We're living in the "freelance economy," where people can work for anyone, anywhere, anytime. Most people still go to the office, but more Americans are opting to work from home or remotely (like at a table inside Starbucks). Recently my son had an emergency appendectomy--he's fine—but the surgeon didn't have an office, just a phone number. It sure saves money and can improve quality of life.
However, you've probably received emails promising you thousands of dollars in earnings weekly working from home. If that actually happens to you and you become fabulously rich, let me know. More likely, the best way to work successfully from home is to already have a successful career that you can transfer out of the office.
Flexjobs is a website that posts telecommuting jobs from companies like Amazon, CVS Caremark or Dell. Forbes reports Flexjobs has seen a 26 percent jump in telecommuting postings. Amazon, for example, is currently hiring a "virtual" account manager who can work from home. It's also looking for an HR specialist who can remotely provide "coaching and mentoring," all while wearing jammies. Well, maybe your pajama bottoms. You may have to put on a shirt and tie for "coaching" via Skype.
Here are some of the top-paying telecommuting careers on Flexjobs.
SUPERVISORY ATTORNEY: $117,00 - $152,000
When you're not in court, do you need to be in an office full time? Apparently not. Flexjobs has a handful of postings for senior or supervisory attorneys who can telecommute, including one in Los Angeles at an unnamed company. "Full-time senior staff attorney sought for work-from-home opportunity with 10% travel," says the posting. What does the job entail? "You will be providing effective legal advice, preparing complex depositions and more. Must have a JD and at least eight years of experience practicing law."
SENIOR MEDICAL WRITER $110,000 - $115,000
Medical transcribing has long been a stay-at-home job, but being a senior medical writer can make you six figures, all from the comfort of your couch. "Professionals in this field are responsible for reviewing medical information, writing documents, editing other medical writers' submissions, and working with senior management to keep projects on track," says Flexjobs. There are several jobs listed from coast to coast.
DIRECTOR OF QUALITY IMPROVEMENT $100,000 - $175,000
This telecommuting job has the highest possible salary on the list. A director of quality improvement who works from home has certainly improved the quality of one's own life! I mean, how hard can this job be? You look at other people's work and tell them how to do it better! I do that all the time! "Seeking a full-time senior quality improvement specialist to manage projects and help healthcare providers improve patient care," is one listing on the Flexjobs site. "Must be a college graduate with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, preferably in behavioral healthcare. Remote."
SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER $100,000 - $160,000
The list for telecommuting software jobs is very long. However, most of these jobs obviously require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or relevant field along with experience in various coding languages. Duh. But you'll need more than that. Many applicants also need "strong problem solving skills and show leadership combined with desire to learn and grow." Showing leadership and solving problems without having to leave your patio takes serious skills.
RESEARCH BIOLOGIST $93,000 - $110,000
Really? Like, science projects in your bedroom? Lab in the garage? "For example, a research microbiologist might study virus host interaction and determine disease resistance." Not in my house! Get that thing out of here! At the moment there's only one job posting in this category, a "Research Fish Biologist" which does require "some travel." Probably to go see the fish.
MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER $90,000
Be a remote rainmaker for a nonprofit! Work your magic over the phone or email potential donors and earn a nice salary without ever getting out of bed! However, "these remote jobs also require extensive travel." At least you don't have to go to the office. Some of the job listings offer benefits, but one on the East Coast insists an applicant "must adhere to a vegan lifestyle." If you're working from home, how will they ever know?
