Welcome to About Remote Work. Please ensure you read each section carefully. Estimated time to completion are below:
What Is Remote Work? (45 minutes)
Common Myths About Remote Work (30 Minutes)
Benefits of Remote Work (20 Minutes)
Challenges of Remote Work (40 Minutes)
Soft Skills for Remote Work Success (30 Minutes)
Total estimated time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Remote work can be understood in two key ways:
Location Independence: This refers to individuals who can work from anywhere, without being required to go into a physical office. These workers might be full-time employees, freelancers, or independent contractors. Examples include software developers, virtual assistants, and customer service representatives who work from home.
Distributed Workforces (Outsourcing): This happens when an organization hires workers who are not centrally located, meaning the company operates with teams spread across different cities or countries. This often includes outsourcing, where companies hire external workers or agencies to perform tasks instead of employing in-house staff.
Key Difference:
Location independence focuses on where the individual can work.
Distributed workforces (outsourcing) focus on how organizations structure their teams, often hiring globally for efficiency and cost savings.
In your role, you get to take advantage of both models of remote work. You have the flexibility to work from wherever you choose, giving you control over your workspace and schedule. However, it’s important to select a location with reliable electricity and a strong internet connection to ensure you can complete your work efficiently—we’ll cover this in more detail in a future module. While you have this flexibility, your employment is structured under a distributed workforce model. Springboard acts as your employer, providing you with opportunities to work on projects that benefit one of its clients, FamilySearch. This setup allows companies like FamilySearch to access a skilled global workforce while also creating cost savings, making remote work a sustainable and growing opportunity for professionals like you.
BYU-Pathway helps connect students to remote job opportunities, recognizing that not all students live in areas with strong local economies. By providing access to global employment, BYU-Pathway creates pathways for students to gain valuable experience and earn a living, regardless of their location. Some of these opportunities come with full location independence, allowing individuals to work from anywhere, while others involve outsourcing to in-country office locations where companies have established physical workspaces. While this particular job is a work-from-home position, you shouldn’t limit yourself to only remote roles in the future. Working in an office can provide valuable networking opportunities, structured career growth, and exposure to professional environments that can benefit your long-term career.
Outsourcing—where companies hire external workers instead of full-time employees—has existed for centuries. However, trends in the United States have changed significantly over the last few years.
Early Outsourcing (1700s–1900s)
Industrial Revolution (1700s–1800s): Companies outsourced labor-intensive work, like textile production, to countries with cheaper labor.
1900s: Businesses started outsourcing manufacturing jobs (factories) to places with lower costs.
The Tech Boom & the Rise of Remote Work (1990s–2010s)
1990s: The internet changed everything! Companies started outsourcing call centers and IT support to countries like India and the Philippines.
2000s: More businesses used freelancers for creative work (writing, design, etc.).
2010s: Faster internet and cloud technology made remote work more common, especially for tech and customer service jobs.
Before 2020, most companies believed that remote work was possible but not ideal. Many still preferred office-based employees. Then, everything changed.
COVID-19: A Global Shift
In March 2020, the world shut down. Offices closed, but companies still needed to operate. Millions of employees started working from home overnight.
This forced businesses to quickly adapt:
Meetings moved to Zoom & Microsoft Teams.
Work was managed through online tools like Slack, Trello, and Asana.
Hiring became remote, with companies searching for global talent.
Companies Realized the Benefits of Remote Work
Employees were just as productive—sometimes even more!
They saved money on office space, utilities, and travel costs.
Hiring remotely meant they could find the best talent, no matter the location.
Even after the pandemic ended, many companies decided to keep remote work and outsourcing as part of their strategy.
Today, outsourcing and remote work are bigger than ever. But why are companies still choosing this model?
Cost Savings
Hiring remote workers from different countries allows companies to save money while still offering competitive wages.
Example: A U.S. company that pays $50,000 per year for an office worker may find an equally skilled remote worker in Africa or Asia for $15,000 per year. This is a win-win because it’s higher than local salaries but lower than U.S. salaries.
Access to Global Talent
Companies no longer have to hire only in their city. Instead, they can hire the best workers from anywhere in the world.
Example: If a company in Canada needs a graphic designer, they can find a skilled worker in Nigeria, Kenya, or the Philippines at a competitive rate.
24/7 Business Operations
Companies in the U.S. or Europe often hire remote workers from different time zones to keep their businesses running 24 hours a day.
Example: A customer support team may have workers in: Africa (day shift), Asia (night shift), South America (weekend shift). This allows customers to get help any time of the day or night.
Scalability & Flexibility
Companies can quickly hire remote workers when they need them and reduce costs when business slows down.
Example: A retail company may need extra customer service reps during the holiday season (November–December). Instead of hiring full-time employees, they outsource remote workers for 3 months.
Competitive Advantage
Companies that embrace remote work have lower costs and a wider talent pool, allowing them to grow faster than competitors.
Example: A small startup with limited funding can hire remote workers instead of expensive office employees, allowing them to compete with larger businesses.
The remote work trend is creating opportunities for people all over the world—especially BYU-Pathway students. Here’s how you can take advantage of it:
Learn Remote Work Skills – Focus on skills that companies need, such as customer service, data entry, virtual assistance, or digital marketing.
Position Yourself as a Professional – Companies want remote workers who communicate well, meet deadlines, and take initiative.
Apply for Global Jobs – You are no longer limited to jobs in your city or country! Look for opportunities with international companies.
Keep Learning & Growing – Remote work opens doors to career advancement. Start with entry-level jobs, then build experience to qualify for higher-paying roles.
Stay in Your Home Country and Have Meaningful Work – You don’t have to leave your home country to have a meaningful career. Remote work allows you to contribute to global projects while staying connected to your community. By working remotely, you can help support your family, the Church, and your community, making a difference from wherever you are.
As President and Sister Ashton share in the devotional below, building Zion is about creating a community where all are “of one heart and one mind” and there is no “poor among them” (Moses 7:18). In today’s world, remote work offers a unique opportunity to support this vision. Remote work through BYU-Pathway allows students to access jobs regardless of geographical location, providing opportunities for temporal self-reliance no matter where they are. As we help students find remote jobs, we are helping to ensure that they are spiritually and temporally self-reliant, in line with the vision for Zion.
Just as Zion society was one where “there were no rich and poor,” remote work enables students to earn wages and support their families, lifting them out of poverty. The ability to work remotely allows students to contribute to their communities, both locally and globally, by supporting their families and improving their economic circumstances. This directly aligns with our role in building Zion through education and job readiness.
Through remote work, we can reach students who may not have had access to traditional employment opportunities due to distance, mobility issues, or local job scarcity. It’s through opportunities like these that we can help fulfill the prophecy of a world where there are no poor among us and bring us closer to Zion’s ideal.
By focusing on self-reliance and the spiritual and temporal empowerment of students through these opportunities, BYU-Pathway is playing a pivotal role in preparing students to help build Zion and assist in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Watch the devotional below and ponder how remote work can enable you to build Zion.
You will be asked to share your responses to these questions during this week's self-evaluation. Write down your thoughts now and then copy-paste them into the self-evaluation form at the end of the week.
How does the concept of remote work align with your career goals?
What do you think are the key benefits and challenges of remote work for both workers and companies?
In what ways do you think remote work can contribute to building Zion, both spiritually and temporally, within your community or family?
While remote work is growing in popularity, there are still many misconceptions about what it is like. Let’s explore some of the most common myths and the truth behind them.
Myth #1: Remote Work Means You Can Work Whenever You Want
Reality: While remote work offers flexibility, most jobs still require employees to be available during set hours. Many remote teams operate in different time zones, so scheduling meetings and collaboration requires careful planning.
Myth #2: Remote Jobs Are Not Real Jobs
Reality: Some people assume that remote jobs are either scams or not as serious as in-office jobs. However, many major companies now hire remote workers, including tech companies, customer service teams, and marketing firms. These jobs require real skills, responsibilities, and professional communication.
Myth #3: You Will Be Less Productive at Home
Reality: Some employers fear that remote workers will be easily distracted and less productive. In reality, studies show that many remote workers are more productive than their in-office counterparts. Without office distractions and long commutes, employees can focus better—if they manage their time well.
Myth #4: Remote Work Means Working Alone All the Time
Reality: Remote work does not mean isolation. Many remote teams use video calls, chat platforms, and virtual collaboration tools to stay connected. Some workers also join coworking spaces or work from cafes to be around others. Some remote jobs will also require you to go to an office location even though the jobs are outsourced.
Myth #5: Remote Work is Only for Tech Jobs
Reality: While remote work is common in tech-related fields, it is also growing in customer service, education (online tutoring), marketing, writing, virtual assistance, and even healthcare (telemedicine). Many industries are adopting remote work in different ways.
Myth #6: All Outsourced Jobs Are Fully Remote
Reality: Not all outsourced jobs are entirely remote. Some companies outsource tasks to office locations in different cities or countries, where employees still work in a physical office setting, even though the company is based elsewhere. These office locations may serve as hubs for customer service, technical support, or other outsourced work. While you might be working for a company located in another country, your work may still require you to be in an office rather than working from home.
You will be asked to share your responses to these questions during this week's self-evaluation. Write down your thoughts now and then copy-paste them into the self-evaluation form at the end of the week.
After reading through the common myths about remote work, which myth do you think is most commonly misunderstood in your own community or network?
How would you explain the reality of remote work to someone who believes in that myth?
If you live in an area where there isn't a strong local economy, remote work is an incredible opportunity. Here’s why:
Remote work removes location barriers. Instead of being limited to local job options, you can apply for jobs from international companies. This means more chances to find work that matches your skills.
Example: If your country has a high unemployment rate, remote work allows you to compete for jobs worldwide, not just in your local area.
Many remote jobs pay better than local jobs. Even if an employer pays you less than a U.S. worker, your salary could still be much higher than what you’d earn in your home country.
Example: A U.S. company might pay you $2/hour for data entry. That’s lower than what they’d pay in the U.S., but it could be much higher than the local wage in your country.
Many remote jobs do not require a college degree. Instead, employers focus on skills and experience. This means that if you learn in-demand skills (like typing, customer service, or digital marketing), you can get hired and grow in your career. As you earn money, you can stay enrolled and earn certificates and degrees through BYU-Pathway, leading to higher-paying jobs.
Example: A high school graduate who learns customer service skills and speaks good English can get a remote support job and later be promoted to a team leader or manager as they receive certificates in applied business.
Remote work allows you to gain experience working with international teams, improving your:
English communication skills
Professionalism
Understanding of global business practices
Example: If you want to apply for jobs with bigger companies in the future, having international work experience makes your resume stand out.
With remote work, you gain real-world experience while continuing to learn new skills. Many companies offer training to help you improve and qualify for better jobs over time.
Example: A virtual assistant might start with basic tasks but eventually learn project management and become a remote operations manager.
A remote job allows you to:
Support yourself and your family
Save money for education, business, or future goals
Avoid unreliable local job markets
Example: If local jobs are low-paying or hard to find, remote work gives you financial stability and independence.
You will be asked to share your responses to these questions during this week's self-evaluation. Write down your thoughts now and then copy-paste them into the self-evaluation form at the end of the week.
How can remote work help you achieve your career goals while continuing your education?
What steps will you take to make the most of these opportunities?
Starting remote work can feel exciting, but there are a few challenges you may face. Here’s how to overcome them and succeed in your new remote job!
Many remote jobs are contracted roles, which means you’re hired to complete specific tasks for a set period rather than being a permanent employee. Contractors are responsible for their own taxes and benefits, while employees have those taken care of by the company. It’s important to know your role and responsibilities. Contractors are paid for the work they do but must handle taxes based on your country’s laws, so keep track of your earnings and set aside money for taxes.
Even though you're working from home, a dedicated workspace helps you stay productive and professional.
Tips for a good setup:
Choose a quiet place with reliable internet.
Use a desk and chair to stay comfortable.
Keep your space organized like a real office.
Make sure you have good lighting for video calls.
Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you can be casual. Treat remote work with the same professionalism as an in-office job.
Best practices:
Be on time for meetings—arrive a few minutes early.
Dress appropriately for video calls.
Mute your mic when not speaking during meetings.
Respond to emails/messages quickly and professionally.
Avoid distractions: Don't watch TV, chat with friends, or do house chores during work hours.
Since you’re working remotely, your manager can’t see what you’re doing every moment, so you need to keep them updated.
Good communication tips:
Ask questions if you don’t understand something.
Check in daily to update your manager on your tasks.
Inform your manager immediately if you face any issues, such as internet problems or illness.
Examples
Good Update: "Hi [Manager's Name], today I completed the remote work training. Tomorrow I will start working on English practice. Let me know if you have any feedback. Thanks!"
Bad Update: "Hey, not much today. I will do some stuff tomorrow." This is vague and doesn't provide the necessary information for your manager to know what you're working on or when to expect progress.
Good Sickness Update: "Hi [Manager's Name], I’m feeling unwell today and won’t be able to work. I hope to be back tomorrow. I’ll keep you updated if anything changes. Sorry for the inconvenience." This is direct and professional, giving your manager a heads-up without leaving them wondering about your availability.
Bad Sickness Update: "Hey, I’m sick and can't work." This is too casual, lacks detail, and doesn’t offer a clear timeline for when the manager can expect to hear from you again. It leaves your manager uncertain about your availability and next steps.
Remote work gives you flexibility, but you must stay disciplined to avoid distractions.
How to stay focused:
Use the Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.
Make a To-Do List: Write down 3-5 tasks to complete each day.
Track your progress to stay on top of your work.
Pro Tip: Start working 5–10 minutes earlier to mentally prepare for your day.
Remote work can sometimes feel lonely. Without in-person interactions, it’s important to:
Engage with coworkers – Join virtual meetings, participate in online chats, and stay active in team discussions.
Find a remote work community – Join LinkedIn groups, online forums, or co-working spaces to stay socially connected.
Schedule social breaks – Clock out and take time for personal calls or video chats with friends and family.
When working from home, it can be hard to separate work and personal life. To avoid burnout:
Have a Dedicated Workspace – Create a specific area for work to separate it from relaxation.
Set Boundaries – Let family or housemates know your work hours.
Log Off After Work – Don’t check emails or messages outside of work hours unless required.
As a contractor, you will be responsible for paying your own taxes. It’s important to understand your local tax laws and the steps you need to take to ensure you comply with the regulations in your country.
Task: Take time to research the tax laws in your country regarding self-employment and contractors. Find out:
The tax rates that apply to contractors
Whether you need to make quarterly tax payments
Any specific forms or registrations you need to complete
You can spend 30 minutes on this research. You will report whether you completed this research as part of this week's self-evaluation.
We will learn about these soft-skills and more in our weekly meetings, but here is an introduction to get your mind thinking about soft-skills for remote work success.
Time Management & Self-Discipline
Set a daily schedule and stick to it.
Use productivity tools (Google Calendar, Pomodoro timers).
2. Written & Verbal Communication
Be clear and professional in emails and messages.
Avoid slang and use proper grammar.
3. Problem-Solving & Adaptability
Be proactive in finding solutions.
Learn to troubleshoot tech issues independently.
4. Professionalism & Online Etiquette
Always meet deadlines.
Be respectful and responsive in online interactions.
Watch the video below. After watching the video, ponder these reflection questions. You will be asked to share your responses to these questions during this week's self-evaluation. Write down your thoughts now and then copy-paste them into the self-evaluation form at the end of the week.
Which soft skill do you already have? Provide an example of how you’ve used it before.
Which soft skill do you need to improve? How can you develop it?
You have reached the end of this module!