Working from home sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? No long commutes, no office politics, and best of all—you get to work in your pajamas (well, at least from the waist down if you have video calls). But figuring out how to start can feel overwhelming, especially when scrolling through job listings that all seem too good to be true.

I know the feeling because I’ve been there. When I first started freelancing in 2021, I had no clue what I was doing. I went from being an appointment setter to a virtual assistant before finally landing a content writing gig at No BS Marketplace. But before I found stability, I ran into a few bumps—including scammers on job platforms. One “employer” asked me to pay a “registration fee” before I could start working. That was my first red flag. I mean, I was looking for a job to earn money, not spend it duh. Thankfully, I trusted my gut and walked away. But not everyone is lucky—many fall for these schemes, thinking it’s just part of the hiring process.

If you’re considering switching to remote work, this guide will walk you through the basics. So grab a coffee, get comfy, and let’s make working from home a reality.

1. Assess Your Skills and Interests

The first step is figuring out what you’re good at and what you actually enjoy doing. There are plenty of opportunities, but the best fit depends on your skills, interests, and experience.

Identify Your Transferable Skills

Even if you’ve never worked remotely before, you likely have skills that can translate into an online job. Consider your previous work experience, hobbies, or anything you’re naturally good at.

Here’s a simple way to assess yourself:

• Are you good at writing? Content writing, copywriting, or blogging might be a good fit.
• Do you enjoy talking to people? Customer support, virtual assistance, or online tutoring could be an option.
• Are you organized and detail-oriented? Data entry, bookkeeping, or project management might work for you.
• Do you have creative skills? Graphic design, video editing, or social media management could be your path.
• Are you tech-savvy? Consider web development, IT support, or digital marketing.

If you’re unsure where you fit, try listing out past jobs, side projects, or even personal tasks where you’ve done well. Sometimes, skills we take for granted—like keeping a household budget or planning events—can translate into remote job opportunities.

Consider Your Interests

Skills matter, but so do your interests. If you’re doing something you don’t enjoy, burnout will hit fast—especially in a home setting where there’s no office environment to break up the monotony.

Ask yourself:

• What kind of work excites you?
• Do you prefer working alone or collaborating with others?
• Do you like structured tasks or more creative, open-ended work?
• Would you rather have a fixed job or flexible freelance work?

For example, if you love helping people but dislike repetitive tasks, online tutoring might be a better fit than customer service. If you enjoy writing but hate marketing yourself, working as an in-house content writer might be a better option than freelancing.

Test the Waters

If If you’re unsure about a field, test it before fully committing. Trying something on a small scale first can help you figure out if it’s the right fit without too much risk. Here’s how you can do it:

• Try freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to take on small projects.
• Offer services to friends or family to gain experience and build a portfolio.
• Take free or affordable courses to explore different skills (e.g., Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning).

While exploring different remote work options, I tried my hand at graphic design. My sister owns a small bakeshop in the UK, and I designed a few graphics for her branding just to practice. I also offered my services for free to a friend who needed social media visuals—just so I could add those projects to my portfolio.

For example, if you think you might enjoy graphic design, you don’t need to buy expensive software right away. Start with free tools like Canva or GIMP, experiment with designs, and see if it’s something you enjoy before investing time and money. The same goes for writing, social media management, or even coding—dip your toes in first before going all in.

Match Your Skills to Work-From-Home Opportunities

Once you’ve figured out what you’re good at and what you like doing, the next step is finding a remote job that fits. Here are some common roles and what they typically involve:

Job Role	Skills Needed	Best For
Virtual Assistant	Organization, communication, admin tasks	Multitaskers who enjoy variety
Freelance Writer	Writing, research, editing	Those who love writing and storytelling
Customer Support	Communication, problem-solving, patience	People who enjoy helping others
Social Media Manager	Creativity, marketing knowledge, analytics	Those who love trends and engagement
Online Tutor	Teaching, communication, subject expertise	Patient individuals who enjoy explaining things
Data Entry	Accuracy, typing speed, attention to detail	Those who like repetitive but straightforward tasks
Web Developer	Coding, problem-solving, tech knowledge	Logical thinkers who enjoy tech

Once you have a clear idea of your strengths and interests, you’ll be able to narrow down the job options that suit you best. The next step? Setting up a proper work environment so you can be as productive as possible.

2. Set Up a Proper Work Environment

Working from home sounds great—until you realize your “office” is a spot on the couch with a laptop overheating on your legs. A proper setup can make all the difference in your productivity, focus, and even your physical health. Here’s how to create a workspace that helps you get things done without turning your home into a full-blown corporate office.

Find Your Dedicated Workspace

You don’t need a fancy home office, but you do need a spot that signals “work mode” to your brain. If you have an extra room, great! If not, a quiet corner with a small desk works just as well. The key is to pick a space where you can focus and minimize distractions.

If space is limited, consider:

• A foldable desk that you can store when not in use
• Using a corner of your bedroom or living room
• Setting up near a window for natural light (helps with focus and mood)
• Noise-canceling headphones if you have a noisy household

Invest in the Right Equipment

Your workspace doesn’t need to be expensive, but having the right tools can make your workday smoother. Here’s what you should consider:

• A reliable laptop or desktop – Make sure it can handle the software you need without lagging.
• Stable internet connection – A wired connection is best for reliability, but a good router upgrade can help with Wi-Fi stability.
• Comfortable chair – A proper office chair supports your back and helps prevent aches and pains. Lay got me an office chair, and it was a game-changer. It wasn’t brand new; it came from a rummage sale from a BPO that shut down during COVID. But it was sturdy, comfortable, and exactly what I needed.
• Headset with a mic – A must-have for online meetings, tutoring, or customer support jobs.
• Good lighting – A desk lamp or natural light can reduce eye strain.

As soon as I decided to work as a virtual assistant, I knew I had to invest in a decent laptop. I bought an Asus Ryzen 5 from Kwan Corp in Jek Bldg, Ortigas Ave Ext, Cainta, Rizal. It served me well until COVID hit and online classes became a thing. My kids needed a laptop for school, so I gave mine to Zaki and upgraded to a Lenovo Ryzen 7 instead. It was a necessary expense, but it made work so much easier.

If you’re on a tight budget, consider looking for secondhand laptops with good specs or installment payment plans to make the cost more manageable. The key is to get a device that won’t slow you down, especially if your job requires multitasking or handling large files.

Most companies require at least a Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor, so if your laptop runs on Celeron, it simply won’t cut it. While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a high-quality laptop with decent specs will save you from headaches down the road. A reliable device boosts efficiency and ensures you can work smoothly for years without constant lag or performance issues.

Make Your Setup Comfortable

A poor work setup can lead to body pain, fatigue, and frustration. Even small adjustments can improve your comfort:

• Raise your laptop or monitor to eye level to avoid neck strain (a stack of books works if you don’t have a stand).
• Use an external keyboard and ergonomic mouse if you work long hours on a laptop.
• Take breaks – Stand up, stretch, and rest your eyes every hour to avoid burnout.

Once your space is ready, the next step is finding the right job opportunities.

3. Search for Remote Job Opportunities

Finding a remote job isn’t as simple as typing “work-from-home jobs” into Google and clicking the first link you see. With so many job postings online—some legit, others outright scams—it’s essential to know where to look and how to filter the good from the bad. Here’s how to get started.

1. Know Where to Look

Remote jobs are available on different platforms, but not all websites are created equal. Some cater to freelancers, while others focus on full-time remote employment.

• Freelance Platforms – Best for project-based work or side gigs
  • Upwork
  • Fiverr
  • PeoplePerHour
  • Onlinejobs.ph (great for Filipinos looking for overseas clients)
• Remote Job Boards – Ideal for full-time or long-term remote work
  • We Work Remotely
  • FlexJobs
  • Remote.co
  • Remotive
  • LinkedIn (search for “remote” in job filters)
• Company Career Pages – Many companies now hire remote workers directly. If you have a specific company in mind, check their careers page instead of waiting for listings on job boards.

2. Spot the Red Flags

Unfortunately, scammers love targeting people looking for remote jobs. If a job listing looks suspicious, trust your gut. Here are some common red flags:

• They ask for money upfront – A real employer pays you, not the other way around.
• Too-good-to-be-true salaries – If an entry-level job promises $5,000 a month with no experience, it’s probably a scam.
• No clear job details – Legitimate employers provide a detailed job description, not just “work from home, earn big.”
• They contact you via messaging apps only – Many scammers use Telegram, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger to avoid leaving a trace.
• Poorly written job posts – If the listing has bad grammar or vague details, be cautious.

I learned this the hard way when I was starting out. One job listing seemed perfect—flexible hours, decent pay—but then they asked for a registration fee before I could start. That was my first lesson in spotting scams: if they want your money before hiring you, walk away.

3. Tailor Your Applications

Most people send out the same generic resume and wonder why they never hear back. Remote jobs are competitive, so you need to stand out.

• Customize your resume – Highlight skills that are relevant to remote work (communication, time management, self-discipline).
• Write a strong cover letter – Show why you’re a good fit and how you can add value.
• Include a portfolio (if applicable) – Writers, designers, and marketers should have a portfolio showcasing their best work.

When I was applying for writing jobs, I attached my blog as a sample and included a few pieces I had written for free just to have something to show. To make my application more polished, I created a resume on Canva, saved it as a PDF, and shared the link in my applications. It made a big difference in getting responses. For my graphic design work, I put together a portfolio on Pinterest, which gave potential clients an easy way to see my designs in one place.

4. Network and Build Connections

Sometimes, the best jobs aren’t even posted online—they come through referrals and connections.

• Join remote work communities – Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, and Reddit forums often share job leads.
• Connect with industry professionals – Engage with people in your field on LinkedIn. A simple comment or message can open doors.
• Let people know you’re looking – Friends, former colleagues, and even past clients might know of job openings. I landed my very first VA job through a referral. My cousin’s wife, Nicky, connected me with her boss, and that opportunity became my stepping stone into the remote work world. I’ll always be grateful to her for that.

5. Apply Consistently and Stay Patient

Finding a remote job takes time. You might send out hundreds of applications before getting a response. The key is to stay persistent and improve your approach along the way.

• Set a goal (e.g., apply to 5-10 jobs per day).
• Keep track of your applications so you can follow up.
• If you’re not getting responses, tweak your resume or cover letter.

Searching for remote work can feel like a full-time job in itself, but once you land the right opportunity, it’s worth it. The next step? Building a strong online presence so employers and clients can easily find and trust you. Let’s get into that next.

4. Build a Strong Online Presence

Your online presence is your resume, portfolio, and first impression all rolled into one. Employers and clients often check your digital footprint before even considering your application. If they can’t find anything about you, that’s already a missed opportunity.

Whether you’re applying for a remote job or offering freelance services, having a well-crafted online presence can set you apart. Here’s how to do it right.

1. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn isn’t just for corporate professionals—it’s a goldmine for remote job seekers. Many recruiters and employers use it to find candidates, so having an optimized profile can increase your chances of getting noticed.

• Use a professional profile photo – No blurry selfies. A simple, clear headshot works best.
• Write a compelling headline – Instead of just “Virtual Assistant” or “Freelance Writer,” try something more specific like “Detail-Oriented Virtual Assistant | Admin Support & Email Management” or “SEO-Focused Content Writer | Blog & Copywriting Expert.”
• Update your About section – Highlight your skills, experience, and what you bring to the table. Keep it short but engaging.
• List your experience and skills – Even if you’re new to remote work, add relevant skills from previous jobs. Employers value soft skills like time management, communication, and adaptability.
• Engage with others – Commenting on posts, sharing insights, and connecting with industry professionals can help you get on recruiters’ radar.

2. Create a Portfolio (Even If You’re Just Starting)

At first, I had nothing to show, so I designed branding materials for my sister’s bakeshop in the UK and helped a friend with social media graphics for free just so I’d have samples. It worked! Those projects became my first portfolio pieces, and they helped me land paying gigs.

Where to showcase your work:

• Google Drive or Dropbox (for simple, shareable links)
• A personal blog or website (if you want to invest in your brand)
• Free portfolio sites like Behance (for designers) or Medium (for writers)

3. Keep Your Social Media Clean

Many recruiters Google candidates before hiring them. If your public social media accounts are filled with controversial rants or unprofessional content, it could hurt your chances.

• Make sure your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (if public) represent you well.
• If you want to keep personal content separate, adjust privacy settings.
• Consider using social media to showcase your skills—like posting about work-from-home tips, client success stories, or behind-the-scenes insights from your field.

4. Set Up a Freelance Profile on Job Platforms

If you’re looking for freelance gigs, having a profile on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Onlinejobs.ph can help you attract potential clients.

A strong freelance profile should include:
✔️ A clear and engaging bio that highlights what you do and how you can help clients
✔️ A well-defined service list with pricing (if applicable)
✔️ Portfolio samples or links to previous work
✔️ Client testimonials or reviews (once you start getting work)

The stronger your online presence, the easier it will be for job opportunities to come to you instead of you always chasing them.

5. Master Time Management and Self-Discipline

Working from home gives you flexibility, but without structure, it’s easy to fall into bad habits—like working at odd hours, taking too many breaks, or worse, procrastinating until deadlines pile up. To stay productive (without burning out), you need a system that works for you.

1. Set Work Hours and Stick to Them

Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you should work whenever. A structured schedule helps create clear boundaries between work and personal life.

For me, my work-from-home routine follows a set structure:

• RareJob (ESL tutoring): 6 AM – 8 AM, then 5 PM – 8:30 PM (with a 30-minute break at 7 PM)
• NoBS (content writing): 8 AM – 4:00 PM
• Weekends? Strictly for rest.

Having fixed hours makes it easier to manage my workload without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re just starting out, try setting a daily schedule that balances work, rest, and personal time—and stick to it as much as possible.

3. Minimize Distractions

• Keep your phone on silent or in another room if it’s not work-related.
• Let family members know when you shouldn’t be disturbed during work hours.
• Use website blockers like Cold Turkey or StayFocusd if social media is a problem.

4. Create a Daily To-Do List

Prioritize your most important tasks first and avoid overloading your list—3-5 key tasks per day is a good start.

5. Take Breaks (Without Overdoing It)

Burnout happens when you work non-stop. I make sure to take a short lunch break and quick pauses in between tasks, but I also avoid taking breaks that turn into long distractions. The key is balance—resting enough to recharge but not so much that you lose momentum.

Mastering time management takes practice, but once you find a rhythm, it makes working from home so much easier.

6. Learn Essential Remote Work Skills

Unlike office jobs where you can ask a coworker for help at any moment, remote work requires a lot of independence. You’ll need to communicate well, manage your tasks efficiently, and handle basic tech problems independently.

Here are the key skills that will help you thrive in a remote setup.

1. Communication Skills

When you work remotely, most of your communication happens through emails, chats, or video calls. If you’re not clear and professional in your messages, things can get lost in translation.

• Write clearly and concisely – Whether you’re sending an email, chatting with a client, or writing a report, keep your messages short, clear, and to the point.
• Be responsive – If you take too long to reply, it can slow down projects and create misunderstandings.
• Use the right tools – Learn how to use Slack, Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or whatever platform your job requires.

💡 Example: In RareJob, I must communicate effectively with students, even if they have limited English skills. That means using simple, clear sentences and adjusting my pace based on their level. The same principle applies to emails or chat messages—clarity is key when working remotely

2. Basic Tech Skills

You don’t need to be a programmer, but you should know how to:

• Troubleshoot minor issues – Restarting your router, clearing your cache, or fixing microphone problems on Zoom.
• Use cloud storage – Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for saving and sharing files.
• Navigate project management tools – Trello, Asana, ClickUp, or Notion help keep track of tasks.

💡 Example: There was a time when my internet suddenly died five minutes before my RareJob session. Instead of panicking, I quickly tethered my phone’s mobile data and informed the student. Things like this happen, so knowing basic troubleshooting is a must!

3. Learn Through Online Courses and YouTube

Not everyone starts with the perfect skill set for remote work—but the internet makes learning more accessible than ever. You don’t have to spend much just to learn the basics. Many free resources are available if you’re willing to put in the time and effort.

• Online Learning Platforms – Websites like Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and Skillshare offer affordable courses on writing, design, digital marketing, and virtual assistance. Many even provide certificates that can boost your resume.
• YouTube Tutorials – A goldmine for free education. Whether you’re learning Excel, social media management, or graphic design, there’s a tutorial for almost everything.

💡 Example: When I was starting out, I followed Britx Sui, who shares valuable tips for aspiring VAs, and another content creator who specialized in real estate appointment setting. At one point, I was even ready to pay P13,000 for a course, thinking it was the only way to gain the right skills. Good thing Nicky stopped me!

Free resources are everywher, but you must be committed to learning and applying what you learnp. Even 30 minutes a day can make a difference in building the skills you need to land remote jobs.

4. Professionalism & Work Ethic

Since no one is physically supervising you, trust is everything in remote work. Employers expect you to:

• Meet deadlines without constant follow-ups.
• Deliver quality work consistently.
• Show initiative by solving problems on your own before asking for help.

💡Example: At NoBS, we use Time Doctor to track work hours and productivity. It’s a simple tool—unless you try to manipulate it. Over time, employees were let go for trying to cheat the system, whether by logging idle time as work or finding ways to bypass tracking. Remote work may offer flexibility, but trust is everything. Employers don’t just look at output—they pay attention to work ethics, too.

6. Stay Motivated and Keep Growing

Remote work has its perks, but it can also feel repetitive or isolating over time. Staying motivated and continuously improving will keep your career moving forward.

1. Set Goals to Stay Focused

Having clear short-term and long-term goals gives you something to work toward. Whether it’s improving a skill, increasing productivity, or transitioning to a new role, goals keep you engaged.

I started at NoBS as a writer, but when the chance came to assist another department, I took it. That decision helped me grow beyond writing and expand my skills.

2. Stay Connected to Avoid Burnout

Remote work can be isolating, so make an effort to engage:

• Interact with colleagues through work chats or virtual meetings.
• Join online communities for networking.
• Schedule personal time with friends and family.

At NoBS, we use Microsoft Teams to stay connected—not just for work but also for casual chats and sharing memes. It helps maintain a sense of teamwork even though we’re all working remotely. Over at RareJob, we have an active Facebook community called RJTOC, where tutors can join games, contests, and other activities. It’s a fun way to interact with fellow tutors and feel part of a larger team, even without a physical office.

Beyond virtual interactions, I’ve also shared here on my blog about meeting up with my work friends in person. Taking the time to connect offline, even briefly, adds a personal touch to our remote setup and makes work feel a little less isolating.

3. Maintain Work-Life Balance

Without boundaries, work can take over your life.

• Stick to your work hours and unplug after.
• Take regular breaks to recharge.
• Have hobbies outside of work to avoid burnout.

I dedicate weekends to rest—no emails, no work, just time to reset. It helps me start the new week fresh.

Keep learning, stay connected, and look for ways to grow. With the right mindset, working from home can be both fulfilling and sustainable.

Final Thoughts

Remote work isn’t a shortcut to success, but it does open doors to flexibility, growth, and new opportunities. If you’re ready to take the leap, start small, stay consistent, and trust the process. The best time to begin is now.