Telecommuting from Another Country

Living abroad has been the stuff of dreams since the beginning of humanity, complete with adventure, exotic locations, and new cultures.  However, one of the biggest deterring factors that has prevented people from following this dream is being able to afford their life overseas.  Luckily, in today’s world, the Internet has made it possible for expats and nomads to fund themselves thanks to options like telecommuting.

Telecommuting is defined as a work arrangement where someone has the ability to work from their home without needing to go to a central office, while still remaining an employee of another company.  Often times, the “home office” is just across town, but in the world of telecommuting, a short commute is the same amount of time as a home office that is overseas.  Sit down, turn on the computer, log in, and start working.

Clearly, there are millions of jobs where telecommuting isn’t an option, from bakers to construction, and everything in between.  However, as technology evolves and employer perceptions on telecommuting become more accepting, there are lots of positions that are conducive to this type of arrangement.  Here’s a few of the most popular overseas telecommuting jobs:

• IT  (Analysts, programmers, web developers, help desk staff)
• Translation and Interpreters
• Sales
• Consultants
• PR Managers
• Marketing
• Software Developers
• Writing and Editing
• Customer Service
• Graphic Design
• Education (Training specialists, online instructors, curriculum writers, tutors)
• Administrative Services
• Accounting

For those currently working in one of these fields or something similar, making the transition from going into the office everyday to working from your oceanfront cabin in Costa Rica could be an easy one.  If you need to sell the idea to your boss, studies have shown that there are lots of benefits to employers:  Telecommuting reduces the spread of workplace illness; creates happier, more productive employees; reduces absenteeism; lowers their carbon footprint which can make them eligible for tax breaks; and makes for a more adaptable work environment for all.

Employees who telecommute are on the receiving end of many of these benefits as well, with the added bonus of being able to live in a cheaper country while still earning a good wage from their home country.  Additionally, many countries offer tax breaks for those who work for companies overseas.

If you’re looking to move abroad, have a stable job and the ability to work electronically, then telecommuting could be the ideal scenario, both for you and your employer.