While many professionals prefer the stability of an office job, more are choosing the flexibility of working from home. It might be that you’re looking for a profitable side job, wanting a change of scenery or shifting gears in your career.

Fortunately, there are plenty of fun and easy online jobs that you can start doing today, even without any experience. The challenge: it’s not easy to determine the most suitable one for you.

You can try dipping your toes in any and every niche out there (be it data entry, customer service or research) so that you have an idea what path you want to pursue. However, you have to be careful because being too desperate to land an online job can make you prone to scams.

Rather than casting your net too wide, target your search. You may ask yourself the following questions to know which is the perfect online job for you.

Does it have zero startup fees?

You must never pay for a work-from-home job. It’s understandable if you have to pay for training manuals, credit checks, drug screens, criminal background checks and other requirements. It’s a different matter when they’re asking you to pay to be interviewed or something similar.

Most, if not all, clients will require that you have your own laptop or desktop computer, along with a working headset and high-speed internet connection. These will have to come out of your own pocket, but they’re a worthwhile investment.

Does it offer a flexible schedule?

When you’re no longer capable of committing to regular office hours, it makes complete sense that you’re shifting to an online career. So, there’s no reason why you’ll want to pick a work-from-home position that needs you to log in at certain times as you did before.

Consider freelance work if most of your prospective clients have a set schedule. You may also try your hand at being a part-time virtual assistant. They won’t be as profitable as full-time jobs, yet they can establish a solid foundation for your home-based career.

Does it help me earn extra money?

Let’s say you were able to land a good part-time position that requires you to work only 4 hours a day, if not less. You might be able to insert a side gig here and there to bring in extra cash. These normally consume an additional 2 hours per day or 10 hours per week.

But this means that you’ll have 2 or more jobs. All of them can be considered ‘perfect’ for you, although the odd jobs will be output-based. You’ll have to submit an article per week or test one website a day, for instance.

Does it let me call the shots?

Working from home lets you be your own boss. You can decrease or increase your hours as needed. You can choose the kind of work you want to do. You can pick the clients you want to work for. Best of all, there’s no limit to how much you can make.

There are certain types of jobs that are better for being your own boss. Examples include:

• Blogging
• Bookkeeping
• Coaching
• Consultancy
• Graphic design
• Event planning
• Writing
• Virtual assistance.

These don’t require you to be tied down to a single company.

Does it provide health insurance?

If you’re currently not covered by a health plan, you’ll need to find an online employer who offers that kind of benefit. You’ll have an easier time finding a company with health benefits if you’re able to work full-time hours; it’s unlikely if you’re only available part-time.

Big corporations like Apple, Nike and Starbucks are offering benefits even for part-time employees. However, these aren’t guaranteed for remote workers. Such benefits may only be applicable for those who report to work in person.

Does it involve answering the phone?

Being a customer service agent is one of the most prevalent online jobs. Many individuals find this to be a good gig, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Lots of people don’t want to be on the phone or to speak to strangers. It’s totally understandable if you feel this way.

If you’re someone who has a way with words, you may be suitable to work as a copywriter or resume writer. If you love working with children or are fluent in English, you might be eligible to teach online. If you’re tech-savvy, you may be able to make money testing websites.

Does it allow me to use my degree?

Some earned a college degree in a field they don’t want to work in. Others have a degree in a field they enjoy. Fortunately, there are businesses that hire remote professionals like lawyers, nurses, and doctors. You’ll soon discover that you don’t have to work in a hospital to continue pursuing a career in the medical field.

Marketing experts, math majors and English majors are also in demand in the remote working space. They even have the potential to earn far more than they ever can in an office job. This is because they may earn professionally based on rates in the US, UK or Australia.

Find the Perfect Online Job

The suitable remote position for you will depend on your answers to the above questions. List down what are must-haves for you, along with variables you don’t want. This can help narrow down the opportunities best suited for you.

We at Remote Workmate can connect you with employers who know the value of your work. We update our job listings on a regular basis so applicants like you will have numerous choices.