Working from home doesn't necessarily mean spending every day alone. Plenty of remote jobs involve regular conversations with customers, clients, students, and coworkers.
If you're an extrovert, or simply someone who enjoys talking to people, jobs involving customer support, tutoring, technical help, and client communication may feel more energizing than work that is mostly solitary.
And if you're actually an introvert and none of these options appeal to you, check out my list of work-at-home jobs for introverted people instead.
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Virtual Assisting
Virtual assistants help business owners and other professionals with tasks such as scheduling, research, email management, customer communication, travel arrangements, and social media.
The amount of interaction depends on the client and the work involved. Some virtual assistants communicate mainly through email, while others regularly participate in calls, meetings, and conversations with customers or vendors.
This can be a good fit if you enjoy building relationships, helping people stay organized, and handling several different responsibilities. Strong communication, organization, and attention to detail are all important.
Two established companies that accept virtual assistant applications are Fancy Hands and Time etc.
Fancy Hands pays assistants by the completed task. Time etc offers flexible, part-time work and currently says its starting rate is $17 per hour.
Another option is to start your own virtual assistant business and find clients independently.
If you'd like to learn more about working for a virtual assistant company or starting your own business, check out my e-book, Your Quick Guide to Working From Home as a Virtual Assistant. It costs $10 and includes additional companies, helpful resources, and information about getting started.
Delivery and Shopping Gigs
These opportunities aren't technically work-at-home jobs, but they do provide flexible, independent ways to earn extra money.
If your main concern is feeling cooped up at home, consider delivering restaurant orders with DoorDash or shopping for and delivering groceries through Instacart.
The amount of social interaction varies. Many deliveries are contactless, but you may still speak with restaurant employees, store workers, customers, and other shoppers throughout the day.
You can generally choose when you want to work, although your earnings will depend on factors such as demand, location, tips, available orders, and vehicle expenses.
Online Tutoring
If you have strong knowledge in a particular subject and enjoy helping other people learn, online tutoring may be something to consider.
Tutors work with students ranging from elementary school through college and beyond. Depending on the company, sessions may take place through video, voice, online chat, or a shared virtual classroom.
Tutoring requires patience, clear communication, and the ability to explain a difficult idea in more than one way. Education and experience requirements vary by company and subject.
Two well-known companies to consider are Brainfuse and Tutor.com.
Brainfuse asks prospective tutors to submit a résumé for consideration. Tutor.com currently accepts applications from people in the United States and Puerto Rico.
You can find many more online tutoring and education companies listed here.
Remote Technical Support
If you understand computer hardware, software, mobile devices, or other technology, remote technical support could put those skills to use.
Technical-support representatives help customers diagnose problems, follow troubleshooting steps, and find workable solutions. Most positions involve phone calls, although some companies also provide support through chat or email.
You will need to listen carefully, ask the right questions, explain instructions clearly, and remain patient when a customer is confused or frustrated.
One current example is the Customer Service/Tech Support Representative position with Concentrix. It is a remote US position involving inbound customer support and troubleshooting hardware, software, and product-related problems.
The listing requires at least one year of customer service experience. Previous technical-support experience is preferred but not required.
Because individual job listings can close at any time, apply promptly if the position interests you.
Phone Sales and Customer Service
Remote phone sales and customer service jobs involve frequent interaction with customers throughout the workday.
In a sales position, you may make outbound calls or answer calls from people interested in a product or service. These jobs often involve sales goals, so read the compensation details carefully and make sure you understand whether the position includes an hourly wage, commission, or both.
Customer service representatives usually answer questions, resolve account problems, process orders, or help customers who have had a frustrating experience.
Strong listening skills, empathy, patience, and clear communication are especially important. You also need to stay calm when speaking with someone who is unhappy.
For employers and current opportunities in both categories, browse my large list of work-at-home phone jobs.
In Conclusion
Remote work doesn't have to be isolating. Virtual assisting, tutoring, technical support, sales, and customer service can all provide regular opportunities to talk with and help other people.
The best choice will depend on your experience, interests, preferred schedule, and how much interaction you want during the day.
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Good luck!
Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 15 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.