December 23, 2024
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This article is about making the change from an in person customer service job to a remote customer service job. If you're looking for a way to lose the commute that can open doors for you to make more money from home, you're in the right place. 

Maybe you're working in a retail store, a coffee shop or another role that requires you to talk to customers, maybe you're working as a receptionist or valet helping people solve problems. Starting the new year in a new remote customer service job can open new opportunities to improve your earning potential. 

For example, earning from a remote customer service job and using the time you'll gain by losing the commute to add on a stream of passive income from a side business, can do wonders for your earning potential. Read on to learn how you can make this happen in 2025 and beyond.

The Elephant in the Middle of the Room

One of the big drawbacks of starting a business for many aspiring entrepreneurs has to do with keeping the lights on while they get their business off the ground.

If you're working a job that barely keeps food on the table and addresses basic necessities, it's hard to think about forking out money to start a new business that doesn't bring in a steady paycheck. And that's the reason for this article. 

Just imagine going from someone who is traveling to work each day in your own car or using public transportation, scrambling to "clock in" before you can even start making any money to someone who travels down the hall to a home office, where you can start work, minus the commute. 

In our remote job series we are helping aspiring entrepreneurs by focusing on common remote job categories like computer support, customer service (covered in this article), data analysis and virtual assistance, that have been a bridge for aspiring entrepreneur who want to start working from home. We show you how to use these jobs to lose the commute and everything that goes along with it. 

We also show you the advantages you'll receive once you shift the time you spend commuting to focus on building the business you've been dreaming about for way too long. This article will give you the tools you'll need to turn those dreams into a reality.

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Create a sales and marketing system that works 24/7 to convert visitors into engaged customers.

Imagine using the hours you gain from losing the commute to build an online business that generates additional income that doesn't rely on your physical presence, also known as passive income

For example, the half hour (fill in the blank with your number) commute that it takes you just to get to your job and start your day and then the time it takes for you to turn around an do the same thing to get back home.

Think about what you can accomplish in the hour you would gain each day (in that scenario) that you could use to set up a blog, YouTube Channel or a Shopify store, (any of these will make effective income generating systems) that will allow you to earn, no matter how you choose to spend your time.

Think about the money you would save on gas, wear and tear on your car, fares for public transportation, money for lunch, your investment in work clothing, weather gear and saving commute time that could translate to hours each week. 

Your commute would go from what you are doing now to a trip down the hall to your office, enabling you to be more productive and innovative when the morning and evening commute is eliminated.

In our remote job series we also provide resources like resume, cover letter and interview services you can use to make the transition.

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4 Reasons a Remote Job Should Be Part of Your Work From Home Strategy

Here are four reasons a remote opportunity can generate more income, (even just an additional $300 per month), while giving you more time to devote to your business aspirations: 

1. Flexible Scheduling to Balance Priorities

Remote work opportunities can often provide more control over your schedule compared to traditional in-office jobs. Many remote roles have flexible hours, allowing you to allocate specific time blocks for your online business while meeting your work responsibilities.

Business Example: Work your remote job schedule, and use the time you would spend on commuting (including available time during your lunch break, before and after work, spare time, etc.) to building sales and marketing systems, working on client projects (for your business) and business growth tasks like marketing, planning and product development.

2. The Potential for Overlapping Skills

Remote jobs often require skills like time management, digital communication, problem solving and technical proficiency—all of which are essential for running an online business. You can leverage these transferable skills to accelerate your entrepreneurial journey.

Business Example: Experience with project management tools in your remote job can help you streamline operations in your online business.

If you've worked on projects that helped your employer save money or improve efficiency, these skills can also be used to run your online business. 

The Remote Job Series: Customer Service Agent

3. Steady Income Helps Reduce Financial Risk

A remote job provides a consistent income stream while you build your business, helping you cover living expenses, invest in tools or marketing, and reduce financial stress. This safety net allows you to take calculated risks in your business without compromising financial stability.

Business Example: Use the money you'll save from losing the commute, i.e. eating out, the investment in your work wardrobe, weather gear and accessories, gas, etc. to fund building a blog, choosing a business model with low start up costs and building systems that help you run your business, earning money passively while you work your remote 9 to 5.

4. The Opportunity to Test and Validate Business Ideas

Working from home enables you to test and refine your business idea while maintaining your current job. The proximity to your workspace means you can experiment with marketing strategies, tweak your products or services, and measure results in real-time.

Example: Launch a small-scale product (1 - 10 products in a Shopify or WooCommerce store or offer 1 - 2 freelance services that you can provide on evenings and weekends. Use scheduling tools to generate leads and promote your business during the week.

Focus on providing services, creating promotional materials, and planning for the following week, during the weekends when you're not working your remote 9 to 5 job. Use the insights you gain to scale (grow) your business gradually, earning more as you learn what works with your audience.

Working remotely can be the beginning of something amazing that lets you take the gains you'll receive in time, and money, to start a new business opportunity that can have a positive impact on your wallet.

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Customer Service Job Overview

Customer service roles are essential across various industries, focusing on assisting customers by addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and providing information about products and services.

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Here's an overview of a remote customer service position, the responsibilities, compensation, and the outlook for remote work in this field over the next five years. 

Consider how much money you're making right now, outline the tasks you're performing these tasks on a face to face basis as well as whether you think you could transfer these skills to a remote job.  

Key Responsibilities 

  • Customer Interaction: Engage with customers via phone, email, live chat, or in person to answer questions and provide information.
  • Issue Resolution: Address and resolve customer complaints or concerns promptly and effectively.
  • Order Processing: Assist customers with placing orders, processing returns, and handling billing inquiries.
  • Record Maintenance: Document customer interactions, transactions, and feedback accurately.
  • Product Knowledge: Maintain a thorough understanding of the company's products or services to provide accurate information.

Annual Compensation

Salaries for customer service representatives can vary based on experience, location, and industry.

  • Median Salary: As of May 2023, the median annual wage for customer service representatives in the United States was $39,680.
    Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • Entry-Level Positions: Entry-level roles may start at approximately $31,520 per year.
    The Sun
  • Experienced Roles: Experienced representatives, especially those in specialized industries, can earn upwards of $47,010 annually.
    The Sun
  • Remote Positions: Remote customer service roles offer competitive salaries, with average earnings around $39,099 per year.
    Glassdoor

Job Outlook and Remote Work Trends in the Next Five Years

The employment landscape for customer service representatives is evolving due to technological advancements and changing consumer preferences.

  • Employment Projections: Employment of customer service representatives is projected to decline by 5% from 2023 to 2033, primarily due to increased automation and self-service technologies.
    Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • Remote Work Opportunities: Despite the overall decline, there is a growing trend toward remote customer service positions.
    • The rise of digital communication platforms has enabled more companies to offer remote customer service roles, providing flexibility for both employers and employees.
    • Remote customer service positions are among the in-demand entry-level jobs for recent graduates, reflecting a shift towards flexible work arrangements.
      New York Post

Given the increasing consumer demand for immediate and accessible support, coupled with advancements in technology, it's anticipated that remote customer service roles will continue to be a significant component of the customer service landscape over the next five years.

Obtaining a role as a remote customer service representative can help you make the transition to higher paying remote jobs and give you the flexibility you need to start a business that earns passive income, making you less reliant on an ever changing job market. 

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About the Author

Marvelyn Brown is the founder of Making It Remotely. a blogger and digital marketer focused on online sales and marketing, digital products, crafting and web design. When she's not working, you'll find her working on hobbies and crafts, having fun and relaxing with family and hanging out with friends.

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