We all know that remote work is on the rise, and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down. In fact, it’s become the norm for many of us. More and more people are discovering the wonders of asynchronous work, which offers even more flexibility and freedom in our daily lives.
If you’re ready to dive into the world of asynchronous remote jobs, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll explore several fantastic asynchronous remote jobs and, most importantly, where to find them. Whether you’re a seasoned digital nomad or just starting your journey, this guide is perfect for you.
What is Asynchronous Work?
Let’s take a minute to unpack this term. The word ‘asynchronous’ might sound a bit techy or confusing, but it’s actually a simple concept. In essence, asynchronous work means that work doesn’t have to happen at the same time for everyone. Imagine a relay race where you’re not all running at once, but you’re still working towards the same finish line.
This style of work has transformed the way we think about the traditional 9-5 workday, saying ‘see ya later’ to fixed office hours and ‘hello’ to a new era of flexibility. Asynchronous work allows us to complete tasks when we’re most productive. Night owl? No problem. Early bird? Go for it! You get to do your work when it suits you best, as long as you meet your deadlines and keep up with your responsibilities.
From an employer’s perspective, asynchronous work opens up the talent pool on a global scale, meaning they can hire the best of the best from any time zone in the world. This allows companies to embrace diversity in a new way, bringing together people with different experiences, cultures, and perspectives.
And let’s not forget about the semi-nomadic lifestyle that asynchronous work enables. Have you ever dreamed of working from a beach in Bali or a café in Paris? With asynchronous work, that dream can become a reality.
The Difference Between Asynchronous Work and Remote Work
It might appear like these things are the same thing, but they definitely aren’t. They can share significant overlap, but are far from the same. For instance, you might be an interpreter that is able to be remote while working. However, your role requires you to do live interpreting for meetings. This would be an example of a role that was remote, but not asynchronous at all since you needed to work at the same time as your coworkers or clients. Other examples of this include sales roles and most elements of legal work.
Asynchronous Remote Job #1: Content Writing
Content writers are the masterminds behind the engaging blog posts, compelling articles, snappy social media updates, and persuasive marketing copy that populate the internet. And the beauty of this job? It’s perfectly suited to asynchronous work.
Imagine starting your day drafting a fascinating blog post, spending the afternoon refining an article, and rounding off the evening brainstorming for an upcoming social media campaign. The best part? You can do all this wherever and whenever creativity strikes – be it from the comfort of your home office, the ambiance of a bustling café, or the serene setting of a beachside retreat. Sounds ideal, doesn’t it?
Interestingly, with the rise of AI like ChatGPT, there’s a growing niche in the content writing field. This involves creating the prompts that train AI models and fine-tuning the outputs to ensure they’re coherent, engaging, and valuable. So, if you’re a tech enthusiast with a passion for writing, this emerging area could be an exciting path to explore.
So how do you start applying to these content writing gigs? Thankfully, there are several specialized platforms like Contently, ProBlogger, and Mediabistro that connect writers with businesses in need of their skills. You can also consider joining writing communities on social media, where job postings are often shared.
Asynchronous Remote Job #2: Software Development
Let’s shift gears and delve into the world of software development. If content writing is the paintbrush that colors the canvas of the internet, software development is the loom that weaves the very fabric of the digital world. It’s all about creating, testing, and maintaining software systems – the programs and applications that make our gadgets tick.
Much like a master chef preparing a fine meal, a software developer takes raw ingredients—in this case, lines of code—and blends them together to create something functional, efficient, and often beautiful. And just as a chef doesn’t have to cook in real-time while the diners wait, software developers don’t need to work in sync with their colleagues. They can code, debug, and design at their own pace, making it a fantastic option for asynchronous work.
But where does one find these opportunities?
Stack Overflow Jobs pointed developers in the right direction for years, but has now closed. Dice, a tech-focused job platform, might be your next best bet. Not unlike Glassdoor, they go beyond just listing job openings. It provides insights about companies, the roles they’re offering, and the skills they’re looking for, making it easier for job seekers to find a good match.
Asynchronous Remote Job #3: Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is a broad umbrella that covers everything from search engine optimization (SEO) and email marketing to social media strategy and content marketing. It’s all about connecting with customers in the right place at the right time, and in today’s digital age, that place is online. If you’re a whizz at creating engaging online content, have a knack for analyzing trends, or just love the thrill of watching website traffic and sales numbers spike after a successful campaign, this could be the field for you!
What makes digital marketing such a great fit for asynchronous work? Well, much of digital marketing involves analyzing data, creating content, and strategizing – tasks that can easily be done on your own schedule. As long as you’re keeping up with trends, meeting deadlines, and achieving results, it doesn’t matter if you’re working from your outdoor home office on your patio at dawn or a bustling coffee shop at midnight.
Asynchronous Remote Job #4: Graphic Design
Graphic design isn’t just a profession; it’s a world where creativity, intuition, and technology meet to create visual magic. If you’ve ever looked at a captivating logo or an eye-catching website and thought, “I wish I could create that,” then graphic design might be the perfect async job for you.
In the realm of graphic design, it’s all about conveying a message or emotion through visuals. It’s a powerful form of communication that plays a crucial role in everything from branding and advertising to web design and publishing.
Now, let’s explore the platforms where graphic design opportunities abound. Each one offers its own unique blend of features, making them valuable resources for job seekers:
The Dribbble job board is a space where creatives and employers connect. It offers an environment where you can showcase your work, gain inspiration from others, and discover job opportunities. Alternatively, if you want a multidisciplinary platform that serves as a portfolio showcase and a job-hunting ground, give Behance a try. It’s a place to explore designs by others, exhibit your work, and uncover job prospects.
Finally, Designhill’s design contests offer an intriguing twist on looking for work. It’s not only a platform for job seeking, but also a place where you can participate in contests, showcasing your skills to potential employers. Given how creative this particular profession is, this somehow seems like an appropriate resource for designers.
Being a graphic designer can give anyone who has an ounce of creative passion the opportunity to work on your chosen hours, and to create excellent visual identities for companies. A privilege that I love having as an online designer is the option to work where and whenever I want. If it’s 11 pm and I think of a perfect solution for a project I’m working on, I can hop out of bed and make those ideas happen. So while your skills will be forever climbing, the minimum educational requirements to get started can be as minimal as Youtube research, and maybe some coffee.
Graphic Designer – colbycarrizales.com
Asynchronous Remote Job #5: Online Tutoring
Online tutoring offers a fulfilling way to impart knowledge and make a difference in the lives of others, all while enjoying the flexibility of remote work.
One of the remarkable aspects of online tutoring is its accessibility. It’s perhaps one of the easiest ways to kickstart your journey as a digital nomad. Especially if you’re starting with limited resources or experience, online tutoring can be a reliable stepping stone towards a nomadic lifestyle.
A particularly popular option within online tutoring is teaching English to non-native speakers. With English being the lingua franca of the world, the demand for quality English tutors is consistently high. All you need is a strong command of the language, and you can help students across the globe overcome their language barriers. This is especially true for former teachers that want a remote role.
However, the realm of online tutoring isn’t confined to language teaching alone. There’s a vast array of skills you could learn and then teach, which are in high demand. Here are a few:
- Coding: As the digital world continues to expand, so does the demand for coding skills. Whether it’s Python, JavaScript, or HTML, teaching coding can be a lucrative avenue.
- Digital Marketing: With businesses increasingly moving online, digital marketing skills are highly sought after. From SEO to social media marketing, there’s plenty to teach in this domain.
Finding online tutoring jobs has never been easier, thanks to numerous dedicated platforms. Here are a few you might consider:
- VIPKid
- Wyzant.com
- Tutor.com
Asynchronous Remote Job #6: Accounting
Accounting may sound like an inherently office-bound job, but in today’s technology-driven world, it’s a profession that lends itself beautifully to remote, asynchronous work.
Picture this: you wake up, grab your morning coffee, and settle into your home office. You spend your day reviewing financial statements, preparing tax returns, or conducting financial audits – all while nestled in your favorite chair. The best part? You’re free to work when it suits you best, whether that’s the traditional 9-to-5 or a more unconventional schedule that suits your personal rhythm.
Digital tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and Wave have made accounting work significantly more accessible from any location. And with secure cloud storage and video conferencing, client communication and data sharing are a breeze. It’s never been easier to provide top-tier financial services from the comfort of your own home.
An interesting trend in the world of accounting is the rise of AI and automation. This isn’t to say that accountants will be replaced, but rather their tasks will be augmented, freeing up more time for strategic financial planning and analysis. Those who are tech-savvy and ready to embrace these new tools will find themselves at an exciting frontier of the profession.
Interested in diving into the world of remote accounting? Platforms like FlexJobs, Upwork, and LinkedIn often have a variety of listings for remote accounting roles. Plus, there are specific accounting job boards like Accountingfly and AccountingJobsToday that you might find beneficial.
Asynchronous Remote Job #7: Data Analysis
In an era where data is the new oil, Data Analysts are the engineers that extract, refine, and transform this raw resource into valuable insights.
Data Analysts work with different types of data – customer data, financial data, operational data – you name it. If it’s quantifiable, it’s within the realm of a Data Analyst. With their skill set, they can take a jumbled mess of numbers and transform them into a clear picture that businesses can use to make informed decisions.
For instance, take Google Analytics. This tool is like a city’s surveillance system, tracking each website visitor’s movements. As a Data Analyst, you’re the city planner. You interpret this data, understanding visitor behavior such as the pages they visit, how long they stay, and where they’re coming from. This understanding can shape business strategies, improve customer engagement, and ultimately drive business growth.
While having a technical degree can be advantageous, it’s not always a prerequisite. Being numerate, having a knack for problem-solving, and possessing a keen eye for detail are just as important. With the right mix of skills and experience, you can unlock the door to a rewarding career in data analysis.
Navigating the job market for data analysis opportunities? You’re in luck, because there are several platforms tailored specifically for data professionals. Kaggle Jobs used to be a great resource, but is shutting it’s doors soon. I would suggest going to icrunchdata.com to fulfill that gap.
Asynchronous Remote Job #8: Virtual Event Planning
Virtual event planning is an intriguing role that combines creativity, technology, and people skills in a wonderfully asynchronous work environment.
Imagine waking up and starting your day by brainstorming themes for an upcoming virtual conference. By midday, you’re coordinating with speakers across different time zones, and by the evening, you’re working with tech teams to ensure a seamless online experience. The best part? You can work at your own pace and on your own schedule, as long as the job gets done.
A virtual event planner’s toolkit often includes platforms like Zoom, Hopin, or Run The World. These tools are essential for conducting webinars, virtual conferences, online workshops, and more. Plus, with collaborative tools like Google Workspace or Slack, you can efficiently coordinate with your team and clients regardless of their location or timezone.
There’s a significant opportunity for innovation in this field as well. With the rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), the virtual events of the future could be immersive, interactive experiences that blur the line between the digital and physical worlds.
Asynchronous Remote Job #9: Voiceover Artist
Voiceover artists lend their voices to a variety of media, including commercials, animated films, video games, and audiobooks. This role requires a clear speaking voice, good reading skills, and the ability to convey emotion and nuance through vocal inflection. Some voiceover artists specialize in character voices, while others focus on narration or commercial work.
While formal education isn’t typically required, many voiceover artists have training in drama or broadcasting. The average salary for a voiceover artist can vary widely, with PayScale reporting an average of around $30 per hour, but top professionals can earn much more. This role is well-suited to individuals who are self-motivated, creative, and comfortable working alone.
Asynchronous Remote Job #10: Medical Transcriptionist
Medical transcriptionists listen to voice recordings from doctors and other healthcare professionals and convert them into written reports. They must be familiar with medical terminology, grammar and punctuation, and transcription software. It’s more common that doctors will want this done concurrent with the appointment itself, but some practitioners allow for this work to be done after the appointment as well, which is perfect for an asynchronous role.
While some medical transcriptionists have a postsecondary certificate, others learn on the job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical transcriptionists was $37,090 in June 2023. This role is ideal for individuals who are detail-oriented, comfortable working alone, and have good listening skills.
Asynchronous Remote Job #11: Stock Photographer
Stock photographers take high-quality photos that can be sold on stock photo websites for use in advertising, media, and other commercial applications. This role requires photography skills, creativity, and a good understanding of what types of images sell well.
While formal education isn’t required, many stock photographers have training in photography or a related field. Earnings for stock photographers can vary widely. Recent 2023 data from Photutorial suggests that an amount of .02-0.25 per image per month is very possible (with professionals being on the higher end). All roles have an element of you-get-what-you-put-into-it, but this is especially true with stock photographers. The competition is very high, so most photographers who contribute their photos to be used as stock, often treat this role as a side gig. That said, if you have a large database of photographs that are suitable for stock images, you are much likelier to have more substantial sales.
Closed captioners transcribe the audio of television programs, films, and videos for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. This role requires fast and accurate typing skills, a good understanding of grammar and punctuation, and the ability to work under tight deadlines. While some closed captioners have a degree in court reporting or a related field, others learn on the job.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a closed captioner in the U.S. is just over $50,000 per year. This role is ideal for individuals who are detail-oriented, fast typists and don’t need constant supervision. And depending on the show, it might also require someone who can keep a secret… I once knew someone that was writing the captions for Game of Thrones. She told me stories of how secretive the script was and the tight working conditions. Let’s just say it was above and beyond!
Wrapping up
And there you have it – seven asynchronous remote jobs that span the globe, literally and figuratively. From the creative corners of content writing and graphic design to the analytical arenas of accounting, there’s a wealth of opportunities available for remote workers in this digital age.
So, what are you waiting for? Your dream asynchronous remote job is out there. It’s time to dive in and start exploring!
Jared has worked remotely for 15 years in various marketing capacities, and has managed hundreds of marketing campaigns along the way. He has held freelance, agency, and in-house positions for companies large and small.