So you’d like to join Tulsa Remote, but you don’t have a remote job yet. In this series, Your Guide to Getting a Remote Job, I'm breaking down three ways you can work remotely and have the flexibility to embark on a new adventure in Tulsa. 

I’ve been working remotely off and on since 2008. Yep, remote jobs have been around for that long! My name is Libryia Jones, I’m a Tulsa Remote alum, and I’ve been teaching people how to find and land remote work since 2015. In the last three years alone, I’ve helped over 300 people find and land remote jobs and gain more freedom in their lives through my company, Quit Commuting. 

One of the options for working remotely is to be your own boss. To be eligible for the Tulsa Remote program, you must have full-time remote employment at the time of your application. However, there are some ways that you can work for yourself and still be eligible for the program. If you haven't found the right remote job for you, and your employer isn't letting you go remote, there are some other ways you can find remote work. Let's break down some of these ideas, but please keep in mind that each Tulsa Remote application is reviewed on an individual basis.

Freelancing

Freelancing is a great way to work remotely. When some people think of freelancing, they think of things like graphic design or website development, and while those are excellent fields to freelance in, these aren’t the only ways to freelance.

In 2013, I freelanced as a Project Manager. I sought out my own clients and worked on projects ranging from managing web development teams to building a payroll system for a salon business to managing Point-of-Sale machine installs in stores across London (from the comfort of my home).

Freelancing is a great option because it usually provides a bit more flexibility. You decide how many clients you want to take on, you set your hours, and you define the work you are willing to do.

Where to Find Freelance Jobs

There are so many places to find remote freelancing work, including places you’ve already been spending time:

• Freelancing Sites: Upwork and Fiverr are the most popular places where freelancers find work. These are marketplaces for companies to find freelancers to fulfill business needs. Many people assume that folks on these sites are earning low wages, but this is simply not true. There are freelancers on these sites charging top dollar for their services.
• Contracting Companies: There are companies that hire freelancers and contractors and match them to their clients. Companies like Toptal and Belay Solutions have clients to whom they sell services, and they bring on freelancers to fulfill those service agreements.
• Job Boards: Have you ever clicked on the “Contractor” filter in a search on Linkedin or Indeed? You’ve likely never even noticed it. Companies often market contractor roles the same way they do full-time roles. The next time you visit a job board, try filtering for contract positions and see what you find!

More Resources for Freelancing

• The Benefits and Challenges of Freelancing
• 10 Best Entry-Level Skills for Freelancers
• How to Find Your Freelancer Skills
• How to Market Your Freelancer Skills

Entrepreneurship

Another way to work remotely is by starting your own business. I distinguish freelancing from starting a business because there are some nuances that differentiate the two. The best example I have is my friend Courtney, Founder of 16X9 Design, a company that creates stunning presentations for some of the world's biggest companies. Courtney started out as a freelancer. She took on clients with her specialized presentation skills and did such great work that she had to start hiring and subcontracting work to others. Now, she has a business that’s made over $1M.

I’m not saying the difference between freelancing and owning a business is hiring people or making a million dollars. But I am saying there IS a difference. There are differences in the actions you have to take to set your business up, how you pay taxes, how you pursue clients, the systems you put in place, etc.

That said, starting your own business can be a great way to work remotely. In 2016, I started a business helping people live in other countries for one month to one year at a time.

If this sounds like the path for you, you'll want to make sure that your business has graduated from a side gig to a full-time business before applying to Tulsa Remote. As part of the Tulsa Remote application process, you'll need to submit your proof of income and if you choose to go the entrepreneurship route, your business will need to be mature enough that it is generating full-time income.

Next Steps

Looking for other ways to work remotely? Check out our blog, Your Guide to Getting a Remote Job, for other tips, resources, and ways to work remotely. 

Once you have a remote job and meet the eligibility requirements, applying for the Tulsa Remote program becomes straightforward. However, please keep in mind that each application is reviewed individually.

If accepted, this opens the door to a new chapter in Tulsa, where you can enjoy financial incentives, community support, and a vibrant work environment. Embrace the opportunity to work remotely and experience all that Tulsa has to offer.