A CNBC article published in May 2018 states 70% of the global workforce works remotely “… at least one day a week… and 53% work remotely at least half of the work week.” FlexJobs, founded by Sarah Sutton Fell, is a massive resource for flexible work options. They recently reported:
In more than half of the top U.S. metro areas, remote work exceeds public transportation as the commute option of choice. It has grown far faster than any other commute mode.
It only makes sense, we have the technology and desire to live a higher quality of life, personal and professional. Cutting a long commute is one of the many incentives to go remote.
The more you look the more you see the steady growth of remote workers, across the globe. The remote workforce includes professionals employed by companies offering remote work options and anyone from a freelancer to entrepreneur.
Work-life balance is at the top of the list
Flexibility is a priority. People want quality time with family and the ability to control their schedules. Why not have a healthy walk with your dog in the morning and a micro commute to your remote workspace? Working remotely reduces our carbon footprint and cuts the burden, cost and stress of a long grid-locked commute.
Have WiFi? That’s all most people need to get their job done. There’s Skype, Zoom, Slack, WhatsApp and plenty of resources for online training, support and communities connecting people to freelance opportunities around the world.
In 2020 it’s estimated freelancers will make up 40% of the workforce
That means the freelance community will grow by 15% in the next 5 years. Upwork and Freelancers Union published a survey called Freelancing in America 2017; results show “the majority of the U.S. workforce will be freelance (by 2027).”
A recent survey of business leaders at the Global Leadership Summit in London found that 34% said more than half their company’s full-time workforce would be working remotely by 2020.”
Ready to learn more?
Join Women Work Remote for information and motivation to become part of the independent workforce now. Why wait?
Share your experiences whether you’re an established freelancer or transitioning to become one. What are your challenges? What are your sources of inspiration?
Excellent website with a lot of helpful, inspiring information. Thank you!
Yes, I definitely appreciate the improvements you’ve cited about working remotely: setting my own work schedule and avoiding rush hour.
It’s not all sunshine and palm trees though. I have to provide myself with the discipline to get my work done. For me, that means keeping a regular morning schedule and start-work time as if I were commuting to work.
I do look forward to a future where people get more choices about where, when, and how they work.
Diana, absolutely. Unless you really throw yourself into it, it’s difficult to appreciate how hard it actually is. There’s no boss or colleague that will walk by your desk and there’s no office energy and banter to mark your day. There is a story behind the beach picture in this article. Because I work remotely and control my schedule, I have the freedom to shape my morning. In the picture my pooch and I would get out with the early birds, get our walk and exercise in. I’m back at my desk and working by 8:30/9am. I agree, you really need the discipline to set your start time, make the most of your work time and make the time to do things that are healthy for you. Thanks for visiting the site! I added in a sign up form, feel free to join and see updates. There are some interviews I’m planning to do and tips // thoughts on life in the remote work world. Best, Diana