An online job is a job where one practices his/her profession by dealing with an employer virtually through the internet.  It is a great alternative to the ordinary 8-hour office work that we used to have to earn a decent living.  It is the best job for physically handicapped people particularly those with polio or leg problems, also possible for some with slight case of autism.  For those who have just resigned or have been terminated from their jobs, this is the best time to try it.

What are the benefits/advantages of online jobs?

It saves you money.  You don’t have to travel to go to work so you are able to save on the transportation cost.  Also, buying meals from the canteen or outside the office can sometimes be expensive, when you have an online job you practically eat what is served at home which is oftentimes more satisfying.

It’s more convenient.  An online job is done at home so you can choose where you are most comfortable working.  You can work anywhere you like, in your own room, in the living room, dining room, perhaps in the garden or in a park, wherever.  You can also work at your own pace, there are no bundy clocks, as long as you can commit/stick to the deadlines or submission dates, there would be no problem.

It’s allows you to earn as much as you want.  You have the opportunity to earn more from different companies/entrepreneurs because you are not tied to a single employer unlike when you work in an office.  You can apply to as many jobs as you can handle, it’s only a matter of time management.

Are there any disadvantages?

Well, they’re not actually disadvantages because there are corresponding answers to these situations:

You have to buy a computer set/laptop and pay for an internet service.

If you already have one, that’s no longer an expense, you will just fully utilize its cost. But if you need to buy one, just treat it as an investment, you can gain back the money you used to buy the equipment when you already have your online job.  You can resell it anyway if you realized later that online job is not a thing for you. But your success is all up to you, the only limitation is the one you have set for yourself.

Your social circle will somehow be limited.

It’s true that we meet a lot of people in the workplace and still meet a lot more through colleagues and work acquaintances.  However, it’s just about learning how to balance work and other aspects of your life.  You may leave Saturdays and Sundays as days off from work or any other day.  Good thing about online jobs is that you are not tied to office hours, you can take hours off from work to attend to your family affairs and other social gatherings.  You can choose a time and day when you need to socialize so your social life will still bloom and grow.

You have no security of tenure.

Employment is project-based, it can be long-term as for a whole year or short-term as in a day or days.  But if you have established good feedbacks and have performed your best in each assignment, you will not run out of projects.  Sometimes, employers  keep  you and give you continuous stream of projects.   Other times, employers are the ones offering the job if they find you deserving.  You will always have a job as long as you keep working and applying to new ones if some of your projects have already ended.  Again, it’s a matter of time management plus strategy.

What types of jobs are usually done online?

All jobs which don’t require your physical attendance are posted as online jobs.  Also, you don’t need to be a licensed professional or a four-year degree holder to be employed, as long as you have a basic knowledge, skill and proper working attitude, you can be hired.

If you have finished a secretarial course, you can accept typing, transcription and other data-entry jobs.  But the most in-demand jobs online are in the field of web/software development, graphic design, multi-media, information system and any job connected to website development.  Website content writers, article writers and bloggers are also very much needed.  If you are also knowledgeable about social networking or internet marketing activities like SEO, link building, bookmarking, ad posting, forum posting, blog commenting etc., you will not run out of projects.  If you are multi-linguist, you can do translation jobs. Artist, bookkeepers, accountants, and call center agents are most welcomed.  Jobs in administrative support, customer service, sales and marketing are regularly posted.

Watch out for my next post on the list of online job marketplaces where you can find a lot of online jobs waiting to be filled.

You may want to read

• Where to Find Online Jobs