7 Career Ideas For Australians Working From Home

The workforce disruption caused by the pandemic has almost stabilised. However, a legacy remains; whilst many Australian job seekers can safely return to office-based work, many choose not to. Working from home is their new goal.

Additionally, 96% of Australian workers are currently in work-from-home positions or a hybrid arrangement, up from just 5% in 2016.

Is Working From Home The Way Of The Future?

Research suggests it may be too early to tell. Whilst many people found that work-from-home jobs enhanced their lives, others took a different view.

Blurred lines, isolation, and burnout have negatively affected some, according to PwC and Harvard Business School.

However, if you feel ready to embrace the remote lifestyle and are considering a career change, there are many work-from-home jobs to consider.

To assist in your research, I have compiled a list of seven in-demand Australian work-from-home opportunities, and the specific skills you will need to succeed.

1. Customer Service Representative (CSR).

CSRs with previous experience in fast-paced, target-driven environments are consistently in demand.

Working from home, customer service representatives use cloud-based technologies to respond to general customer queries, handle complaints, and ensure customers have an exceptional experience. 

To succeed in this role, you have to:

Salary & Benefits.

CSR roles range from $45k to $75k p.a., depending on experience. If the role involves sales, further incentives may be offered.

(Related: The Only Work-From-Home Checklist You Need).

2. Accounts Receivable.

If you are numerically inclined, you may find an Accounts Receivable position is a good fit. In 2024, Accounts Receivable roles are particularly in-demand.

Working from a home office, you will reduce organisational debt, monitoring payments and working with debtors to negotiate payment arrangements.

Whilst formal qualifications are not required, a tertiary-level accounting or finance qualification will increase your employability. You will find examples of suitable courses here.

Salary & Benefits.

In 2024, expect to earn approximately $65k p.a. in an Accounts Receivable role. 

With job growth predicted to rise by over 2% in the next five years and over 1600 Seek AR jobs currently advertised, indicators are that this profession offers long-term job security.

(Related: Home Office Furniture For The Ultimate WFH Setup).

3. Payroll Officer.

According to this Hays Recruitment article, Payroll Officers are one of the top five “most wanted” in Australia right now.

Moreover, provided you have the tools, this job can easily be worked from home, making it a fantastic option for caregivers with young families.

Payroll Officers often develop a specific industry specialisation.

To become a payroll expert, you will need excellent numerical skills, computer literacy, accuracy and speed, will thrive on structure and be highly organised.

Salary & Benefits.

Entry-level Payroll Officers can earn around $70k p.a., while a payroll specialist with strong industry expertise can command up to $85k p.a.

(Related: Where To Find The Best Coworking Spaces In Sydney).

4. Freelance Content Writer.

This is a work-from-home job for people who love the written word. A flexible role that can be done from anywhere, it will demand that you apply different writing styles to develop:

To be a truly great writer, you will be highly articulate, adaptable, and able to craft your content to suit various audiences. Formal qualifications are a bonus.

Salary & Benefits.

Expect a starting salary of approximately $70k p.a.

As you learn to write more complex content, such as articles and industry research reports, your income will increase exponentially, up to around $90k per year.

5. Virtual Assistant.

Virtual Assistant is one of the best work-from-home jobs for people of high integrity with a reputation for getting things done.

Whilst Virtual Assistants are required across all industries, they are particularly valued in financial services and technology sectors. 

Critically, you will be highly discreet and diplomatic, safeguarding sensitive information and navigating challenging interactions while multitasking administrative tasks.

Salary & Benefits.

Salaries sit at around $70k p.a. for a Personal Assistant. If you were to take the next step and become an Executive Assistant (working with senior-level executives), you can easily earn up to $150k per year.

Learn more about the salaries of Virtual Assistants by state here.

6. Software Developer.

According to Accenture, to achieve business success, organisations must listen to their customers.

In fact, 64% of consumers wish companies would respond faster to their needs.

The role offers flexible hours and variety as you troubleshoot, design or test applications, and work with other Developers to drive innovation.

Great Developers are analytical and methodical, good with numbers, love solving problems, and possess curiosity.

Many excellent Universities offer undergraduate courses in Software Engineering and Development, such as this example here.

Salary & Benefits.

Graduate Software Developer salaries start at $90k p.a., up to $110k p.a. for those more senior.

7. Salesperson.

With countless products on offer in an increasingly consumer-driven society, sales is a job with staying power.

What’s more, phone-based sales work can be conducted from your home base.

Product and Service Sales jobs range from junior Telemarketing roles to director-level global solution sales roles.

With National Account Managers included in the Hays “In Demand” list of jobs for 2022, employment prospects look good.

Whilst many salespeople have natural sales ability and do not hold a formal qualification, further education in Business, Finance and/or Marketing and Communication disciplines will set you apart from the rest.

Salary & Benefits.

As the sales field is very broad, it’s difficult to specify an exact range.

However, as a Telemarketer, you earn around $50k-$60k per year, whereas an expert Software or Technical Salesperson could take home $100k to $500k p.a.

Australians Want Remote Work More Than Money.

Traditionally, Australian job seekers would change jobs to obtain a higher wage. In our post-pandemic world, this seems no longer the case.

A 2022 study by the University of South Australia found that the average Australian worker will now forego 4-8% of their salary for the ability to work remotely.

This changed mindset is evidenced by Seek, which found that 92% of people would change jobs or careers to achieve a greater work/life balance.

How Do I Find A Work-From-Home Job?

With most companies now offering remote working arrangements, now is an opportune time to secure a home-based gig.

When starting your search, be mindful of scams. Follow our tips below to avoid job search pitfalls.

1. You Can’t Get Rich Quick With No Experience.

If you see an ad promising the world, it is too good to be true. Some are easier to spot than others.

Are they affiliated with the company? If not, there is a good chance this is a scam.

Others may offer you a basic job, such as stuffing envelopes or making products, for which you will need to purchase equipment or materials. Upon sending money, you will never hear from them again. Avoid.

2. Beware Of Strange Emails And Phone Calls.

If you receive an unsolicited email from an unknown organisation inviting you to start a job, ask yourself, does it ring true?

The answer is, probably not.

Don’t reply.

Stick to trusted sources and reputable job boards. Access a great range of reputable Australian job sites here.

3. Don’t Give Away Your Private Details.

If a job ad requests any financial information or personal details such as Tax File Numbers, this is a huge red flag. No reputable company will ever ask you for this. Move on.

4. Research The Company.

As a job seeker, never take things at face value. Before applying for a work-from-home role, investigate the company that is advertising.

5. Don’t Neglect Your Home Office Ergonomics.

WFH arrangements are notorious for their poorly designed, ad-hoc home office setups.

This will preserve your well-being and improve your productivity.

Ready To Start Your WFH Journey?

It is an exciting time in the world of work, with the great “work-from-home experiment” transitioning towards a “new normal”, in which workers can find a balance between life and work.

Irene