Four Different Styles of Telecommuting
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Everyone wants to do it. Work from home, that is. Whether it’s being able to work in pajamas, or spend extra time with their children, something is prompting people to consider giving up their day job to look for this "alternative" form of employment. The problem, however, is actually finding a work-from-home job! Which companies hire telecommuters? What kinds of jobs are suitable for working at home?

Because of the widespread use of the Internet, working from home has come a long way since envelope-stuffing or craft assembly. Now, there are many opportunities to work from home. However, it is helpful to understand that not all jobs can be done 100% from the home, which is what many people envision telecommuting to be.

To illustrate, I’ve broken “telecommuting” work into four distinct categories, and also provided ideas for each of the type of work that is best suited for each style.

1) 100% Remote or Virtual
Virtual or remote work usually means that your location is irrelevant. You may never personally meet your employer or client. The entire application and hiring process online.

Examples of 100% Remote of Virtual job titles may include:
  • Coder and developer
  • Transcriptionist
  • Content Writer and Copy Editor
  • Online Tutor
  • Customer Service Agents
In general, this is the hardest category to find work in because there are trust issues for employers. You will need to be very good at selling yourself on your resume, and very good at what you do. Furthermore, competition for jobs in this category is extremely high.

2) Half In/Half Out
This category refers to work that is based from home but requires you to leave your home to complete important functions of the job. You still might never have to visit your company’s office, or even personally meet anyone that you work with. Portions of your job must be performed away from your home. However, jobs in this category will usually allow you to work around your own schedule.

Examples of Half In/Half Out job titles may include:
  • Court Researcher
  • RN Clinical Analyst
  • Account Manager
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Consultant
  • Engineer
3) Make An Occasional Appearance
Some companies require that you physically check in with them from time to time. Perhaps you’ll need to receive in-person training, or attend periodic meetings or conferences. If you aren’t local to the company’s headquarters, you should be prepared for occasional overnight travel.

Examples of Make An Occasional Appearance job titles may include:
  • Recruiter
  • High-end Sales Executive
  • Business Analyst
  • Auditor
  • Nurse
Each time you show up for a company event be aware that you will be getting reevaluated. Be prepared to resell yourself. Your boss will be expecting some proof of your productivity.

4) Local Candidate Only
Other companies might allow you to work from home, yet want you physically accessible. You might need to pick up your work assignments every day or week, and then deliver completed work to them personally at a determined time.

Examples of Local Candidates Only job titles include:
  • Mortgage Broker
  • Paralegal
  • Virtual Assistant
  • Court Researcher
There is almost no limit to the type of work that can be done from home, especially if you widen your options. The more open you are to the various styles of telecommuting, the better your chance will be of finding a work-from-home job.