When remote employees search for a new job, they often think about the “normal” things any job seeker ponders. What salary is acceptable? What responsibilities should the job entail? Should the new job be a step up, a step sideways, or a jump into a whole new career?
One thing remote workers also consider is whether or not they should return to an in-office job. Chris N. was wondering exactly that after he was laid off from his position. While his job search initially focused on in-office jobs, after a few hiccups, Chris realized that remote work is the only way he wants to work.
The Final Straw
Chris was laid off after his company was bought out. Initially, he searched for in-office positions, but he soon discovered that locating an in-person job close to him was problematic. “I found that the local job market was saturated with people looking for my level of job even though the economy was booming.”
If that wasn’t enough to make him consider virtual work, Chris was also enrolled in online graduate school. While he was interviewing for new jobs, Chris quickly realized that achieving a reasonable balance between work and school would be nearly impossible. “The final straw… was the hour and a half it took me to get home from an interview because it was during rush hour.”
At that point, Chris realized that a remote job would be his best chance at finding a job that would help him create a work-life balance so he could finish his degree and have time for himself, too.
Back Again
Though Chris had been a FlexJobs member before, he dropped the membership when he decided not to pursue remote work. However, all of the headaches Chris encountered during his job search convinced him that returning to FlexJobs was worth the price of a membership.
During his search on FlexJobs, Chris found many useful job search tips he hadn’t considered before. “If you’re new to FlexJobs, then use all of the resources provided in your membership,” he advises. “There are videos on tips that seem like common sense, but were not what I was thinking about.”
Chris found a new role at SureSwift Capital as a staff accountant. While he had set up automated searches that were emailed to him regularly, Chris found his job by reviewing new job postings in industries outside his regular career area.
“The job not only eliminated my commute but is in the type of industry I wanted to be a part of but wasn’t sure if I could. I live in Portland, Oregon, and the company I work for is fully remote and based out of Minnesota.”
A Remote Future
This is Chris’s second remote job, and he says that it’s “completely changed my perspective on career options. I feel that I get more work done remotely than I ever could in an office. My boss has been working remotely for 15 years, and I suspect I will be following suit.”
One of the advantages of remote work is flexibility. However, Chris says that job seekers who want remote work should also be flexible in their job search. He explains, “Working remotely requires flexibility, so being flexible while searching for a job is critical.”
But patience is also key. Chris continues, “Be patient. If you’re looking to get into a specific industry or type of job, you will have to be patient…this will be especially difficult the more time it takes, but I can assure you it is very much worth it.”
Now, Chris is able to balance everything in his life. “Instead of commuting an hour each way, I can finish work, take a short break, and get started on homework for my online graduate program. And since my wife has an unconventional schedule, I can have lunch with her on her days off.”
Find What You’re Looking For
Whether it’s work-life balance, eliminating a long commute, or a desire to have lunch with that special someone, remote work can help you find whatever it is you’re looking for.
Ready to make the move to remote work? FlexJobs offers members exclusive access to job postings in over 50 career fields, so there’s a remote and flexible job out there for you. Take the tour to learn more!
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