Discover practical strategies and expert advice for finding online work after being out of the workforce. This guide will help you find the perfect remote job and get back to work in no time.
Whether you took time off of work to raise a family, pursue further education, or manage health challenges, getting back into the swing of things can feel daunting. However, rest assured that reentering the workforce is not only possible but can also be immensely rewarding.
In today’s digital age, the concept of work has evolved, offering unprecedented opportunities for flexibility and inclusivity. One of the most significant advancements is the ability to work from home, a game-changer for many, particularly those with disabilities. Embracing remote work not only provides a pathway back into employment but also offers a myriad of benefits that traditional office settings may not accommodate.
For individuals with disabilities, the traditional 9-to-5 office environment often presents substantial barriers, from inaccessible buildings to inflexible schedules. However, the rise of remote work has leveled the playing field, allowing individuals to thrive in roles that were previously out of reach.
Beyond accessibility, remote work offers a host of advantages for all returning professionals. The elimination of commutes not only saves time but also reduces stress and expenses. Flexible schedules enable individuals to balance work with personal responsibilities, fostering a healthier work-life balance. Moreover, remote work opens doors to opportunities that may not be available locally, expanding job prospects and career growth potential.
Now let’s talk about some steps you can take to re-enter the workforce after not working for a while.
Finding Online Work After Being Out of the Workforce
You may be overwhelmed trying to go back into the workforce after a hiatus. I’ve talked to friends in the situation and they have talked about so many obstacles they face. Often the reasons someone is going back to work are tough, like the loss of a loved one or recovering from an illness that took them out of work.
Before we talk about some work-from-home jobs you can consider it’s important to talk about some tips that can help make getting back to work a bit easier.
Here are some practical tips for getting back into the workforce after a hiatus:
- Update Your Skills: Take the time to assess your current skill set and identify any areas that may need refreshing or updating. Consider enrolling in online courses, attending workshops, or seeking certifications to stay relevant in your field.
- Network: Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts to let them know you’re reentering the workforce. Networking can open doors to job opportunities, provide valuable insights into current industry trends, and offer support during your job search.
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the positions you’re applying for. Emphasize any transferable skills gained during your time away from the workforce, such as volunteer work, freelance projects, or caregiving responsibilities.
- Practice Interviewing: Brush up your interviewing skills by practicing common interview questions and scenarios. Consider conducting mock interviews with a friend or career coach to gain confidence and refine your responses.
- Be Flexible: Remain open to various job opportunities, including part-time roles, freelance work, or contract positions. Flexibility can help you gain valuable experience, expand your professional network, and lead to long-term career opportunities.
- Stay Positive and Persistent: Reentering the workforce can be challenging, but maintaining a positive attitude and staying persistent can increase your chances of success. Stay focused on your goals, celebrate small victories along the way, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks.
- Consider Talking to a Therapist: If you aren’t already in therapy it can be helpful to reach out to one during this time of transition. Even if your reasons for going back to work are overall positive it can be a big change in your life and having a therapist to help you navigate those changes can make a big difference. Online therapy can be a good and more accessible option for many.
By following these tips and leveraging the benefits of remote work, you can successfully navigate your return to the workforce and embark on a fulfilling career journey.
Easy Work From Home Jobs
Now that we have talked about general times for helping you get back to the workforce it’s time to talk about what kinds of work-from-home jobs are available. If you have been out of the workforce for a while this space has likely changed and grown a lot. Especially since 2020, there has been huge growth in the work-from-home job market.
If that is a space you are ready to enter you will have several options to consider. Let’s talk about the different types of work-from-home jobs and some of the benefits of each type.
Traditional Jobs from Home
Many traditional jobs made the move to having a work-from-home job in 2020 and have continued to offer these options. With this option, you will need to be aware that sometimes travel is required on occasion. These jobs also often require video calls for meetings and may have other requirements to consider.
This can be a great option if you have a lot of past work experience and/or degrees. It’s also a nice option if you like more social interaction when it comes to your work. My husband works for a large company from home and as an extrovert, he enjoys that he talks to his co-workers throughout the day and has a lot of social interaction.
Where to Find Traditional Jobs from Home: Flexjobs is a job board that caters to remote work. It’s one of the best places to check but you can also often find remote work on LinkedIn and other more conventional job search spaces.
Freelance Work from Home
Freelancing from home is a great option if you need more flexibility than a traditional job. The downside is that you won’t get the benefits you get with a traditional job so you will need to take that into account.
There are endless options when it comes to freelance work. I recommend making a list of your skills and hobbies thinking about which one(s) you feel would make a good career and start searching for those jobs.
Some good examples of jobs people often hire freelancers for include:
- Writing
- Graphic Design
- Photography
- Administrative Assistant (or Virtual Assistant)
- Videographer
- Illustrator
- Accountant
Where to Find Freelance Work: You can find freelance jobs on Flexjobs. Sites like Upwork are also a good place to check for freelance work. There are also often job boards for different types of freelance work like the Freelance Writing Job Board.
Building Your Own Business at Home
My favorite option personally is creating your own business. This is not for everyone but is easier than you may think. Again you will want to think about things you enjoy doing and have skills in. Some examples:
- Blogging
- Selling on Etsy
- Social Media Influencer
- Baking
- Web Design
- Graphic Design
- Get 30 more ideas!
The options are endless. Think of a problem you can solve and use that to build your business. If you need income right away it’s often helpful to have another job or do some freelance work while you start to build it.
Get the full Work from Home Guide
If you want a full guide and workbook to help you get started you can download it for free. You’ll get lists of ideas of jobs to look for, where to search, worksheets to help you brainstorm, and so much more. Just fill out the form below to get it delivered to your inbox.
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