One of the positive things that came out of the COVID-19 Pandemic shutdown is the flexibility of working from home for many jobs. Many companies realized that positions could be maintained with work at home, freeing up their own workspace for other jobs. Some of these remote jobs are perfect for parents, especially military spouses. Childcare is a barrier for military spouses to find employment, especially considering that the active-duty military schedule is not always reliable.
Customer Service Representative
Many companies have these roles that can be completed at home and at varying hours. Administrative tasks or email responses can be made at any hour. These positions require an ability to have a quiet home office to answer phone calls and use and be familiar with software technology. Companies like Amazon, Target, and Disney often post positions. These entry-level jobs can be done remotely as long as there is an internet connection, a working computer, and a working phone.
Proofreader
For those who love reading, are strict grammar rule followers, and want to get paid for it – proofreading may be the perfect job. It can be done anywhere where an internet connection can reach. There is no re-writing involved, purely reading to ensure no errors, unlike a copy editor. Proofreaders sometimes have a bachelor’s degree in English, but if the proofreading being done is for a certain subject, a different degree or experience may be more useful. Before employment, a proofreading competency test is typically performed. Check out FlexJobs, Indeed, and LinkedIn for positions.
Website Designer
Those with knowledge in Squarespace, Wix, WordPress, and, or HTML can build a website quickly and effectively. Get certificates to build and develop webpages through the local community college to network and improve your skills. Google offers courses for free. The amount of time to build each page depends on the skill level, so practice and time will decrease the time needed. Upwork and LinkedIn are great places to look for work.
Freelance Writer
A freelance writer is responsible for brainstorming topics, researching, writing compelling content, editing, and pitching the articles to varying online and print magazines. Each online or print media has a different style and voice, so the writer has to be able to write to that brand’s style. These positions do not always offer a great amount of money, but by writing with more companies, more can be earned. Writing can be done at any hour. Network your friends to find writing opportunities and check on websites like LinkedIn, SmartBlogger, FlexJobs, and Upwork.
Transcriptionist
Transcribe recorded dictations as a transcriptionist. Fast typing, concentration skills, and good hearing are required. Those individuals with medical knowledge have a leg up on working as medical transcriptionists. This does require the ability to listen to the transcription and type quickly and accurately. Thanks to headphones, this job can be done early in the morning, late at night, and during nap times with young children at home. Check out UpWork and LinkedIn for positions.
Virtual Assistant
This position comes in all shapes and sizes – part-time, full-time, and everything in between. A virtual assistant manages the calendar and day-to-day for their client, manages social media channels like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok as well as reviewing email, maintaining records, and whatever the client requires. If the client is a blogger or writer, the job could include reviewing the website and editing pieces. The job can be done remotely and may allow for flexible hours as long as you have a high-speed internet connection. Check out LinkedIn and among military spouse groups, as there are several military spouses who run virtual assistant companies. Other companies that hire virtual assistants are VaVa Virtual Assistants, Profit Factory, and Boldly.
Online Teacher/Tutor
The burden of having to update teacher licensing for each state the military spouse moves to is time consuming. The teaching position does not continue remotely around the world. Online teaching and tutoring can be done remotely, from around the world. Tutor.com is a great spot to start. Teaching English to students worldwide with programs like VIPKID means teaching during the evening and early hours, but this also means no burden of childcare.
Health Coach
If health is your passion and fitness is a priority, being a health coach may be the right position. Provide workout classes in your neighborhood or area for a nominal fee, and smaller children can be involved or play at the nearby playground. Providing meal plans for a nominal fee allows for maintained health and nutrition at home, but also providing them to others and earning money as well.
Small Business Owner
This can be made to suit each person. Maybe you like to crochet or design stickers using your Cricut? Opening your own business and selling your product may be the right thing for you. It allows for the ultimate flexible job option as you are your own boss. Working at something you enjoy may not feel like work. It provides enjoyment and continued work. Once you have your shop up and running, consider adding it to the Spouse-ly Marketplace – a unique marketplace for goods and services for military and veteran-owned businesses.
These careers allow flexibility and mobility for military spouses, who provide consistency and support for their family while the military member is at work. The flexible and remote work market is increasing, with new job types and titles developing every day.
Do you have a remote job to share?
