The Best Places to Find Real Remote Work (That Actually Pay Well)
The truth is that finding legitimate remote jobs can seem like a hunt for the right needle in a maze. I’ve been there too, searching through endless job boards only to discover fraudulent jobs or incredibly low-paying ones. After many years of working remotely and helping others to do the same I’ve compiled the best five websites I’ll still recommend for 2024:
- Upwork – The Freelancer’s Playground
(Best for professional professionals with the ability to negociate their value)
I’ve earned more than $100,000 through Upwork, but the truth is that nobody will tell you:
- Pros:
- Huge variety of jobs (from 10tasksto10tasksto50,000 projects)
- Protection against payment (they store the client’s funds in escrow)
- Establish long-term relationships with clients
- Cons:
- 20% fee on the first $500 for each client (ouch)
- Are competitive at first
Pro Tips: Specialize in something particular – “WordPress developer” gets lost in the crowd. However “WooCommerce migration expert” stands out.
- Remote.co – The Hidden Gem
(Best option for People looking for stable remote work with real businesses)
In contrast to other job boards, Remote.co actually verifies every job posting. I was able to secure my first $80k remote job with this company. The key features are:
- No spam, or MLM scams
- Companies such as Amazon, Dropbox, and GitLab blog here.
- Filters for entry-level and executive posts
Warn: Competition is fierce for the best roles Make sure your resume is polished and be prepared to apply quickly.
- FlexJobs – Worth the $7 Trial
(Best for people who are changing careers or looking for benefits)
It’s true that it’s the only option that’s paid on this list, however I’m telling you this:
- They screen each job manually (I’ve never encountered any scams here)
- Included are jobs that offer medical insurance as well as 401k match
- Excellent for non-tech positions (marketing, HR Healthcare, etc.)
cost: $7 for your first month (cancel anytime) I’ve found work paying 100x this amount.
- We Work Remotely – The Tech Hub
(Best for Designers, developers and professionals in technology)
The simplest, most clean job board you can find:
- There’s nothing to say – just the your company’s name and job titles and a button to apply.
- High-paying positions (many 100k+)
- Companies like Google, Shopify, and GitHub
My Experiment: Applied to 10 jobs in this area, had 3 interviews and finally landed an offer of $95/hour.
- Freelancer – For Quick Gigs
(Best for beginners or those who want to experience the water)
While it’s not the perfect situation, it’s how I found my first $50 writing gig:
- Entry barriers are not as high.
- Great for establishing first experience
- There are some surprising clients if you look deep
Beware: Lots of low-ball deals – don’t be paid less than $15/hour.
The Cold Hard Truth About Remote Work
- It’s not as easy as office jobs It’s just more flexible
- The most lucrative job opportunities aren’t announced Create your online presence
- You’ll be rejected I applied to 87 job openings before I got my first “yes”
What I’d Do Differently If Starting Today
- Choose the right platform to master it (I am spreading my self too thinly)
- Make an portfolio prior to applying (even only some samples)
- Set realistic rates – my first gig paid 20/hour,not20/hour,not100
Final Advice
Stop researching and begin applying. The ideal remote job won’t be found – you need to find it and get it. What platform should you test first?