Work From Home for  Dollars

Consider the fact that more than 40 million Americans spend at least some of their work week working from home, you can see how this trend is on the rise.

A recent study found that 43% of US employees now work remotely, and it's projected to increase to 47% by 2020.

The best part about working from home is that, as an employee with a remote job position, your schedule is yours. You have the flexibility to take time off for whatever reason you may need and you're never any further away than your living room couch when you need to get some work done.

Remote work is an increasingly popular option for employers and employees alike. With the rise of the gig economy, flexible schedules and fewer hours in the office are becoming more common than ever.

A growing list of companies positioned at the forefront of this trend are leading the charge with remote jobs, from Apple to Zappos to Amazon, Yahoo! and beyond. Some startups have even started off as fully remote companies, including software company Buffer, who also happens to be one of our clients!

Who's Working Remotely?

The trend toward remote work isn't just a millennial or hipster fad. Workers of all ages are opting for a remote job position. In fact, in the United States alone, about 8.4 million people work predominately from home.

It's not just a millennial trend, either. According to one study, more than 45 million Americans work remotely at least one day per week and the average age of a remote worker is 43 years old.

That's right, you don't have to be a 20-something to enjoy the benefits of a remote work position. In fact, remote work is something that can bring together employees of many different ages and backgrounds.

The ability to work remotely has made it possible for people from all corners of the world to collaborate, no matter where they are. It's also created new job positions and opportunities for employees who might not be able to commute every day due to physical handicaps or other limitations.

Working remotely is perfect for people who want more flexibility in their schedule or who want to put their heart into a job that they truly care about. There's no limit to where or how a remote worker can do his or her job and no end to the benefits a remote work position can provide.

Why Work Remotely?

With more people than ever embracing the freedom of remote work, you can expect to see more and more employers offering this option. In fact, 43% of employers now offer telecommuting as an option for their employees, according to Gallup.

Quite frankly, there are a number of reasons why you might want to consider working remotely. Here are just 10 of them:

1. Flexibility. Whether you're looking for more flexibility in your schedule or you want an environment that allows for more individualized attention, a remote job position can mean the difference between a stressful and less-than-fulfilling work life and a fulfilling one.

2. Family time. Remote work can allow you to take the time necessary to spend with your family without the added stress or extra expense associated with commuting every day or taking off days if they need special care. Your family has their own schedule, so what works best for them is going to be yours as well!

3. Career advancement. If you've always dreamed of working from home, but couldn't do so because of constraints in the corporate world, this is the perfect way to capitalize on your abilities! If you're not comfortable with working from home yet, think about how beneficial it would be to start this trend at a new job.

4. Money. Although it might take a little more time to save up for child care or other essentials, the potential benefits can be worth it. Make sure you consider how much you'll be making before going all in on a remote job position if it means making less money on average than your peers who commute daily or take off days when they need extra care.

5. Better work life balance. With a remote job you have the ability to work when you want, as long as your employer allows it. The frequency of your downtime can vary quite a bit, so take this into account before committing to a remote position.

6. Career advancement and growth. If you're already enjoying success at your current job and would like to keep climbing the ladder, this is an excellent opportunity! According to Gallup, U.S. employees who work remotely are more likely than employees who do not to be satisfied with their career and job status and more likely than employees who are not telecommuters to be looking for new opportunities in the next six months.

7. More monetary reward for better performance. A study conducted by Stanford University found that employees who work remotely are more likely to receive monetary rewards for outstanding performance than non-remote workers.

8. Increased productivity. Because you're not confined to a specific location, you can readjust your workspace as needed and always have easy access to your files and other resources. Additionally, you won't be pressured to multitask because there isn't any pressure at all!

9. Better relationships with coworkers and management. Your relationship with your direct manager and your coworkers tend to be better in a remote environment than in a traditional office setting, according to the aforementioned Stanford study.

10. Stay in shape. There's no need to make up excuses to work out when you're not in the office! If you ever feel that you're losing your fitness edge because you don't have access to a gym, the remote environment can be extremely beneficial for those who love working out and need to use their 25th hour of each day to do so.

Conclusion

So what do you think? Do you think telecommuting will become the new norm? What do you see as some of the benefits of working remotely for yourself, your family and even your coworkers? Let us know your thoughts on Facebook or Twitter!

Resources:

http://www.gallup.com/poll/161236/more-americans-now-work-from-home.aspx

https://blogs.census.