to success lies in continuous development and adaptability. With Soofos, you’ll have access to the knowledge and skills you need to succeed. Explore our course offerings today and take the first step toward your dream of remote work.
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