Just like any other career, being a freelancer involves hard work, effort and commitment.

But a freelance career has a few unique advantages that go beyond working from wherever a person wants, whether it is in their favourite comfy chair or in an enchanted forest (with a good WiFi connection, of course).

The first of this two-part series discusses many of the areas where individuals can use their expertise and experience to do what they are passionate about.

IT jobs

• Web programming

Behind every website is a programmer. It has been estimated that there are over two billion portals on the internet and someone had to develop them. The demand for web programming is increasing, and the number of projects available to those with these skills is endless.

• Web design

Programming and web design are closely related. Web design is a speciality that can fall under programming and design. To get a start in web design from home, all that is needed is intermediate expertise and a working computer.

• App development

Uber, Tinder, Waze, WhatsApp, what do all these apps have in common? They are all mobile apps. This is the era of apps – there is an app for nearly everything, and many companies need knowledgeable developers to create personalised apps according to the company needs.

• Software development and desktop application developers

Although websites and apps are more popular than ever, that does not mean that companies do not still need internal software developers and desktop application developers. The majority connect to “the cloud”. There are an infinite number of options to work from home as a programmer. Projects vary in budget and complexity.

• Content management or CMS

The boom in content management systems such as WordPress, Wix, and Joomla has inspired many web development professionals to focus solely on specialising in these tools. For example, adapting design templates, enabling features or developing new plugins.

• E-commerce

E-commerce is another development sub-speciality in web development. Companies need comprehensive advisory services to be able to sell their products and services online, from choosing a platform that fits their needs to preparing online pages to checking their website security.

Design and multimedia

• Logo design and corporate identity

Every company and personal brand needs a logo to stand out in the marketplace.

Some companies hire an acquaintance who “knows how to use photoshop” and others opt to hire a true professional who knows how to design an attention-grabbing logo and has the skills to create a corporate personality that is congruent with a company’s corporate philosophy.

• Images and infographics

Every website has edited images. Companies also need background design and even memes to share on social media. A lot of remote design work involves creating visual content for companies.

• Video creation and editing

Just as with pictures and images, a lot of designers specialise in video creation and editing.

This can be as simple as adding subtitles and flat images to a recording or as complex as animating 3D characters.

Video editing from home is a great option for freelance work because all it requires is working computer equipment.

• Illustration

A designer who knows how to illustrate by hand has many opportunities to work with every kind of publisher, and art and animation company that requires professional drawing services.

• 3D modelling

3D objects have all types of applications in design and engineering, product development and even science and medicine.

Ample knowledge of geometry and programming are required to create these types of objects, but there are specialised programmes to facilitate creating these types of objects.

Administrative support

• Virtual assistant

Organised people who like to create schedules, do research and carry out simple administrative tasks can work by the hour or by project on an endless number of activities.

• Customer service

Most customer service tasks are done over the internet or the phone, and in customer service there is not a lot of difference between working from home or in an office.

That is why thousands of companies are starting to ask for people who work from home. The only requirement is a good internet connection and a great attitude. Being bilingual is a huge advantage too.

• Data capture

If you have a professional attitude and want to start with something simple, data entry is always a great option because there is a lot of demand for this service, and it allows one to gain clients and develop a reputation on the platform.

Architecture and engineering

Many architects and engineers are working full time on activities that are mainly desk work, which has to do with certain specialised programmes and platforms.

There are many projects available in this category, including industrial design, interior design, 3D and CAD drawing, renderings and so on.

The legal field

Remote work is taking hold in this field too. Check out the legal projects available on Workana.

Advantages to working from home and being a freelancer

• More and more companies are adopting this method and more opportunities and full-time jobs are now available online.
• Working from home saves time and money on transport.
• The freelancer chooses the projects and the clients they want to work for.
• Balancing family and personal life with professional life is easier.
• The freelancer decides whether to work in the living room, a café or on a faraway beach.

Click here to find out more about Workana to start hiring or enlisting as a freelancer.