15 of the Best Location Independent Jobs
Are you searching for Location Independent jobs you can do from anywhere? In this article we give you all the info you’ll need. Keep reading to learn more.
What are location independent jobs?
Are you someone who is dreaming of leaving your 9-5 job for fully remote work? If so, you are not alone. Remote work is more popular than ever and with more and more people focusing on work-life balance. We now have the technology to do many jobs from home, so why not make the change so you can fulfill your dreams of traveling and working?
There are many benefits to location-independent jobs. This includes better work-life balance, fewer expenses, no commute times, and improved productivity.
In this post, we will break down the pros and cons of fully remote jobs before listing the 15 best location-independent jobs today. If you want to learn more, check out this post on the best jobs for working remotely and traveling.
Pros and cons of a location-independent job
Pros of location-independent jobs:
Work from anywhere
Being able to work from anywhere is the dream for many. If your work is fully remote, you are free to travel the globe in search of meaning and meet new people along the way. All you need is a computer and the internet. Don’t forget to experience the local culture if you are traveling while working.
No commute
For many of us, commutes take a lot of time out of our day. From getting dressed for work to riding the subway or driving in traffic, let’s be honest, commuting is not fun. With fully remote work, there is no commute. You simply get out of bed and go to your workstation and start the day. This can give you up to 2 hours of your day back to focus on things that are important to you.
Flexible work hours
Location-independent work typically offers more flexible work hours. For example, if you are a freelancer you might have a deadline but you can work any time of the day you want. This frees up more time for the activities you want to do during the day. That could be focusing on other projects or traveling.
Cons of location-independent jobs:
Must be self-motivated
Being in an office can help you focus on your work and disconnect from it when you leave. This is a big draw for many, especially if your work is something you don’t love. Working remotely requires discipline, focus, and hard work as there are plenty of distractions. Here are some helpful tips for being self-motivated.
Isolation & loneliness
Working remotely can mean that you are working alone most of the time. Collaboration is a great way to get things done but also feel connected to people who push and inspire you. While remote work can be isolating, the benefits often outweigh the cons here. Here are a few tips to avoid loneliness while working remotely.
Communication with your team
If you are in different time zones, it may be challenging to get answers for your team. If you are stuck and need support you may have to wait until someone is in the office the following day to get your reply. This can make projects difficult.
15 of the best location independent jobs
1. Web Developer
Web developers are in high demand and this could be one of the better-paying remote jobs available. This role requires the necessary skill set and experience so education matters. If you do not have the skills for this role but find it appealing there are courses available through Udemy or boot camps that can help you get there. If you need some extra screen space, this portable laptop monitor extender can come in handy.
2. Content Writer
Content writers produce written work that ranges from blogging to scripts for videos. With so many companies racing to build an online presence, this has been an in-demand role that can be location-independent. Many content writers work as freelancers, not tied to any specific company. This allows for even greater freedom where you can set your hours. It is often paid on a per-word basis, so there can be upper limits when it comes to income
3. Content Manager
Help companies manage their online content distribution as a content manager working from anywhere in the world. Typically requiring a background in digital marketing with knowledge of tools, SEO, and content strategies to help websites rank in google.
4. Social Media Marketing
Similar to content management, social media is a great way for companies to engage with customers. Posts have to be well thought out and avoid controversy. Social media platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. The great part is that this role can be done anywhere in the world.
5. Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant offers prospective employees a range of support activities in the same way executive assistants do. This role can be done from anywhere in the world and usually is a part-time role. Tasks include scheduling, phone calls, booking travel, and replying to emails.
6. Customer Success
With more and more tech firms entering the market, the need for customer success managers is higher than ever. Many of these roles offer competitive salaries, with benefits, and are fully remote.
7. Virtual Teacher
Teaching virtually has become a popular way to earn extra income for teachers around the world. Jobs range from tutoring to teaching courses online to students around the world.
8. Day Trader
Day trading is the process of buying and selling stocks in a short time frame. This requires a solid understanding of the stock market and a willingness to handle the risks that come with it. Many individuals make a living off day trading which only requires a computer and the internet.
9. UX/UI Designer
UX/UI (User Experience/User Interface) designers focus on the customer experience while using computer programs or websites. The focus is on making the experience as user-friendly and easy as possible.
10. QA Tester
QA (Quality Assurance) Testers are fully remote workers specializing in testing software to ensure it functions as expected. They search for bugs in the program and report them to the designers to help improve the overall process.
11. Virtual Tech Support
Help answer customer questions and solve problems they’re having with a product or service. Many companies hire external tech support helping make this a location-independent job that can be done from anywhere.
12. Data Entry
Data Entry professionals often transcribe data from phone calls or recordings to help improve company reporting. A lot of data entry is done using sophisticated software however many opportunities still exist. This job is not hard by any means, it just requires time and focuses.
13. Translator
If you are someone specializing in two or more languages with full fluency in writing and speaking then you could find a job as a translator. Demand for translators usually comes from websites or publishers looking to have books or articles translated into different languages to reach a broader audience.
14. Blogger/Vlogger
With more and more companies rushing to gain a foothold in the digital market, vlogging and blogging have become more popular than ever. Bloggers and vloggers produce written or video content for brands to help inform customers of their offerings and boost their online presence. These jobs can be remote and only require writing or video-making skills.
15. Digital Marketing Consultant
A digital marketing consultant helps companies develop and execute a digital marketing strategy. This includes SEO and paid advertising along with a social media strategy. This job can be done from anywhere and only requires a track record of success in the field.
How to plan for location-independent jobs
Finding location-independent jobs may sound like a daunting task. Planning for this takes time and effort. It might not be something you can switch to right away. Many of these types of jobs require very specific skills, which take time to develop.
If you simply need some time off work, maybe a sabbatical is right for you. Here are some tips for a 1 month’s sabbatical from work.
Once you find the job you were looking for. But you must plan for a more nomadic existence. Living on the go can be challenging, but like most things, people adapt. Ensure you have meaningful work that you are passionate about. Also ensure you have all the necessities, including the technology necessary to make the job work, wherever it is you go. This laptop travel backpack certainly can come in handy.