Remote work from home opportunities are exceptionally useful during tough economic times. It offers the type of flexibility that is required of military spouses since there’s no way of ever knowing where the next duty station will be. Remote work also offers veterans the chance to explore new career choices while staying rooted in their forever home.
Now more than ever, the internet can help connect spouses and veterans with exciting careers that used to be unavailable. More companies than ever before are exploring remote work choices – making now the ideal time to pursue a telework career.
Can I Really Work from Home?
For some military spouses and veterans, sourcing the opportunities can be difficult. Before you start your search, it might be helpful to narrow down the type of work you want to do. It’s true that a job is a job, especially in uncertain times, but finding something that’s suited to your tastes, interests, and experience can often mean the difference between just getting a paycheck and finding a role that excites you.
If you’re not sure what kind of work you want to do, or if you’re like most military spouses and veterans you likely have a diverse resume full of experience that stretches across several industries. If that sounds like you, consider starting your employment search with an employment placement agency or military-friendly employer.
National Remote Work Opportunities
It used to be that self-identifying as a military spouse was an instant mark against a potential job applicant. Companies are now recognizing the myriad of strengths and unique skill sets that military spouses bring to organizations – namely the ability to course-correct mid-stream and to successfully manage several projects at once. Now, that’s no longer the case.
Large corporations like Amazon and American Express all have veteran and spousal preference programs in place to help offset the challenges that come with the military lifestyle. Because their businesses are not located in physical buildings many of these opportunities are remote.
Many companies are actively looking for military spouse and veteran employees to fill in-person and remote roles:
AT&T
In 2018, almost ten percent of AT&T’s hires were veterans and military spouses. The company also actively contributes to NPower, a program that connects veterans with training opportunities and job placement. Learn more at AT&T.
Enterprise Rent-a-Car
Enterprise has a long history of supporting the military. Its founder, Jack Taylor, was a WWII Navy veteran. That’s why you’ll always find an Enterprise at every duty installation! Remote work opportunities include arranging car pick up and drop off along with other duties. Find out more here.
Hilton Hotels
Hilton has hired over 35,000 veterans and military spouses to serve in remote roles. The hotel chain has one of the largest commitments to our military community. Their ongoing mission is to continue to staff their hotels with military-affiliated workers.
Instant Teams
Instant Teams (IT) builds and manages remote teams for companies across the country and around the world. Founded by military spouses, IT is the premier first stop on your employment search for several reasons. Because it’s so military friendly, the staff at IT will work with you to find something that fits your current availability, expertise, and time zone. This is especially useful for anyone searching for virtual remote positions OCONUS. It recognizes that you, as a military spouse or veteran, are highly educated and have skills that stretch far beyond what’s shown on your professional resume.
Remote Work in Niche Markets
Big corporations are great, but what if you don’t want to be just another employee? Fortunately, the internet has provided several different career outlets that allow you to work with people directly.
Teaching English Online
One of the more popular work from home opportunities is teaching English to international students. VIPKID and Education First are two of the fastest-growing English-as-a-second-language schools, and many military-affiliated teachers are currently employed with them.
You can earn up to $22 an hour teaching online with VIPKID. Education First has similar earnings potential, with up to $20 an hour to start.
There are some requirements, including:
- Bachelor’s degree from a US or Canadian University
- Experience with children such as: teaching, mentoring, coaching, tutoring, babysitting, etc.
- High-speed internet, computer & webcam/microphone
You can learn more at the VIPKid website.
Or visit the Education First Website.
Proofreading and Editing Services
Do you have a passion for the written word? Does Do spelling and grammar errors make you cringe? Then you may have what it takes to earn money by offering proofreading and editing services. There is an ever-growing demand for these services, and not only do they allow you to work from home, but they often pay well.
The issue can be establishing a name for yourself and finding clients. You can do the latter on freelance services such as Fiverr or Upwork. But if you are looking for a guiding hand, then it may be worth investing in a course to teach you the ropes.
The Proofread Anywhere course can help you learn how to become an excellent proofreader and help you find your first clients. There is a webinar to help you decide if this is a good opportunity for you. There is also an upfront cost for the course, but it can be worth it if you have the interest and don’t know where to start. If you are already experienced, then check out Fiverr or Upwork.
Learn More at Proofread Anywhere.
Online Teaching & Tutoring
Online tutoring/teaching is a growing industry as more and more schools explore new ways of reaching their students. This educational boom means there are always companies hiring teachers – if you have the experience and credentials they’re looking for.
The requirements vary depending on where you teach or tutor. Many of these organizations require a teaching certification or higher-level degree to teach elementary through college-level courses. However, many tutoring roles may have different requirements such as practical on the job experience.
Check out Tutor.com, Kaplan University, or DODEA job listings.
Travel Agent
If you’re the type who loves to explore new cities, a dream job might be becoming a travel agent. American Express has several remote work opportunities for Travel and Lifestyle Service representatives. Joining the AmEx Talent Community gives you early access to any new job postings.
Transcription Services
Transcription services offer flexible working hours and the convenience of working from home. These roles often involve transcribing recorded messages from a variety of professions into written format. Check out Act 1 Group, Kaiser Permanente, or Robert Half for more details and to explore current openings.
If that doesn’t sound exciting enough, there are always employment vacancies for closed caption transcription services from companies like VITAC.
Customer Service and Virtual Assistant Positions
Virtual Customer Service Representative (CSR) roles give you the chance to work directly with the public, and unlike jobs that require higher education and lots of experience, being a CSR is generally pretty straightforward. Several well-known companies offer remote CRS jobs, including T-Mobile, Capital One, and Aetna. CSR roles are often a great way to get your foot in the door and might lead to a long-term career.
Virtual Assistant roles often require that you be flexible, able to problem solve, and have strong organizational abilities – all skills that mil spouses and veterans possess. Currently, Disney has current openings for Virtual Assistant (VA) jobs. As a VA, you’ll be responsible for answering calls and providing guest services and resourcing guests with information.
Remote work positions are ideal for many of us in the military community. These WFH positions offer the flexibility we need, while appreciating that military spouses and veterans bring unique skills, experiences, and a commitment to excellence that isn’t always seen with the civilian workforce. Make sure you thoroughly explore and vet companies that interest you to ensure it’s the right fit and aligns with your current and future career goals.
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