The COVID-19 crisis has shaken the world and forced businesses and individuals alike to pivot. In a globalized, digital world, jobs have changed drastically. Remote jobs have become the norm. From human resources to marketing, companies increasingly rely on technology. How do you cope? Here are some ideas to help you start your own business or switch careers this year.

Start a Home-Based Business

If you work as a freelancer or run a digital business, you can set your own hours and focus on what you love. You might only need a few things, such as a dedicated workspace and something like one of these Ziply Fiber internet plans to provide you with the means to get online, and stay connected during your working day. If home-based is the way you would like to go, you will first need to decide on your niche and target market based on your knowledge and experience. Next, create a detailed plan of your product or service. Then, decide on your business model, how often you work, and how you will market and sell your products or services. If, for example, you have a background in retail sales, start an e-commerce business. It’s possible to build a six- to seven-figure business on Amazon’s platform because it's the largest online retailer in the world.  After you send Amazon your inventory, they ship the products to your customers. Incidentally, if you want to expand your business internationally but lack the resources or time to do so on your own, choose an Amazon FBA air freight service. They will manage your shipping, so you can focus on marketing and sales.

Launch a New Career

If you are unhappy in your traditional career, consider a line of work that aligns with the global economy. You will find greater job satisfaction in an emerging field that will improve our world. Among the hottest trending new careers worldwide – whether you live in Austin, Texas, in the United States or Kuala Lumpur Selangor, in Malaysia – are professions in information technology and software development, digital marketing, and project management. Here are three steps to make a career change:

  1. Focus on your passions. What digital marketing skillsets do you have? Think of what makes you happy. Is it copywriting or content writing? Is it an artistic skill, such as design skill, drawing, or painting, that you could turn into digital art with software like Clip Studio Paint EX, iPad Pro & Apple Pencil, or Procreate? Or is it a digital skill you have mastered, like Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Email Marketing, or Social Selling?
  2. Choose the right career for you. You should be aware of your strengths and weaknesses when looking for a career because you need to find one that fits your personality and interests.
  3. Investigate companies in your chosen industry. Research top companies in your chosen industries. See if they have any openings that are right for you. Knowing what jobs are available in a new industry can be difficult, but with business review sites, you can find candid reviews from former employees who comment on what they liked and disliked about a company. Next, scan online job boards to find companies with openings that match your skills.

How to Fast-Track Your Career Change

The best way to train for a new career is to work in it. Get some basic certifications in the industry you’re interested in, and then work your way up by taking courses that constantly upgrade your skills. By getting experience in the field instead of spending years earning a degree, you will learn how things pan out in the real world. When you’re employed at a company, you’ll be able to network with professionals to get advice on how to achieve success.

Remote Work: The New Normal

As telecommuting becomes more popular and affordable, the number of remote workers will increase exponentially. Remote work is on the rise worldwide, according to recent surveys. Almost 8 out of 10 remote workers find working from home more productive. On average, remote workers earn $4,000 USD more than corporate employees. Business managers also see remote teams as a growing trend, with over 80% recognizing them as the norm.