What job can I do from anywhere in the world? When people ask this question, it’s often because they have an image of working on a laptop next to the beach.

Having worked remotely for over five years, the number of times I’ve worked outside can be counted on one hand.

Now we’ve squashed that image in your head, let me tell you that working remotely and traveling is the best, and you should do it.

Beware of people trying to sell you a dream that is not reality. So, the question is, what job can I do from anywhere in the world?

Let’s step back here and look at the types of remote work.

Work for a Fully-Distributed Company

What is a full-distributed company? In simple terms, it’s a company where the workforce mainly works from home and is usually based all over the world.

You could apply for a remote job with such a company. One of the benefits is being paid regularly as an employee and receiving benefits, like healthcare and contributions towards a pension.

Bear in mind that you will not have total freedom.

Usually, you will be asked to work on a specific work routine. So, spend time researching the company and its work culture.

You have escaped the office, but you might still be trapped into working 9-5, which reduces many benefits of working remotely.

Create a Freelance Business

For more freedom and flexibility, the next option is becoming a freelancer and having a client base that provides you with regular work. You choose how much you charge clients, who you work with, and work hours.

It will be tricky until you’ve built your client base, so starting your freelance business is advisable before quitting your office job.

While you have more freedom, knowing that payments will be irregular is essential. Some companies will be better at paying than others. Invoicing and chasing payment can be tiresome, so bear this in mind.

Make sure you have at least six months’ salary in savings should work dry up or, during quiet spells of the year, it happens.

Create an Online Business

This is the most challenging option out of the 3. Create an online business where you sell a product or service that people want.

From my experience, working on your business while living off savings is not a good idea. The focus will be on making money, which adds stress. Focus on your audience and the value that you can add.

My advice would be to choose option 1. Have a regular income, work on the business, and build it gradually in your spare time. It takes time to build an audience unless you have a budget for marketing.

Now that we identified the types of remote working, let’s dig into jobs you could do from anywhere in the world.

Developer

Being a remote “developer” is a blanket term for various tech-friendly jobs. This category includes anything from software engineering to app development, website design, systems administration, testing, and ops infrastructure.

Video Creator

Video is huge. Being a remote video maker could work well for you if you have a filmmaking background. Companies want a video for their various promotional promotions and documentary-style content.

Freelance Writer

This covers a raft of possibilities and is probably the most advertised remote job. It covers work such as supplying website copy, blogs, transcribing interviews, and general content creation. Pros: Easy entry to this field.

The web and his uncle need written content, and it’s everywhere. The good news is you don’t need any particular experience or qualifications.

Graphic Designer

This remote job goes hand in hand with website design. Pros: can be well paid and in demand, especially for niches such as infographics Cons: must be competent with all the design packages and pay for subscriptions, such as Adobe CC.

Translator

Websites with worldwide appeal need translating into another language. Language skills, especially in more unusual languages, are in high demand. If you have a good level of education, you should find it easier to get work.

Virtual Assistant

This is the digital equivalent of the old personal assistant job, without the tea-making. Perfect for highly organized digital wizards. A growing market. Easy to underestimate how long simple tasks will take. I may be expected to be available outside regular office hours or on call.

Digital Marketer

A growing industry, highly suitable for trained marketers keen to embrace digital. Email marketing is a popular niche, but training or evidence of previous success must be trusted to get the first job. You need to know all the current platforms, such as Mailchimp, Buffer, and Trello.

Social Media Manager

If you live on social media and know the platforms inside out, this could be one for you. Pros: Firms eventually wake up to the fact that social media will not go away, and to do it properly, they need help.

You may need training to develop a credible company strategy rather than just posting for personal reasons. It would help if you also were highly organized and multi-tasker. You will be expected to respond outside of hours.

Online English Tutor

There is a high demand for conversational English tutors, especially from China. Business English is another option taught to adults.

If you have good conversational English, this might be a useful part-time supplement to your income. You will have to be available to suit the client’s time zone. Some agencies insist on a bachelor’s degree and teaching experience.

Customer Service

You will notice “Can I help you pop up?” on some websites. Nowadays, it’s a real person. You will be helping online, by phone, or by email. You need a helpful, friendly voice and may have to deal with difficult people with technical problems, so you must stay calm under pressure.

You often work a shift, so it’s guaranteed money, and you are paid whether anyone contacts you. Rates may be low in some countries. You must be available on a laptop or desktop for your shift.

Hopefully, this article gives you insight into where to start.