Chapter13:HowtoFindandGet HiredforaRemoteJob Whenit’s raining, snowing, or sweltering hot outside, I am grateful for my 30- second “commute.” When I see photos of open offices with people trying to worksidebysideatlongtables,I’mgratefulforthesolitudeofmyhomeoffice. WhenI hear that some people spend two hours each way jumping from bus to train to yet another train to get to work, I’m grateful for the time I save by not commuting, because that’s more time with my family and more time for myself. Formanypeople,remoteworkistheidealwaytowork.Yougettheincome stabilityandbenefitsofbeinganemployee,plusthefreedomtoworkwherever fits youbest.Yougettoditchthesoul-crushingcommuteand,yes,workinyour pajamasifyoulike.Beforeyouthrowoutallyoursuits,though,youhavetoland the job. Although remote work is becoming more popular–almost 40% of the US workforceworksremotely,comparedtoonly9% 20yearsago–it’sstillnotthe norm,andcompetitionforthesepositionsisfierce.AccordingtoaTeleworkInc. survey, the option to telecommuteranksashighasorevenhigherthanhealth benefits on job applicants’ wish lists. However, it takes two years on average to get a position that allows for remote work.