Working from home is the dream job situation for many people. I can attest to this, especially for millennials – we crave the luxury of time being our own, and not being tied to a desk.(Ironically enough, we choose to spend good money every day sitting at a desk at Starbucks one of the co-working spaces around town).
Our predecessors somewhat see the slow toiling at a desk job as the way to go, but we are increasingly breaking away from the confines of an ‘office’.
On the other hand, some people such as stay-home-moms seek to work remotely because of the obligations of taking care of the house, or of children etc. So while they straddle life’s responsibilities, they’re also hoping to take care of a depleting bank account.
TL;DR: How to work from home and what are the options?
It may surprise you to know that a quick search on job listing sites pulls up thousands of job openings providing opportunities to do just that. If you like the idea of working from home – then read this to get you started on a journey of “occupational freedom”.
First, examine the skills you have.
Do you happen to have a knack for picking up new languages and/or have third-language mastery, or a profound knowledge in bookkeeping, or a flair for creative design? What about hands-on skills like crafting or sewing?
Second, manage expectations.
While some may argue that you can be your own millionaire just by sitting at home (mostly through investments), a work-from-home job usually doesn’t command as much in as a full-time desk job. Of course, the comparisons are endless, but if you need to be home but still want to make some money, then be prepared for a realistic pay scale.
Third, understand your Income Tax or CPF Contribution
Read the full breakdown here.
What kind of stay-home jobs are out there?
1. Jobs in the Tech Industry
- Creative Design — Average annual salary: S$29,990
This probably requires some graphic design background. If you can design graphics, logos, animation, brochures, labels and packages, take photographs and a lot more, then this could be the job for you.
- Web and Programming – Average annual salary: S$39,321
Everything from developing a website, web or blog programming, to search engine optimization. These are just some of the web and programming jobs you can do from home, that may require some face-time with the company you’re working for.
2. Tutorials
- Tutor — Average annual salary: S$42,494
Tutors are all the rage in Singapore. Whether you give tuition from home or line up a schedule of holding sessions at the students’ residence, this job still grants you much felixibility in planning your own hours.
3. Content producing, bookkeeping, online marketing
- Writing, Proofreading, Editing – Average annual salary: S$45,435
This job is for those who can write, proofread or edit web content, articles, resumes, letters, stories, essays or speeches.
- Sales and Marketing – Average annual salary: S$35,120
If you’re someone who is well-versed in sales and marketing, this could make a good work-from-home job. This job could range from promoting websites and products for a business owner or creating campaigns to grow interactions and bring traffic for brands.
- Administrative Support – Average annual salary: S$24,189
This involves data entry or becoming a virtual assistant. If you have a flair for writing, producing articles, coordinate schedules and plans, answer letters or emails, providing administrative support for a client might be the job for you.
- Finance and Management – Average annual salary: S$24,417
Those who are knowledgeable in accounting, bookkeeping, financial planning, business consultancy, operations management etc. can earn much from this type of work online.
- Legal Services – Average annual salary: S$35,389
Have a degree in law and legal procedures? Yes, this type of job can also be done online. This entails providing legal advice or writing legal documents for different clients.
4. Transcription and translation
- Transcription – Average annual salary: Varied, project-based
You’re given an audio, sometimes along with video, and you are paid to write down exactly what you hear. Legal transcription: excellent command of English. Medical transcription: requires specialized certification.
- Translation – Average annual salary: Varied, project-based
You receive a file in one language to be translated into another. May require verbal and written mastery of both languages.
5. Babysitting – Average annual salary: Up to S$1K per month
- Perhaps not too common in Singapore, given the high number of domestic-helpers-to-family-units ratio. However, several expat families still prefer to hire short-term babysitters for their children. Good for those who enjoy taking care of little ones, and the human touch in a job.
Tips to keep work and home separate
- Set aside a focused desk space at home. Make sure to have a desk with a comfortable chair.
- Maintain a list of to-dos and prioritize the urgent and important ones.
- Always structure a schedule to keep work and home life segmented.
- Take a break – easier said than done because work and life often get muddled together for work-at-home jobs.
- Maintain a simple portfolio of your projects to reach out for more opportunities.
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