Why Working for US Companies Feels Out of Reach

If you live outside the US and would love to work remotely for an American company, you’ve probably wondered: Is it even possible? It is, and this guide shows you how to make it happen. Most people don’t fully understand what it means to be an international contractor. You’ve likely heard the term, but the details are unclear.

Are you a freelancer? An employee? Do you need to register a business? And where do you even find these kinds of jobs?

The truth is, I didn’t realise I could be an international contractor until I stumbled into it. For the last 10 years, I’ve worked remotely for US-based companies while travelling around the world. Along the way, I learned what no one explains online.

It’s confusing at first, and easy to feel like this kind of remote work is out of reach. That’s exactly why this guide exists to help you finally understand how international contracting really works and what steps to take to get started.

This guide gives you the roadmap I wish I had when I started — the one that turns international remote work from a dream into a doable plan.

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The Clarity You’ve Been Looking For

You don’t need another vague article or social media thread. You need a clear explanation of how this actually works.

That’s what this guide was written for. It breaks down what international contracting really means and shows you where to start. You’ll learn why US companies hire people abroad, how the process works, and the pros and cons of this type of remote work.

The guide is based on real experience, more than ten years of working remotely for US companies. By the end, you’ll know exactly how US companies hire abroad, how to position yourself for those roles, and how to land your first offer — even if you’ve never worked internationally before.

What You’ll Learn

Inside, you’ll find everything you need to go from wondering if it’s possible to actually landing your first international remote role.

What Is International Contracting?

Learn what it really means to be an international contractor and how it differs from being a freelancer or full-time employee. You’ll understand how this type of remote work functions.

How US Companies Hire Internationally

Discover exactly why US companies hire outside of the country and what they really look for in international talent. Learn about the processes landing a remote job while abroad.

The Pros and Cons of Contracting

Get an honest view of what makes international contracting rewarding and what challenges to expect. You’ll be able to decide if this kind of remote work is right for you before taking the leap.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Understand the key things most people overlook before starting as an international contractor. From expectations to communication and setup basics, you’ll learn what really matters in the early stages.

How to Get Started The Right Way

Follow the step-by-step process I used to go from curious to confidently landing my first US remote job. You’ll learn how to prepare, what to prioritise, and how to get started with confidence.

Where to Find Remote Opportunities

Find out where legitimate remote roles for international contractors are actually posted. You’ll learn how to recognise genuine opportunities and avoid wasting time on the wrong ones.

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Who It’s For

This guide is fo individuals who want too work fo U.S companies bu aren’t sure how to make it happen from outside the country. It’s written for skilled professionals who already have experience in their field but want to step into international remote work.

Whether you work in marketing, design, tech, operations, or customer support, you’ll learn how to become an international contractor.

It’s for people who are ready to take action. If you’ve ever thought, ‘I wish I could work for a US company but don’t know how,’ this guide was written for you

Who It’s Not For

This guide isn’t for everyone, and that’s intentional. It’s not designed for those looking for entry-level remote jobs or “no experience required” roles.

US companies rarely hire international contractors without proven skills or experience, because contracting is built on trust, independence, and results. They expect you to already know your craft, rather than learning on the job.

It’s also not intended for anyone seeking legal or tax advice, that’s not within the scope of this guide. Instead, it focuses on understanding the process, identifying genuine opportunities, and building confidence in working with US companies.

Ultimately, it’s not for those seeking quick wins or shortcuts. Working as an international contractor takes effort, professionalism, and persistence, but if you’re serious about building a remote career with US companies, this guide will show you what’s possible.

Latest Testimonials

Honest and patient coach

Having never worked with a coach, I was unsure what to expect. Darren guided me through my mistakes while being patient and honest. It took a while, but I secured a remote marketing role thanks to his direction and dedication. Thank you so much.

Rachel Baxter

Pointed me in the right direction

It became apparent that I was making many mistakes with my resume and cover letter. Darren took the time to sit down with me to point me in the right direction, and while I am still looking for a remote job, more interview invites are being received.

Tom Westerman

Real life superhero

Darren is a real-life superhero. Not only is he friendly, approachable, and patient, he helped me achieve what I felt was the impossible. After struggling for nine months to find a remote job, his coaching helped me secure a job I absolutely love.

Katie Swindon

Remote Work Coach, Darren Cronian

About the Creator

I’m Darren Cronian, and I’ve spent the last decade working remotely for US companies while living abroad.

When I started, I had no idea what “international contracting” even meant. It took years of trial and error to figure out how global hiring actually works. I wrote this guide to make that learning curve shorter for others, so you can skip the confusion and start building your remote career with confidence.

I’ve helped hundreds of people through my coaching and content at The Remote Hive, showing them how to find genuine remote roles, stand out to employers, and build a life of flexibility and freedom.

Get Early Access + Save 10%

Work for a US Company from Anywhere gives you the knowledge and confidence to start building your global remote career.

It’s written from my experiences to help you finally understand how international contracting works, where to find real opportunities, and how to take your first steps. Join the waitlist today and get 10% off when the guide launches.

You’ll also be the first to know when it’s ready. No spam, no endless emails. Just one update, and your discount link is ready.

Start learning how to work for US companies from wherever you are.