So You Want to Work From Home?

Americans are more motivated to work from home than ever. In one recent survey, 65% of people said they want to work remotely full-time after the pandemic, while another 31% want the option to work from home at least some of the time.

While remote work opportunities are more common today, finding a great work-from-home gig can still be a challenge. Whether you want to work remotely, land a remote corporate job, or start your own business from home, these resources will help you get started.

How to find a work-from-home job

When you want to work from home, where should you look? These are the best places to start.

• Explore dedicated remote job opportunities on job boards like Happy Remote Work.
• Alternatively, go straight to the source and search for openings at companies known for remote hiring. Well-known brands committed to remote work include Dropbox, HubSpot, Microsoft, and more.

Should you start a home business?

With flexibility comes freedom, but what if the freedom to work from home isn’t enough? If autonomy is a priority, consider being your own boss instead.

• Many businesses can be run from home. Online businesses like e-commerce, online services, and consulting are among the most popular, but there are other businesses you can start at home.
• Starting a business doesn’t have to be complicated. Simplified business entities like the limited liability company protect entrepreneurs without the time requirements, expense, and complexity of a corporation. In general, forming an LLC only requires a name, a registered agent, and Articles of Organization.
• Home business owners also need to mind local laws. Home business restrictions differ across municipalities, so check with your city or county to understand what’s required of home business owners.

How to design your home office for success

Whether you’re working a remote 9-to-5 or running a business from home, you need a professional and productive place to work.

• The ideal home office offers privacy, natural light, ample storage, and space to host clients and customers. Avoid underestimating how much space you’ll need — it’s always better to have too much than too little.
• Choose a location that’s quiet and distraction-free, paying special attention to soundproofing, especially if you’re hard of hearing or use a cochlear implant. Carpeting, soundproof windows, and noise-absorbing panels reduce ambient noise if outside sounds interrupt your focus.
• Ergonomics is arguably the most important aspect of home office design. Your chair, desk, and office accessories should allow you to sit comfortably with a neutral posture while working.

Special resources for U.S. veterans

Florida is among the states with the highest population of U.S. veterans. If you’re among them, there are resources you need to know about.

• Entrepreneurs from a military background can take advantage of a variety of specialized resources including training programs for veterans, government contracting, and franchising opportunities.
• There are also a number of grants available to veterans starting businesses.
• RecruitMilitary, a top job board for veterans, lets users filter for flexible jobs including work-from-home positions.
• Assistive technology and home modifications are key to the success of disabled veterans working from home. Luckily, several programs offer financial assistance to veterans who need to adapt their homes for a disability.

No matter your background, there’s a way to make working remotely work for you. Use these resources to explore your remote work options. With a little legwork, you can find a flexible career that’s right for your professional goals.