8 Non-Tech Remote Jobs

Updated: 5/19/2023

Let’s clear something up right off the bat: remote work isn’t only for tech wizards and coding gurus. While it’s true that the digital revolution has opened up a world of tech-related remote jobs, there’s plenty of room for folks who aren’t necessarily tech-savvy. So, if you’re an older individual, retired, or just tech-averse, explore these 8 non-tech remote jobs that might be perfect for you.

Remember when your wisdom and experience had to be shared face-to-face? Those days are behind us. As an online tutor, your knowledge can reach a global audience right from the comfort of your living room. This role is especially fitting for older individuals who have amassed a lifetime of knowledge and skills in various areas.

What subjects can you tutor in? The possibilities are vast. If you’ve worked in finance, you can provide tutoring in accounting or economics. If you’re a retired teacher, your academic subject is a natural fit, be it English, Math, History, or Science. A background in the arts? Consider teaching music, painting, or creative writing. Perhaps you’re a whiz in the kitchen – why not offer cooking classes?

The beauty of online tutoring is that it’s not limited by geography or time zones. You can connect with eager learners from around the globe at a time that suits you both.

In terms of technology, you don’t need to be a tech whiz to get started. Basic computer skills are usually enough. If you can handle video calls on platforms like Zoom or Skype, send emails, and navigate the internet, you’re well-equipped to become an online tutor. And remember, there’s no age limit to learning new tech skills. It’s never too late to get comfortable with new tools that can help you in your online tutoring journey.

Websites like Tutor.com or Chegg Tutors are good places to start. They offer the opportunity to connect with students and provide a secure environment for online learning. You set your own hours, and they handle the logistics, letting you focus on what you do best: teaching.

Parlez-vous Français? Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Hablas Español? If your ears perked up at any of these questions, you’re in luck. Companies worldwide are in need of translators, making this a fantastic remote job opportunity for anyone fluent in more than one language. And don’t think that automatic translation services like Google Translate have stolen the show – far from it.

Yes, these services can give you the gist of a foreign text, but when it comes to accuracy and nuance, they often fall short. Ever tried to use Google Translate for a language like Serbian? You might have gotten a good chuckle out of some of the gender mismatches it produces. A sweater (džemper) might mysteriously become a “he,” while a table (sto) suddenly identifies as a “she.” It’s clear that nothing beats the precision and cultural understanding of a human translator.

As a translator, you’ll be converting written documents from one language to another, preserving the original message while also adapting the content to suit the cultural context of the target audience. This can involve translating a variety of materials, from technical manuals to novels, marketing materials, and more.

Given our increasingly global world, the demand for this skill is only set to rise. So, if you learned a second (or third, or fourth) language at some point in your life, why not put that skill to good use? Get started by looking for freelance gigs on platforms like Proz.com, where you can find a wide array of translation jobs spanning different industries.

In the grand scheme of things, the tech skills required for this job are minimal. As long as you can handle word processing software and navigate the web, you’re good to go. So why not give it a try? After all, you’ve spent years mastering a language – it’s time to show those translation apps how it’s really done.

Patience. Empathy. Communication. If you’re nodding along with these words, you might have what it takes to excel as a customer service representative. This role is all about helping customers with their questions and concerns, and doing so with a level of tact and understanding that leaves them feeling heard and valued.

You might be thinking, “But I’ve never worked in customer service before.” Here’s where it gets interesting. The skills you’ve honed over the years in various roles and life experiences can lend themselves well to a customer service position. Perhaps you’ve raised children (hello, patience and negotiation skills) or you’ve worked in a role where communication was key. Maybe you’ve been a teacher, a nurse, or a manager, all of which require a high degree of interpersonal skills and problem-solving.

And let’s not forget that as an older person, you’ve weathered a thing or two. You’re not going to be easily shaken by an irate customer. On the contrary, your life experiences have likely armed you with the resilience and emotional intelligence needed to defuse such situations and turn them around.

As for the technical aspects, many companies are willing to provide training on the tools they use for customer interaction. This could range from learning how to use a ticketing system to navigating a live chat platform. So, while some tech-savviness is helpful, don’t let a lack of it deter you.

Do you have a way with words? Do you cringe when you see a misplaced apostrophe or a “their” where a “they’re” should be? If so, a role as a freelance writer could be a perfect fit. And don’t worry, you don’t need to be the next Ernest Hemingway or J.K. Rowling to succeed in this field.

Freelance writing encompasses a wide array of writing styles and subjects. You might be writing blog posts, creating content for websites, drafting newsletters, or even ghostwriting books. And if you’ve spent your career in a specific industry, that expertise can be a huge asset. Imagine you’re a retired radiologist and come across a company in need of a writer with a background in radiology – bingo! You’re not just a writer; you’re a writer with a wealth of specialized knowledge.

Of course, good grammar and spelling are key in this job, and let’s be honest, older generations often have a leg up in this area. You grew up in a time when text-speak and emojis weren’t the norm, and that can be a huge advantage when it comes to professional writing.

In terms of technology, you’ll need a reliable computer and internet connection, and you’ll need to be comfortable with word processing software. But if you’re reading this article online, you’re probably already there!

Do you have a passion for health and wellness? Maybe you’ve spent your career as a nutritionist or a personal trainer, or you’ve just always had an interest in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If so, becoming a remote health and wellness coach could be a perfect fit for you in your retirement years.

A health and wellness coach works with clients to help them achieve their health goals, whether that’s losing weight, eating healthier, managing stress, or improving their overall well-being. As a coach, your role is to provide guidance, motivation, and support as your clients work towards these goals.

Your expertise in nutrition or fitness can be a huge asset in this role, but even without formal training, your life experiences and passion for health can be just as valuable. After all, health and wellness are about more than just diet and exercise – they encompass all areas of life, including mental and emotional well-being.

The beautiful thing about this job is that it’s all about people, not technology. Sure, you’ll need to be able to use a computer or a smartphone to communicate with your clients, but your core skills are in listening, empathizing, and offering guidance.

Starting out as a health and wellness coach can be as simple as offering your services to friends and family, or you could advertise your services on social media or through a personal website. As you build your reputation and gain more experience, you can expand your client base.

If you’ve spent a large portion of your career in the nursing field, you might find the transition to a telehealth nurse a rewarding next step. Again, the name might sound a bit high-tech, but don’t let that scare you away.

Telehealth nursing, also known as telemedicine nursing, involves providing health care services remotely via phone or video calls. As a telehealth nurse, you’ll assess patient symptoms, answer health-related questions, provide basic medical advice, and even guide patients through self-care procedures at home. For example, who better to talk to about remote work burnout than a telehealth nurse who’s also remote!

This role doesn’t require you to operate any complex medical devices remotely. The main focus is on communication. You’ll be using your nursing knowledge to offer guidance and support, not trying to navigate complicated technology.

This job can be a wonderful opportunity to continue making a difference in people’s lives, even as you enjoy the flexibility of remote work. For those who have spent years on their feet in a bustling hospital or medical practice, the change of pace can be a welcome one.

What’s more, your years of experience and wisdom can be incredibly valuable in this setting. Younger colleagues may appreciate having someone to turn to for advice or guidance, and patients will likely feel more comfortable knowing they’re speaking with a seasoned professional.

If you’re someone who has spent years honing your skills in the world of sales, the transition to a remote sales representative role could be a smooth and rewarding one. As a remote sales representative, your job will involve selling products or services to customers, but this time over the phone, via email, or through video calls.

This job perfectly fits those who have a strong background in sales and a knack for building relationships with clients. You’ll be using your accumulated experience and sales acumen to close deals and reach sales targets, all from the comfort of your home or while traveling.

And guess what? It’s an attractive option if you’re looking to scale back your hours or have a more flexible schedule. Many remote sales positions are part-time or commission-based, allowing you to earn as much or as little as you’d like.

I remember a lady I worked with at my last company who was in exactly this situation. After 30 years in sales, she transitioned to a part-time remote sales role, which she playfully referred to as her “shopping fund job.” It allowed her to continue doing what she loved while earning a little extra for those leisurely shopping trips with friends.

Project management isn’t just limited to tech industries; there are numerous non-technical project management opportunities available, and many of them can be done remotely. For example, if you have experience managing construction projects, you could consider working as a remote project manager overseeing the progress of building sites.

In this role, you would work with on-site teams, architects, and other stakeholders to ensure that the project stays on schedule, within budget, and meets quality standards. You could communicate with the on-site team through phone calls, emails, and video conferences to discuss progress, address any concerns, and make important decisions.

Remote project managers can also be involved in non-construction projects, such as organizing events, coordinating marketing campaigns, or managing product launches. Your primary focus would be on planning, executing, and closing projects, while keeping everyone on the same page and moving towards the same goal.

The key to success in remote project management is strong communication and organizational skills. You don’t necessarily need to be tech-savvy, but you will need to be comfortable using communication tools, such as email and video conferencing software, to stay connected with your team.

Whether you’re a retiree looking for a meaningful way to spend your time, a parent wanting to spend more time with your children, or someone who wants to travel the world without giving up their career, remote work could be the answer you’re looking for.

So, don’t let the words “remote” or “digital” intimidate you. Your next adventure could be just a click away. Because, at the end of the day, age is just a number, and your potential is limitless.