You might traditionally associate remote working with white-collar jobs (professional service, desk, managerial, or administrative work that does not require manual labor) such as leadership and management roles, lawyers, bookkeepers, consultants, and software developers. Many of these roles come with the requirement to have an undergraduate or even a post-graduate degree—or so it seems.
But if you haven’t graduated from university due to one reason or another, you might immediately reject the idea that you could ever hope for flexible or remote working, because, after all, isn’t that the only way to land a remote, white-collar, job?
The good news is that there are many roles you can secure to experience a fulfilling career, while at the same time offering you the flexibility to work remotely (fully or in a hybrid model), that do not pose the requirement of a college degree.
They do, however, require that you:
- Are self-motivated and fully organized to be able to work on your own, at home
- Have a quiet environment in which to work in
- Have a steady internet connection
- Are fully engaged in your work, just as you would do if you were at the office
- Make up for the lack of a degree through demonstrating considerable skill and potential, and exhibiting a passion and desire to continuously learn and improve
- Gain industry and role-specific certifications, in addition to your basic level of education—a high-school diploma or associate degree
If you feel you meet the above requirements as a minimum, take a look at some of these remote roles (salaries are from Salary.com) originally listed on flexible job board FlexJobs:
1. Accounting Clerk
An accounting clerk uses accounting software programs to process business transactions, reconciles bank statements, and keeps financial records. To land a role as an accounting clerk, you will need:
- An associate degree in a relevant financial discipline
- Gain entry-level experience
- Accounting certifications such as Certified Accounts Payable Professional
Average salary: $44,388
2. Bookkeeper
The role of a bookkeeper is very similar in many respects to that of an accounting clerk, but an accounting clerk’s role is usually utilized more in larger organizations, whereas as a bookkeeper, you will most likely be employed by smaller to medium-sized enterprises. The average pay is slightly lower too, as you can see when comparing the salary below with that of the accounting clerk above.
You’ll need to fulfil much of the requirements of an accounting clerk, but additionally you might want to take up other recognized certifications such as:
- Certified Bookkeeper
- AAT Levels 1, 2, or 3 Certificate
Average salary: $44,083
3. Client Services
Client services roles ensure customer satisfaction and the maintaining of a solid client’s relationship. It involves a combination of sales and project management skills to deliver a five-star service.
A good example of where a client service role would be useful is if you worked for an organization that leased out commercial property to small businesses. You would be the client’s liaison, in charge of ensuring they sign the contract, settle in comfortably, and you would be their point of contact throughout the entire process.
Of course, you’ll need to bear in mind that depending on the industry and employer, some of these roles have the potential to require more in-person attendance.
Requirements include:
- Customer service certification (not necessary but beneficial)
- Outstanding communication skills
- Problem-solving
- Strong command and knowledge of product or service offering
Average salary: $56,207
4. IT Project Coordinator
An IT project coordinator works alongside the project manager to coordinate, track, and schedule project management activities, resources, and related information for IT projects. You may also regularly attend meetings with the project’s stakeholders, your technical team members, and any other clients. Some of the key requirements to land this role are:
- Experience at the junior level
- Background working within technology
- Project management certifications, such as those recognized by the Association for Project Management, or delivered via Coursera and Google.
Average salary: $68,243
5. Data Entry Clerk
Believe it or not, employers are still hiring for data entry roles, despite the rise of AI which has almost taken over many of these manual and repetitive office roles. While of course, due to the rise of artificial intelligence, it would not be wise to plan an entire career for the long-term within data entry, it can certainly be a viable option to tie you over until you settle on your career choice. Qualifications and requirements can involve:
- Solid proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Office applications
- Typing speed and accuracy
- CPD accredited data entry courses and certifications
Average salary: $37,929
6. Graphic Designer
Graphic design is a hands-on creative role that entails providing visually appealing and attention-grabbing solutions for their business clients in the form of photos, logos, flyers, brochures, website pages, and other graphics such as infographics. To land a job as a graphic designer, you will most likely need:
- Hands-on experience and training using tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva, and even Figma
- Associates degree or other related post-secondary qualification
Average salary: $59,898
These roles represent just a handful of options that are available to you, to find meaningful work you would enjoy and thrive in, and potentially build a long-term career in. These jobs prove that even without a degree, if you have the right mindset and persistently upskill yourself within your chosen field, you can work your way up in a white-collar, remote role, and earn more than you ever thought possible.