Working from home during the COVID lockdowns was confusing and frustrating at first, all those Zoom calls, wearing our business shirts on top and pyjama pants on the bottom, the feeling of isolation, blurred work-life boundaries, and everything else in between. But, as we pushed through it, the experience opened our eyes to its flexible lifestyle and now, many of us even prefer it.
It provided unique insight for employers into how well working from home can work and now plays a huge role in reshaping roles and restructuring future policies. In fact, in many industries, it’s widely becoming the new norm. Add to that, the era of ‘The Great Resignation’ (the wave of employees resigning to work differently, as a result of rethinking how, where and why they work), and you’re left with more and more Australians taking control of their work and going out on their own or ‘hustling’ on the side.
If you too, are thinking about how you could work differently or hustle from home, read more from South Metropolitan TAFE to discover 5 of the best work from home jobs in the business.
1. Virtual Assistant
Many companies are ditching their executive assistants for the virtual variety, with the demand for outsourced administration tasks increased by 20 per cent between January and April 2022 compared with last year – and by 38 per cent compared with 2019, before the pandemic.
A virtual assistant is like a personal assistant, but not just any personal assistant – a virtual one working from home. No office coffee runs for you (unless you want one for yourself, that is).
Your tasks might include:
- Responding to emails
- Making phone calls
- Booking appointments
- Data entry
- Researching
- Scheduling
- Database management
All this while wearing your pyjamas (if that’s your thing) and in most cases, working your own hours, at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home.
The role of a virtual assistant can come with the surprising benefits of being your own boss too, all while being someone’s assistant.
2. Transcriber / Transcriptionist
Ever listen to something and think, “Wait, go back a bit – I missed that”? Yeah, we’ve all been there. That’s where transcribers come in. They’re the heroes who write down audio for the rest of us visual learners, and the people who play a very important role in a range of industries, particularly legal and medical. In fact, healthcare is Australia’s leading industry by employment and is projected to continue to grow.
And now, many transcriptionist roles come with the ability to work from home, adding flexibility, work-life balance, and empowerment to the mix.
What do you need to succeed? A very fast typing speed of at least 70wpm, high attention to detail, and of course an excellent vocabulary.
3. Data Entry Operator
Data entry is pretty much the backbone of any business. Without it, businesses are disorganised, with no idea of who did what and when.
As a data entry operator, you ensure all necessary data is all in one place and that business can carry on smoothly, with everything streamlined.
The best part of a data entry operator role? Every single business in every single industry needs one, so the demand is mighty high, and the many skills you’ll learn will come in handy, should you ever start your own business.
What’s more, this role often comes with flexibility and the option to work from home – bonus!
4. Customer Service Agent
Talking on the phone isn’t just a fun pastime, you can get paid for it. And these days, you can do it without leaving your living room.
Although the role of a customer service agent can be challenging at times, it can also be super rewarding, helping others and solving their problems (no matter how small they may seem).
As a customer service agent, you’d be the first responder when customers come calling, so strong communication skills are essential - these skills are transferable to any future role you may step into too, even your personal life.
5. Ecommerce Business Owner
Looking for even more flexibility and satisfaction? Why not start a side hustle in your own ecommerce business?
Being your own boss gives you the freedom to work on your dream, not someone else’s, all whilst putting your business skills into practice.
You could sell:
- Your own digital products like an eBook, PDF downloads or online course
- A physical product made with your very own creative skills – platforms like eBay, Etsy and Shopify are a great way to sell these online.
Get down to business
As you can see, there are so many ways to work from home or start a side hustle of your very own - and we’ve only just scratched the surface.
Setting yourself up in a successful side hustle, or preparing yourself for the business world is easier with the right skills behind you.
A TAFE business course will equip you with a strong administrative skillset, making you employable in virtually any industry (from home or in an office) in integral roles at the core of a business, such as administrative officer, receptionist, accounts clerk, data entry operator or office assistant. And, with both full time and part time study options available, these courses are perfect for students seeking flexible work arrangements.
The South Metropolitan TAFE team of expert and passionate lecturers will provide the guidance and support you need to gain practical day-to-day on the job skills, within a simulated real-life office workplace environment. For more information and to gain qualifications check out our BSB30120 Certificate III in Business and BSB30120 Certificate III in Business (Administration) TAFE courses and consider applying for Semester 1, 2023. With a business qualification, the world is your oyster. Get yours with South Metropolitan TAFE today.