My husband and I both have remote jobs with pretty flexible schedules. People often ask how we ended up working from home and how they can get a similar gig. So I decided to create a website dedicated to helping others get their dream (remote) job.
“The future of work is remote. It’s about flexibility, autonomy, and trust. It’s about focusing on outcomes, not hours worked.”
In 2013 Ben lost his job and decided to change his career path in the process. In between unemployment and underemployment, Ben started doing freelance webwork to pay the bills and create a better resume for himself. My full-time job started to carry all of the health benefits for our family, allowing him to focus on his career journey. Shortly after we launched Benandjacq.com which later evolved into Benandjacq, Inc. This little side hustle played a pivotal role in shaping our remote work journey. He was able to network and build his resume and years later it became his main source of income.
It didn’t happen overnight. In those 7 years, we added an extra kid to our crew, moved to a new state, the startup company he worked for was acquired and he now has health benefits – and don’t forget COVID. Moving in 2020 during a pandemic with kids doing virtual school and with me having an autoimmune disorder – I decided not to go into the “normal” workforce.
With much research, I discovered Esther Inman’s 90-day VA course, a three-month internship that became a cornerstone in building my confidence and skill set for a remote career. Her course is self-paced, but I treated it like a full-time job. Applying for remote jobs is different than the traditional workforce. During this internship, I created a remote resume and learned the lingo and software imperative to remote work.
In January 2021 I started taking on small clients and pro bono projects. The initial months of little to no income paved the way for what I do now.
Through networking and leveraging my business background, I secured my dream client. What began as a virtual assistant role evolved into an executive assistant position and eventually an operations manager, with a significant pay increase along the way.
While relishing the flexibility of my job, I acknowledge the privilege of having a supportive husband with a stable “normal” job. I am continually evaluating how to stay sharp with my skills so that I am marketable if I ever do need to go back into the “normal” workforce. I do not take this opportunity for granted.
As I look back on my evolution from freelancer to operations manager, I’m grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped my remote work adventure. May this journey inspire others to navigate the remote work landscape with determination and a spirit of continuous growth.
Almost all job categories have a remote option.
Finding your niche in the online job market involves identifying your skills, interests, and expertise and then matching them with market demand. Here are steps you can take to discover your niche:
A remote resume or a work-from-home resume, is a tailored document that emphasizes your qualifications, experiences, skills, and achievements relevant to remote work or virtual environments. It’s designed for roles that involve or permit remote work, such as remote jobs, telecommuting positions, or jobs with flexible work arrangements. Crafting a well-crafted remote resume helps showcase your suitability for remote work opportunities and enhances your chances of securing remote job interviews.
Take a look at my first remote resume. I made this 4 years ago and I need to update it. Don’t judge it too hard. 😊
There may be holes in your resume. Don’t stress over it. Shoot me an email and I will help you fill in the gaps. Jacqueline@wpsteward.com
These work-from-home must-haves can contribute to a productive, organized, and enjoyable remote work experience.
Use scheduling tools like Calendly, Acuity Scheduling, or Google Calendar with appointment slots to streamline client bookings, meetings, and consultations.
The 90 Day VA program is a self-paced online training program that develops students into virtual assistants in 90 days or less.
You will learn the top skills being hired for virtually so you can get started working within weeks; plus, you learn how to find legit virtual jobs and you develop a portfolio and application kit while going through the course.
See if it is a fit for you with this free class…
It is not cheap. This is an investment in your career if you want to be self-employed. The course was great for me because it helped me change my career path with confidence. Going back to school to change my career path would have been much more expensive. I am so thankful for the skills I learned from 90 Day VA.