As the world of work changed post-pandemic, so have the priorities of many working people who seek a better work-life balance. In recognition of the fact that many positions don’t require 9-5 in-person attendance, companies have increasingly been introducing hybrid work models, or even fully remote roles.
Those considering working fully remotely in future – whether they are just leaving school and need to further their studies or whether they want to change careers – would do well to do their research to see which positions are most likely to enable them to work from home in future before strategising how to make the dream a reality, an education expert says.
“In contrast to the way the world of work looked pre-pandemic, it is now completely acceptable for someone to strategise their career based not only on what they want to do for a living, but also how they want to structure their work/personal life,” says Siyavuya Makubalo, Marketing Manager at Oxbridge Academy, a private college that serves more than 20 000 South African distance learning students every year.
“That does not mean people who take this approach are intending to slack or be less professional in future, but rather that they have the discipline and internal drive to work independently and productively even outside of physical offices spaces.”
Makubalo says some roles lend themselves more readily to remote working, and that those considering what they want to study next year should therefore investigate which remote roles are in highest demand from companies, and how their own strengths and interests align with these different careers.
In addition to an expected increase in the trend of companies hiring for remote roles, many young people are also willing to build their brand in the world of freelancing and consulting – where the ability to do a job effectively, professionally and on time, means their services will be in high demand.
Some of the most in-demand roles that naturally lend themselves to remote work and freelancing/consulting, include:
- Advertising and marketing management
- Bookkeeping and accounting
- Public relations
- Human resource management
- Secretarial/Virtual assistant
- Project management
- Tourism and hospitality
“The good news is that ambitious young people can get their foot in the door in all of the above fields, without a university degree and while studying online. The same self-starter skills required to be a success as a remote worker or freelancer, are the skills that will stand them in good stead while studying,” says Makubalo.
While it might be necessary to spend some time after completing a course getting some practical real-world experience, knowing right from the start that the above fields allow for remote and freelance work offers a way to strategise one’s ideal future, she notes.
“And then the ball is, as they say, in your court. Being an entrepreneur, freelancer, consultant, or remote worker is a different way of doing things than was historically the case, but it is the way of the future.
“If you invest in your personal brand by getting that first qualification, building your portfolio and reputation, networking and taking care of your professional online presence, you have the power to build a career that will serve your life vision.”
For more visit: www.oxbridgeacademy.edu.za
