You know that feeling when you’re sitting at work taking a second or two to scroll through your Instagram feed, only to see a picture of yet another self-proclaimed digital nomad enjoying the sand and surf with a laptop in one hand and a margarita in the other?
Suppressing feelings of envy, you put your phone down and settle back into the task at hand, chalking that work lifestyle up as an intangible dream achieved by only a lucky few.
But, maybe you don’t have to.
A recent study revealed that 70 percent of people around the world work remotely, at least once per week. It’s been estimated that by 2020, an astonishing 50 percent of the global workforce will be remote.
In the modern age of technology and the internet, there is almost an endless array of freelance gigs, side hustles, and even full-time job opportunities out there that you can truly do from anywhere, provided you have a reliable computer and a strong Wifi connection.
Now, that’s not to say that it’s all three-hour lunch breaks and 11 am cocktails sitting under a cabana.
However, with the right skills and the willingness to do some major hustling (at least when you first get started!), having the freedom to work when you want, where you want, and how you want doesn’t have to be an unattainable dream.
This list of location-independent gigs is by no means exhaustive, but the following 15 jobs will cater to a wide range of interests and skill sets. The best part is, you can do these jobs in your comfy PJs on the couch, your designated home office, or on the road.
So, whether you’re looking for a side hustle, part-time gig, freelance work, telecommute job, or otherwise—this guide is for you.
Are you ready? Let’s jump right in!
#1 - Copywriter or Content Marketer
One thing’s for sure — there’s no deficit of copywriting and content marketing work for proficient writers. From freelance gigs to full-time roles, gifted writers are in high demand, particularly in the digital marketing sector. If you have a working knowledge of or willingness to learn search engine optimization (SEO) and are skilled in writing, proper grammar, and syntax, you’ll have no shortage of opportunities to pick from.
These types of jobs can pay low starting out, but as you build your portfolio and experience you’ll have access to the higher-paying gigs. You can also increase your chances of earning more right out of the gate if you specialize in a particular area, such as grant writing, email funnel campaigns, or technical writing.
Writers in the science, medical, and technical niches are always in major demand, and the work itself can be very lucrative as well.
#2 - English Teacher
Teaching English online has become an increasingly popular choice for everyone from stay-at-home moms looking to earn some extra cash to digital nomads in all corners of the globe. English teaching jobs are usually part-time, but it’s possible to work a fuller schedule if you contract with more than one company.
Teachers must almost always be native speakers, and most online English teaching companies prefer candidates with a Bachelor’s degree. Some companies require you to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate as well, but many don’t.
#3 - Web Designer
If you have a background in web design or are ready to learn WordPress fundamentals and themes to get going, you could start your own freelance business building websites for clients across all industries and niches.
An excellent way to launch your web design business is to create your own site in the niche of your interest as your portfolio, then start reaching out to local business owners to see if you could build a site for them. Once you get going, you could build a profitable business from client referrals.
#4 - Graphic Designer
Similar to our last pick, a graphic designer is another tech-savvy role you can do from just about anywhere. If you have a dependable computer with some design accessories such as a graphics tablet, you can load your entire job into your carry-on suitcase and go! You could choose the 100 percent freelance route, or you could join an agency instead for more reliable, consistent work.
#5 - Social Media Manager
Social media management is one of the most popular remote jobs out there. You could have a plethora of clients that you work for or choose to consult for just one or two companies. Sometimes, all you need is your phone to get your work done!
#6 - Virtual Assistant
Do you have rockstar administrative skills? Consider putting them to use by becoming a virtual assistant. There are plenty of full-time and part-time remote VA gigs, with tasks including everything from taking phone calls to answering emails to calendar management.
#7 - Copy Editor
If you love the written word and can spot the Oxford comma (or lack thereof) a mile away, you might be well-suited to the role of a copy editor. Like copywriting and content marketing jobs, copy editor positions abound and are very remote-friendly.
There are plenty of companies constantly looking for new editor talent, and you’ll definitely be ahead of the competition if you have some background in the field.
#8 - Email Marketer
Email marketers are tasked with everything from handling subscriber lists to creating advertising campaigns. As an email marketer, you could work in a full or part-time capacity for a single company or freelance with multiple entities. To succeed in this field, excellent communication abilities are a must, and experience in marketing, graphic, and web design will be helpful.
#9 - Translator
If you are bilingual or multilingual, a career as a translator could be for you. There are many remote options for translators, as well as freelance opportunities. For example, you could contract with a translating company, translating books or articles, or transcribing raw audio from one language to another.
#10 - SEO Specialist
SEO or Search Engine Optimization involves getting your website or a client’s website to rank among the top results returned when people conduct an online search for that specific topic or niche. You can run your own SEO company from almost anywhere provided you have the skills and experience to deliver quality work to clients.
You should not only be proficient in skills like copywriting and web design but understand how to leverage various analytical tools to help formulate marketing plans for clients.
Google algorithms are always changing and expanding, but if you can stay up-to-date and are willing to continuously sharpen your skills to stay ahead of the competition, a career as an SEO Specialist could be a rewarding and lucrative business venture.
#11 - E-commerce Business Owner
Creating your own products and building an online store is more accessible and streamlined than ever these days. You could sell through eBay, Amazon Marketplace, or Shopify. Amazon’s FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) program is an excellent option to outsource all the packaging and shipping of orders so you can focus on the details of running your store.
You’ll have to conduct extensive product research beforehand and set your prices competitively to operate a successful store. A background in SEO and PPC could be hugely beneficial here.
#12 - Trader
While it’s a risky venture and not recommended you quit your job right away to pursue this alone, there is no shortage of profits to be made (and potentially lost) through day trading investments like stocks and forex. If you are considering trading to help pay for your travels, you should have significant funding and time to hone your skills and increase your profit margin.
#13 - Computer Programmer
As with fields like graphic or web design, becoming a seasoned programmer doesn’t happen overnight and you may have to pay your dues as an in-house programmer before you can take your work on the road. Once you’ve gained sufficient experience, you can earn a substantial living and have the freedom to work and travel at the same time.
Freelance computer programmers are in increasing demand with attractive hourly wages, making this particular job one of the most popular location-independent work options.
#14 - Consultant
You could start your own consulting business in any industry imaginable. From HR to marketing to online personal training, if you have considerable experience in and knowledge of a certain niche, you could leverage those skills into a successful, remote consulting career.
#15 - Video Editor
Freelance video editors have a diverse skill set of creative and technical abilities, to produce and edit everything from games, advertisements, and films, to podcasts and trailers. If you wish to pursue a career as a remote video editor, you need to be highly knowledgeable in current video and audio software, including Adobe Premiere Pro, Pro Tools, Photoshop, and Adobe After Effects.
Wrap Up
Whether any of the jobs above sound like a match made in heaven or have tickled your fancy to consider other avenues for location independence — with drive, determination, and hustle, you too could be sipping that margarita on a distant beach.
If you are going to be traveling for a considerable period though, don’t forget to purchase international insurance to stay safe and protected, no matter what corner of the globe you’re in.
There’s never been a better time to pursue remote work than now. What are you waiting for?
Rachel Warren is a Research Analyst and Writer for CarInsuranceComparison.com. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies from the Liberty University School of Law. Rachel leverages nearly a decade’s prior experience in the legal field and her diverse digital marketing background to create data-rich, informative, engaging content for readers regarding car insurance, legal, finance, career, and lifestyle topics.
