Since the 2010s, and the immense consolidation of the internet as part of the daily lives of the entire world population, online jobs have taken a prominent place in the entire job market. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, when the whole world was forced to work remotely for different periods of time depending on how each country dealt with the crisis, online jobs grew exponentially.
Today, it is possible to find everything from activities that become full-time jobs on job platforms to occasional earning opportunities at bookmakers such as 1xBet Myanmar.
One factor behind this consolidation is that many employers observed productivity gains in remote settings. The time saved on commuting to the office is a crucial factor, as it gives workers more time to relax, which in turn makes them more productive at work.
Here, you will see some statistics that show how online work is extremely well established and is likely to grow even more in the coming years. Finally, you will see some tips on up-and-coming professions that are perfectly suited to virtual environments. This will help you find inspiration, seek specializations, and enter this new market.
Statistics and data on online work
A survey published in 2023 provided several insights into the online job market. It is worth noting that the study takes into account the situation in the United States, but also reflects, at least in part, the global status.
One of the most impressive findings is that around 20% of workers were working remotely at the time. The reason for this is the aforementioned incentive that workers gain from it, achieving a better work-life balance and gaining much more free time.
Those who are not yet working remotely have this desire. After all, the study showed that 98% of workers would like to work remotely, even if only a few days a week.
Another valuable insight is that 16% of companies operated entirely online. This significantly reduces the operating costs of companies, which saves a lot of money, especially on the rental of physical spaces. The survey also pointed out the areas in which remote work stands out:
- Information technology
- Finance and accounting
- Marketing
- Health
- Project management
- Customer service
Among the most published online job openings on job portals are several other positions, such as product designer and writer. As you can see, there are several professions that do not require physical presence in offices, unlike manual labor. So, the strength of remote work is also a reflection of the changing job market as a whole, with new occupations that have emerged, mainly supported by information technology.
This explains why younger people benefit most from remote work. The age group with the highest percentage of people working remotely (25%) is 24 to 35 years old. In other words, a generation that has grown up familiar with digital environments and is therefore fluent in processes and tools that are very useful for work. Finally, it is worth highlighting the benefits that workers most desire from online jobs:
|
Benefit |
Importance |
|
Flexible hours |
This provides much more balance
between personal and professional activities, even contributing to the
maintenance of workers' mental health. |
|
Work from home |
Not having to commute to work is a
fundamental and highly desired benefit. For those who live in large cities,
the time savings are enormous. Those who live in small towns can find
opportunities that would never be available. |
|
Professional development |
With more free time and working
from home, workers can take more time to seek new knowledge and
specializations, obtaining more chances to advance in their professional
careers. |
|
Four-day work week |
With the ability to plan their own
work schedule, many prefer to work a little longer for four days to get three
days off per week, which obviously greatly reduces stress and helps the
mental health of any worker. |
Job searches have also gone digital
With human resources technologies, even the search for in-person jobs has become almost entirely digital. Today, it is rare to see companies that require résumés to be delivered in person and that hold face-to-face meetings for hiring, as the entire recruitment process is done online. In addition to making life easier for HR professionals, this also serves as a great test to see if job candidates are familiar with digital tools.
As a result, new trends have emerged, and those who do not adapt to them may be left behind in the job market. One of these trends is the automation of resume analysis with the help of artificial intelligence. Instead of recruiters spending days analyzing candidates' profiles, AI screens them and sends only the most relevant candidates to HR.
This has completely changed the way résumés are written. Savvy professionals have already realized that it is essential to use keywords that catch the attention of algorithms. In addition, it has also become more important to tailor your resume to each desired position, as this increases the chances of using the right keywords.
Digitization causes growth in the job market
Another reflection of the digitization of the job market is the lack of skilled labor in professions that are practically unrelated to the virtual world. Therefore, among the positions with the highest growth estimates until 2030, traditional and modern professions are mixed. A survey by the World Economic Forum showed that farm workers are projected to be the fastest-growing profession by the end of the decade. Here are the top five:
- Farm workers
- Delivery services drivers
- Software and app developers
- Building frames
- Shop salesperson
The study also pointed out the skills that will gain the most importance in the next five years. The highlights are those related to artificial intelligence, as this is the big technology of the moment. Therefore, AI and Big Data tend to be the two main skills required for those who want to stand out in the job market.
Opportunities for those who want to work online
As you can see, some professions can be done entirely online, without the need to commute. They mainly involve activities related to computers and cell phones. That's why we've put together a list of professions that offer this possibility.
Software and apps developer
The market for software and mobile applications is not expected to stop growing anytime soon, especially with the advent of artificial intelligence, which is changing the direction of development for these systems. As a result, many companies will need to review their software to adapt to the new technology, requiring even more specialized professionals.
As this is an intrinsically digital profession, it is possible to find jobs anywhere in the world. In addition to all the well-known advantages of remote work mentioned throughout the text, this can also be financially attractive, as professionals often earn in currencies that are more valuable than local ones. This is even more amplified in the IT market, as salaries tend to be higher.
In addition to software and apps, it is also possible to specialize in game development. This is another field in constant growth, especially mobile games, which are easier to develop and extremely profitable.
Writing, localization, and translation
Many may think that artificial intelligence has killed writing and translation jobs. However, the opposite is happening. After the initial excitement about AI, employers are realizing that the quality of what was produced by artificial models was very low, and are seeking professionals who specialize in these functions. After all, the human touch is essential to captivate customers and readers – and that is something AI will never be able to achieve.
Added to this is the fact that many companies are internationalizing and need to reach local audiences. Therefore, writing localized content or translating ready-made materials becomes essential. Thus, the role of content localizer becomes even more important, because more than a literal translation, everything needs to be adapted to local contexts, causing identification and empathy from people with the products or services in question.
Social media manager
Social media has become crucial for any company that wants to reach its audience. After all, those who are not present on these social platforms become practically non-existent in the business world. As a result, opportunities for social media managers are growing, and this is not likely to stop anytime soon.
The profession involves several factors, from content planning and post design to video recording, script writing, and much more. In other words, social media drives workers in writing, audiovisual, design, and many other fields. Coordinating so many people requires a highly competent professional, which can be rare in the market.
Another opportunity in the social media field is influencer consulting. Influencer marketing is one of the main strategies brands use to reach specific and engaged audiences, but influencers don't always know how to strike deals with these brands. So, consulting becomes essential for those who want to grow as content creators.
