Employers recognize that the future of work has changed. Remote work is now a fixture in the workforce landscape. A cultural shift to telecommuting also opens the door for a shift in the classic retirement model. According to Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, 66% of workers age 50 and over, would like to continue working beyond the traditional retirement age. Many individuals who can retire are also open to part-time work, especially if they can work from home. Working from home can be a great supplemental source of income for older Americans who find that they need more money than they planned on to retire. Remote work requires that you be comfortable working with a computer and understand technology. People who successfully work from home also need a certain amount of self-discipline and the ability to work independently without supervision or without the interaction of co-workers.
Know what type of work you want
It is important to consider the type of work you would like to do from home. Do you want to work 100% from home, or would you like to get out of the house sometimes? For example, Sales is a field that allows you to work from home and do in-person visits, whereas Customer Service jobs will be done entirely from home. Remote working positions for retirees include everything from freelance and consulting jobs, to temporary or seasonal work. According to data analyzed by the home-based job search service FlexJobs, the top 10 “work from home” jobs are Sales, Medical & Health, Customer Service, Administrative, Computer & IT, Education & Training, Web & Software Development, Accounting & Finance and Research.
Do your research to avoid scams
Unfortunately, there are many companies that make offers to work from home that sound enticing but, are not legitimate. These scams are designed to separate you from your hard earned money. According to a recent survey by the Investor Protection Trust, 1 out of every 5 citizens over the age of 65 has been the victim of a financial scam. You should carefully investigate any business you consider working for, particularly those that require substantial investment on your part. Check with the Better Business Bureau or Google the company to see what people are saying.
Connectivity is key for remote work
To work from home, you need a connection that allows you to get work done without interruptions caused by lagging or slow internet connections. Some companies use a Virtual Private Network or VPN to connect computers at home to the company’s data center. A VPN works best with a quality broadband connection. Video calls with supervisors, coworkers and clients will also require higher bandwidth. TCT’s Fiber to the Home network delivers the consistency, speed and bandwidth workers need.