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My spouse had worked remotely for over 20 years. During those years he owned his own consulting company. He would travel to clients a few times a year, but most of the time he was at home. Clients were often in another state. He now works for a large company, but is still a remote worker. He goes into the main office about once a quarter.
I am in the same field as my spouse, but I've only been in this part of the field for a three/four years. (I went back to school for a year to pick up some more credentials). We both work in a technology/training field. I am also self-employed. I only had one client that required I be onsite daily, and that was just the first couple of months. After that I worked from home.
My spouse's remote work allowed us to move where we wanted to move without worrying about a job. Since our kids are now out of the house, we travel when we feel like it (and can afford it), and work from other locations. Last winter we spent a week working in a warm state. We went to the beach for a few hours in the morning/afternoon and worked during the evening to make up the hours. We'll do the same this winter.
The biggest downside is that one's work is always there. That is a big adjustment for some, but we've been living this lifestyle for at least 20 years. It's how our kids grew up. Kind of unusual, but I wouldn't trade it for an office ever.
(and OP--we left the Chicago area to move to a town we love with lower taxes and a more relaxed lifestyle)
The problem is that if you do a job 100% remotely, it could also be done by someone in India for a lot less than you.
Not entirely true -- for example, some jobs require a security clearance or a solid grasp of American English, or as veuvegirl mentioned, a job that requires extensive travel, either within the USA or primary to countries where US residents can come and go without a visa.
I suppose it depends on what type of work you do. I can work from home but I have to travel to various locations in my state, so I have to be in this state. If you have to have regular contact with clients or other employees it will be difficult to be moving around.
My company also wants telecommuters to be within driving distance to one of the offices so if some weather event causes your power to go out, you can come in and work. There are also some meetings and training you have to come in for. This seems to be a pretty standard requirement, at least in my industry.
If you can get work with a large, multinational company it could be possible to request a transfer every few years. There is also travel nursing, if you were willing to go to school and get a nursing degree. I hear they make good money and you have more choice of locations.
I work remotely for my brother's business, which is all online. I have no plans to move, but I could do my job from anywhere.
Check out flexjobs.com for telecommuting positions.
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