15 OF THE TOP WORK-FROM-HOME JOBS FOR VETERANS & SPOUSES
Introduction
Working from home is a great way to start a new career or earn extra money. Recently, the number of remote work opportunities has skyrocketed, and the need will continue to rise. The benefits of working remotely are endless, but the obvious is many veterans and military spouses simply are unable to work in the traditional employment setting due to personal circumstances. As a veteran or spouse, you already have the discipline and soft skills you need to manage your remote career, so let’s talk about options! You can work independently as a freelancer or for a company that hires remote employees or contractors. Here is a list of the top work-from-home jobs for veterans and their spouses, as well as, freelance options to help you land a career you can take with you anywhere there’s wifi.
Freelance Businesses Options
Freelance work is a great option for finding work-from-home jobs for veterans and spouses.
UpWork’s annual Freelancing in America survey found that 46% of freelancers say they freelance because they’re unable to work for a traditional employer. About 20% of freelancers wouldn’t be able to work a regular job due to health issues.
The flexibility of freelancing lets them still earn an income. And for those with PTSD, working from home as opposed to at an office might be a more suitable choice.
Where To Find Freelance Jobs
Freelance jobs can be found on platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr. By far, the best advice for freelancers is to keep active on social media, especially LinkedIn, and stay connected to your network. Word of mouth is the best way to get referrals for clients.
“Freelancing provides opportunities for veterans who come home and find that the traditional labor market might no longer work for them.” Stephane Kasriel, Upwork CEO
Considering getting a small business loan and setting up a freelancing career into a business? Start here
The Top 7 Freelancing Gigs for 2022
1. Digital Marketing Director
Generally responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and managing the overall digital marketing strategy for a company. They may work solo or lead a team. Typical responsibilities may include preparing and managing a marketing budget, building an inbound and outbound marketing plan, email marketing, social media accounts and content management, product launches, course launches, tracking SEO and analytics, measuring ROI and KPIs. Some digital marketing directors work with small businesses or solopreneurs and have less responsibility, yet earn a good retainer income.
2. Social Media Manager
Create content, graphic design, campaigns, and respond to comments on social platforms. They are the voice of the company and represent the company’s brand. Social media managers are responsible for providing organizations with guidance on enhancing their online presence. You must be creative, have excellent communication skills, enjoy making connections, and have the ability to write (with proper grammar and punctuation).
3. Bookkeeper
Remote bookkeepers are responsible for some or all of the financial accounts for their employer or client. They may work independently or within a department to manage all accounts payable and accounts receivable within the organization, depending on the size and needs of the company. Their job duties include recording all transactions, posting debits and credits into a general ledger, and producing financial statements and other reports for the management of the company. A remote bookkeeper also reconciles reports and checks files for accuracy.
4. Freelance Writer
There are many options for freelancers, such as writing content for various publications and channels, such as websites, press releases, blog posts, internal corporate communications, emails, grant writing, proposals, or newsletters. Many freelance writers select a niche to specialize in. A great way to get started as a freelance writer is to write about something that you are passionate about.
5. Podcast Manager
Oversees the production of the podcast. They may handle scheduling, audio editing, show notes, load the episode to a podcast hosting site, website, create social media graphics, and communicate with show guests. If working on the client’s team, the manager may be responsible for reporting the number of podcast downloads. As a podcast manager, project management skills are vital. Did you know that VeteranLife has a podcast? Click here to listen to the latest episodes.
6. Website Designer
Creates the visual aspects of websites. Their role is to ensure that the vision of the client is met and the company’s brand is portrayed while creating a functioning website. They create layouts, designs, and features that display the client’s services in a way that is appealing to the target audience.
7. Virtual Assistant
Operates as remote administrative contractors. They typically help with office management duties but can also assist with event planning, customer service, social media, marketing, content, and other business-related responsibilities. A virtual assistant can serve as a generalist or specialize in a niche.
8. Project Manager
Makes sure that projects run smoothly, get completed on time and on budget, and manages a remote team. Communication and organizational skills are crucial to this role. Check out Onward to Opportunity (O2O)
Legit Remote Work for Veterans and Military Spouses
Companies are realizing that remote workers typically have more time and fewer distractions, which leads to increased productivity.
33% of companies say that they will continue to keep positions remote, which is great news for those seeking legit remote work opportunities.
How To Find Remote Jobs
When looking for work-from-home jobs for Veterans or remote jobs, check out platforms such as Dynamite Jobs (dedicated to remote jobs), Indeed.com, or Flexjobs.com. Another great resource is The Department of Defense Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), which connects military spouses with hundreds of partner employers who have committed to recruit, hire, promote and retain military spouses. So let’s take a look at several great companies committed to hiring the military community.
7 of the Top Work-From-Home Jobs in 2022 for Veterans & Spouses in 2022
1. USAA
They have programs for veterans and military spouses aimed at mentorship and skill development. They’ve also teamed up with several organizations to provide resources to help veterans and military spouses build their careers.
2. Amazon
Amazon has part-time, full-time, and virtual options available. Whether you have a degree or not, Amazon has positions available for all skill levels. Amazon recently pledged to hire 100,000 veterans and military spouses by 2024.
3. AT&T
They developed SkillBridge, a program to bridge your civilian career through your military experience. They provide you the opportunity to evolve your military job training and work experiences at AT&T.
4. UnitedHealth Group
They offer remote work and have a partnership with DoD Skillbridge, which is an innovative and collaborative approach between UnitedHealth Group and all branches of the U.S. Military.
5. Aetna
Aetna offers Internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. They have a managerial training program for veterans and military spouses. Aetna works in conjunction with Onward to Opportunity and the Corporate Fellowship Program.
6. Boldly
They hire military spouses for flexible, long-term positions as executive assistants, marketing assistants, and legal assistants. Boldly offers paid holidays and a mentoring program.
7. Instant Teams
Instant Teams hires veterans and military spouses for customer support and operational support for a diverse customer base (such as Walmart, Prudential, Air Force, etc.) The company was founded by two active-duty Army spouses in 2016, so they understand your unique needs. If you’re exiting the military, a vet wanting new skills, or a spouse ready for a new career, here are 7 tech scholarships to help you.
Conclusion
It is not easy to transition from the normal 9-5 brick-and-mortar workspace to your home office. There will be challenges. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Be patient - it takes 3-6 months to get into the groove of remote work
- Create a calendar and project management system for yourself
- Create a distraction-free zone in your house
- Establish set work hours and communicate those with your family
- Don’t overinvest in courses - use your favorite search engine to research questions
- Be honest with yourself and your client/employer about your bandwidth
- Get an accountability partner who also works from home
Here’s what to remember: your experience as an active duty member/spouse was far more challenging than this new journey. Everything that you did then prepared you for this! Reflect on all of the things that you learned that can become skills that you can carry over. Think of it as your resume. You’ve totally got this! Want more resources about careers for veterans and working remotely? Check out these blogs below!
- 7 of the Best Veteran & Military Spouse Tech Scholarships (& Free Training Programs, too!)
- 3 Veteran Charities You Need to Know About For Jobs (2022 Edition)
- Military to Civilian Resume: In-Depth Guide & Expert Tips (2022 Edition)
- 8 MilSpouse-Approved Tips to Downsizing & Traveling the U.S. in an RV
Were there any work-from-home jobs for veterans or their spouses that you think should be added to this list? Did you make the transition to working in a zoom shirt? Let us know in the comments below!