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5 Remote Job Opportunities for Veterans

Career Advancement

Rejoining civilian life comes with lots of responsibilities (and challenges) for veterans. After finishing military duty, many veterans are ready to get back into work mode but aren’t exactly sure where to start.

For some veterans, working onsite isn’t realistic, and remote work is a better option. Fortunately, the number of available remote jobs is growing every year, and veterans usually have lots of skills they can leverage. Here are some job ideas for veterans who are looking to work remotely.

Freelance Work Can Be a Solid Start for Returning Veterans

Getting back into the workforce can be a difficult transition. Working in a job as a civilian is very different from being in the military and finding a full-time job right away isn’t always possible. You might want to consider freelance work, at least initially, to bridge the gap as you adjust back to civilian life.

Freelancers are not employees, but they work for companies on a contract, independent basis. They can set their own hours for the most part and are paid hourly or per piece. Although freelancing offers a lot of flexibility, it takes discipline and does not include benefits that are usually standard with full-time employment. However, the hourly rate tends to be higher to compensate.

As a freelancer, you can do all kinds of work, from writing, to web or graphic design, consulting, or just about anything else that can be done remotely. Even ride-sharing jobs can be considered a freelance/contract job. If you have special skills you can offer, then working with companies as a freelancer can be a great option. You can make a career out of freelancing, or just use it while you look for other work or get used to being back in the workforce.

Veterans Can Use Their Poise For Customer Service Management

These days, lots of companies are making their customer service departments remote. You can help customers over the phone, email, or chat from anywhere you have a strong internet connection, making it an ideal remote opportunity. Working in customer service remotely allows you to enjoy the benefits of full-time work while working from home.

Even if you’ve never worked in customer service directly before, you might have more applicable skills than you think. Most veterans have the poise and ability to work under pressure that’s necessary for success when helping customers.

Write About Your Military Experience & Publish an eBook

People who have never been in the military have no idea what it’s like. Many are interested to learn more and would love to read a first-hand account from a veteran. It’s never been easier to share your experiences and to make money from your memoirs.

Publishing an eBook can be a great way to make passive income while giving people insights about what it’s like to be in the military. If you like to write and you can find someone to help you edit, creating an eBook could be a good side project that generates income.

Veterans Have Had Success Starting a Small Business

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, then you can easily start your own business from home. Being your own boss is challenging, but it can be an extremely satisfying way to make a living after leaving the military.

Thanks to the internet, it’s very simple to get started. There are thousands of resources for small business owners and even resources created specifically for veterans who want to start a business. You don’t need an MBA to become a business owner—you can learn almost everything you need to know online.

Teach English To Students Without Leaving Your Home

English skills are becoming key for young people in countries all over the world. If you are a native English speaker, then you are qualified to teach students without leaving your home! You don’t need to have any teaching experience to get started, but you should be enthusiastic about helping people learn.

You will need a TESOL/TEFL certificate and your own equipment (computer, webcam, headset, etc) in order to teach, but beyond that, you just need to be friendly and patient. Most of these teaching positions involve conversational English to help students become more fluent—they should already know the basics. Your role would be to prompt discussions and questions, make corrections, and participate in conversations.

Lots of Options for Veterans

While it might seem daunting to look for remote work, remember that you have a lot of skills you can leverage. There are so many options for veterans who want to work from home. Try different gigs to see what works best for you, your schedule, and your personality!

If you have comments or feedback about any article, please email your thoughts to info@acp-advisornet.org.

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