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Find Your Fit
Making a career shift or finding new work can feel daunting at any age, especially if you’re over 45 and looking to adapt to the rapidly changing job market. Many people in this age group have spent years, even decades, building expertise and honing skills, only to face challenges in finding remote work that values their experience. Some common obstacles can include age discrimination, unfamiliarity with new technologies, and uncertainty about entering industries with younger colleagues.
However, there’s good news! The digital era has created a wealth of remote work opportunities in areas where life experience and specialized skills are incredibly valuable. Here, we’ll explore five lucrative work-from-home careers that are especially well-suited for people over 45, discussing average pay, growth potential, and practical steps to break into each field.
1. Virtual Bookkeeping and Accounting
In today’s business landscape, companies are moving to online accounting systems and hiring remote bookkeepers to help manage finances from afar. Virtual bookkeeping can be a fulfilling and lucrative career for those with a background in finance, accounting, or even administrative work.
- Job Description: Virtual bookkeepers manage financial records, process payroll, and prepare invoices. Many also assist with financial planning and reporting.
- Skills Needed: Strong understanding of accounting principles, proficiency in accounting software like QuickBooks or FreshBooks, attention to detail, and communication skills.
- Pay Scale: The average hourly wage for a remote bookkeeper is around $20 to $50, depending on experience and certification. With more experience or as a certified public accountant (CPA), this can increase to around $60,000 to $80,000 annually.
- Getting Started: Taking online courses in bookkeeping or accounting software can strengthen your qualifications. Certifications such as Certified Bookkeeper (CB) or CPA are also beneficial and add credibility.
Challenges: For those new to digital tools, learning accounting software can be challenging but manageable with online tutorials and courses. Additionally, landing initial clients may take time, but building a reputation for accuracy can lead to repeat business.
2. Content Writing and Editing
If you have strong writing skills, content writing and editing can be an ideal career transition. From blog posts to website content, the demand for quality writers who can connect with readers is only growing.
- Job Description: Content writers produce articles, blog posts, social media copy, and more. Editors review and refine content to ensure clarity, quality, and alignment with brand messaging.
- Skills Needed: Excellent writing and grammar skills, creativity, an understanding of SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and experience with content management systems like WordPress.
- Pay Scale: Content writers typically earn between $15 and $60 per hour, depending on their expertise and industry. Experienced editors can earn between $40,000 to $75,000 annually.
- Getting Started: Building a portfolio is essential. Consider starting a blog or submitting samples to websites. There are many online courses in SEO and content marketing that can make you more competitive in the job market.
Challenges: Content creation requires continuous learning, especially around SEO best practices and writing techniques. Age-related stereotypes about “digital savviness” can sometimes be an issue, but a strong portfolio speaks for itself.
3. Online Teaching and Tutoring
Remote teaching is an excellent option for people over 45, especially those with experience in education or expertise in specific subjects. As more students turn to online learning, the demand for skilled tutors and instructors is increasing.
- Job Description: Online teachers and tutors instruct students in subjects ranging from math and science to languages and business skills. This can be done one-on-one or in group sessions.
- Skills Needed: Subject-matter expertise, teaching certification (in some cases), patience, strong communication skills, and proficiency with digital teaching tools like Zoom and Google Classroom.
- Pay Scale: Pay for online tutoring varies widely. K-12 tutors may earn $15 to $40 per hour, while specialized instructors can make up to $80 per hour. Experienced or credentialed online teachers can earn between $45,000 to $70,000 annually.
- Getting Started: Platforms like VIPKid, Wyzant, and Tutor.com allow you to start teaching remotely. Obtaining additional certifications or online teaching credentials can also be beneficial.
Challenges: It may take time to get comfortable with virtual classrooms and digital whiteboard tools. In addition, building a reputation as a reliable and effective instructor may require some initial volunteer work or low-cost tutoring.
4. Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant (VA) helps businesses manage various tasks from scheduling and email management to social media and bookkeeping. VAs are in high demand, especially for small businesses and entrepreneurs who need support but can’t justify a full-time, on-site assistant.
- Job Description: A VA handles administrative tasks like scheduling, email management, data entry, customer service, and sometimes social media.
- Skills Needed: Strong organizational and communication skills, familiarity with basic office software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Suite), and time management.
- Pay Scale: Entry-level VAs can expect to earn $15 to $25 per hour, while those with specialized skills (like marketing or bookkeeping) may make $35 to $50 per hour. Experienced VAs can earn $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
- Getting Started: Many online platforms, including Upwork and Fiverr, list VA positions. Gaining experience in areas like customer service or project management can add to your value as a VA.
Challenges: Familiarity with digital tools is crucial, and learning multiple software systems can be overwhelming at first. However, once you establish workflows and processes, the work can become more routine and manageable.
5. Social Media Management
Many companies look to social media managers to build and maintain their online presence. If you enjoy connecting with people and have some tech-savviness, social media management is a rewarding, flexible job.
- Job Description: Social media managers create, schedule, and monitor posts across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. They analyze performance data, engage with followers, and run campaigns.
- Skills Needed: Strong communication skills, creativity, knowledge of social media platforms, and some experience with analytics and tools like Hootsuite or Canva.
- Pay Scale: Social media managers can earn $20 to $50 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $45,000 to $70,000 for those with experience and certifications.
- Getting Started: Building your own social media presence is an excellent first step. Online courses in social media marketing and analytics, as well as obtaining certifications from companies like Facebook and Google, are also advantageous.
Challenges: Staying updated with social media trends is key in this fast-paced field. Age-related assumptions may exist in this field, but experience in communications and relationship-building can be a huge advantage.
Transitioning to a new career, especially one in the remote workspace, may seem challenging if you’re over 45, but the opportunities are out there. With patience, commitment to learning, and confidence in your unique skill set, you can thrive in a new role that leverages your experience while giving you the flexibility to work from home.
