Not gonna lie, Ted Lasso is my new favorite show. It came to me just at the right time; in the middle of a pandemic when everything seemed to be going to shit or shite, if you’re Roy Kent. This feel-good gem of a show with its unflappable main character (complete with epic mustache) provides equal parts warm-fuzzies and inspiration.

It’s not too heavy (although some episodes do feel like a punch in the gut) yet still delivers some fundamental life lessons we all can apply to work whether you work from home, in an office, or for a world-famous soccer league.

Hold Up. What is Ted Lasso?

I’m going to do my best to not include spoilers in this general synopsis. If you haven’t already, you can binge watch the entire first season of Ted Lasso on Apple TV+. New episodes are released (painfully slowly) one episode at a time every Friday.

We meet Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis, as a Kansas resident and college football coach. He’s hired to coach a professional soccer (or futbol if you’re Dani Rojas) team across the pond in England.

Ted has zero experience coaching soccer and locals and players alike are not happy with his arrival. But ever-positive Ted doesn’t seem bothered by the criticism, disregard, and general ridicule (locals call him wanker) he faces daily. He always tries his best (even when his personal life is falling apart) and encourages his players to do the same. Aside from being optimistic, Lasso is pretty darn resilient.

We get some powerful midwestern advice episode after episode (thanks to the mustachioed Lasso) that can teach us all a thing or two (or three) about resilience at work.

1. Be a Goldfish

What’s the happiest animal in the world? If you ask me, I’d say it’s my golden retriever, Norman, who perpetually has a smile and a tail wag even when he’s in trouble. But according to Ted Lasso, the answer is: a goldfish.

Yep, a goldfish. While any goldfish I’ve ever owned doesn’t seem overly joyful, apparently it’s their 10-second memory that allows them to be forever happy.

Ted tells one of his players, Sam, to “be a goldfish” after Sam was having a hard time letting go of criticism leveled at him by another player, Jamie Tartt. Sam didn’t quite get the reference at the time, but they’re wise words nonetheless.

We all face criticism at work. Sometimes it’s justified. Other times it’s not. The point is to accept the criticism and move on. Don’t let it define you. Try not to take it personally. Instead of dwelling on the criticism or getting defensive, stay calm. Feedback is valuable, whether it’s positive or critical. Even if it’s from a coworker you dislike, feedback allows for growth from all sources (flawed or not).

How to Accept Criticism at Work

Forbes offers these healthy ways to deal with criticism at work:

• Be open – Absorb the words and don’t dismiss criticism as an attack.

• Body language – Slow down your breathing and take a relaxed posture. It’s difficult to take criticism with grace. Having a relaxed and open body helps.

• Ask questions – No, one of the questions after receiving feedback shouldn’t be, “What the f@$k?!?! Focus on clarifying questions so you’re both on the same page.

• Share the feedback – When in doubt share the feedback with someone you trust. It helps to get a different perspective. Just be sure you ask someone who will be honest with you. Criticism is an opportunity for growth and not a means to convince yourself you’re “right.”

I know goldfish forget everything after ten seconds but you shouldn’t simply dismiss criticism. Instead, use the goldfish method to accept the words and move on quickly. It’s especially effective when you are told something about yourself you don’t like or agree with.

Take those precious initial 10 seconds to absorb what is being said then move on. Graciously accept the criticism to prevent a knee jerk response that sounds angry or defensive. This type of reaction will eat away at you more than the criticism itself.

2. Value ALL Opinions (Even if They’re Wrong)

This sentiment plays off of the goldfish advice pretty well. At work, there are plenty of opinions to go around. They come from peers, customers, managers, superiors, and even those you supervise.

Heck, I’m self-employed and work from home and I STILL get my fair share of opinions thrown at me every day (my cat who strictly wants to adhere to a Temptations-only diet, my child who rates my PB&Js three out of five stars, and of course social media users who always have something to say about blog posts like this one).

Some opinions you’ll agree with. Others you’ll think are just plain wrong.

Ted Lasso gets this. He respectfully tells his players, “I want you to know, I value each of your opinions, even when you’re wrong.”

While it’s not advisable to flat out tell people their opinions are wrong (even if or especially if you’re the boss), it is solid advice to value every person’s opinion at work. Why? It boils down to respect.

Respect and Opinions at Work

According to Harvard Business Review, workers value feeling respected at work. In fact a whopping 20,000 survey respondents report respect as the most important value at work.

When you value all opinions (even those you don’t agree with), you are extending respect to your colleagues. It’s really that simple.

So, how exactly do you value someone’s opinion whether or not you agree with them? You can check out career-related TED Talks for ways to listen better or simply follow these simple tips to effective listening provided by Forbes:

How to Value Work Opinions through Listening

• Maintain eye contact – This is the basic ingredient to show someone you value what they’re saying. Always turn to face the person speaking and put down your phone, papers, or anything else that is a distraction.

• Be relaxed – Eye contact is great, but you don’t have to stare the person down. A too intense stare can be intimidating. Similarly, tense posture like furrowing your brow or folding your arms can also tell the speaker you’re disinterested in what they’re saying.

• Don’t jump to conclusions – When someone speaks to you they are verbally expressing thoughts and opinions that matter to them. Them. Not you. Allow them to get out these opinions fully before you interject or attempt to finish their sentence.

• Focus on the words being said – Active listening is important. But too often we are focused on topics outside of what the person is actually saying or simply staying quiet until it’s “our turn” to speak. If you have a hard time fully zoning in to what’s being said try to focus on key phrases. You can even visualize the conversation using mental pictures. This will keep you from rehearsing your response in your head. Remember, you can’t listen and rehearse at the same time.

• Do not interrupt – This is a big one. No matter how much you disagree or limited your attention span may be, do not interrupt the person speaking. Period. When you do it always sends the wrong message like:

  • I’m more important.

  • Your opinion doesn’t matter.

  • This is a contest, and I’m going to win.

  • I don’t care what you think.

There’s never a justifiable excuse for interrupting someone (unless there’s a fire or a giant spider is dropping from the ceiling about to land on their head).

Default to the Golden Rule

If all else fails, remember the golden rule: Treat others how you want to be treated. Think about how you expect to be received when addressing someone. You want your opinion to be valued (even if it’s wrong!).

3. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

It’s pretty easy to fall into a work rut. You show up. Complete tasks. Clock out. Do it again. You rinse and repeat this for weeks, months, and even years. This complacency can seem safe but it’s also an invite for disaster.

Complacency leads you to feel a little too secure at work which can lead to laziness. Often, you don’t even realize you’re cutting corners or not putting in as much effort as you once did. But everyone else around you does.

Still, we often try to avoid challenges because we don’t want to feel vulnerable but that’s exactly how you’re supposed to feel.

As Ted Lasso says, “Takin’ on a challenge is a lot like ridin’ a horse. If you’re comfortable while you’re doin’ it, you’re probably doin’ it wrong.”

Challenges are supposed to be, well, challenging. If you take on assignments at work and everything feels like a breeze, it’s time to check in with yourself.

Signs You May Be in Need of a New Work Challenge

Forbes suggests looking out for these warning signs of complacency at work:

1. Being disengaged

2. Lack of initiative

3. Not investing in yourself

4. Taking shortcuts

5. No more passion

6. Disgruntled with career trajectory

7. No hope for a brighter future

We all lose a little pep in our step every so often. It’s part of being human. But if you repeatedly find yourself going through the motions at work, it might be time for a change. And this doesn’t necessarily mean a brand new job (although sometimes a career change is a definite must). You can reignite your spark at work with a new and exciting challenge. Run a meeting. Take on a project. Enroll in an employer-sponsored course. Assist coworkers in different departments. Go after a promotion.

SMART Goals for Challenge and Growth

Complacency is convenient. Change is hard. It’s easiest to opt for the bare minimum to get by but you won’t do yourself any favors in the long run. Ultimately, your career will stall as your engagement declines along with your happiness. So, commit to change regularly. This doesn’t have to be a giant change.

Think about small steps you can take to make a big change in the long run. Start with a SMART goal and then break it down into smaller action steps. Goals are supposed to be challenging and a bit of a stretch. But they’re also a lesson in resilience. You will certainly hit obstacles. That’s okay. It’s how you respond to and overcome those obstacles that counts.

Remember, you know your goal is a challenge if you’re slightly uncomfortable (just like riding a horse for the first time).

Positive Work Quotes by Ted Lasso

A little positivity can go a long way in well being at work. Take it from Ted Lasso who lives by the simple mantra “believe.” When things are bad, Ted “believes” they will eventually get better. If players (coworkers) don’t get along, Ted “believes” there’s always a way to work it out. And when you’re the new guy in town with everyone rooting against you, Ted still believes he can work hard to win everyone over — on and off the field (or pitch as it’s called over there).

Often, workplace dissatisfaction can be traced back to you. Sure, some companies have crappy cultures (and in these cases I recommend you run away as fast as you can to find a new job) but more often than not it’s our own take on things that hampers our professional progress.

So, believe in yourself in all circumstances. Whether you need a new job, are dissatisfied in your current role, or simply have no clue what your next move will be: just believe. Because just about any career coach or life coach will absolutely tell you that everything (and we do mean everything) is figureoutable.

Happily,

According to the CDC, about 61 million adults (1 in 4) in the United States have some type of disability.

Living with a disability or chronic illness affects more than just a person’s health. Often, these individuals face financial and job-related challenges too.

A 2019 study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found the unemployment rate for persons with a disability was about twice as high compared to those job seekers without a disability. In this study, an unemployed person was defined as someone who was out of work, available to work, and actively looking for work.

So, while many individuals with a disability regularly seek out employment, they face greater challenges to enter the workforce.

Fortunately, we can bridge this employment gap. An obvious solution is remote work.

Remote Work Offers Greater Opportunities for All

Remote work has a lot of benefits. No daily commute means time and money saved, but for disabled persons remote work means greater accessibility. Remote jobs make it easier to get to work (no commute) and allows work to be done in a controlled environment (home).

So, when someone is unable to easily or consistently commute or is affected by a traditional office environment, telecommuting offers an opportunity to work without the daily obstacles of a traditional office job. Plus, some remote-friendly industries provide greater flexibility, which is helpful for anyone who has good days and bad days, flare ups or exacerbations.

It’s also important to note that today, more than ever, there is a greater awareness of the need to help disabled persons gain financial independence through meaningful employment.

As the National Library of Medicine reports, being able to work contributes to a disabled person’s sense of self worth and purpose and improves individual and family finances.

Flexible Remote Job Options

As a career coach that specializes in remote work, I often work with individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities to help them fill skills gaps and find remote work that fits their career ideals. Tailoring a job search to each individual person allows them to fit work into their lives — and not try to mold their lives around work.

So, what are flexible remote-friendly industries that offer a chance for anyone with the right skills to gain employment? Here are my top 10 remote roles for individuals with disabilities:

1. Writing

Writing jobs come in a lot of shapes. There’s copywriting, grant writing, technical writing, SEO-writing — and so much more.

Remote writers are typically paid per word, piece or project. Often, writers are hired on a contract or freelance basis. Rates for writers vary quite a bit!

For example, a grant writer can earn roughly $50,000 annually, according to PayScale. While blog post writers average between $0.03 to $.10 per word. Writers with a solid understanding of search engine optimization (SEO) can earn upwards of $45,000 a year according to Salary.com.

It’s important to pick a niche when launching a career as a nonfiction writer. From there, be sure to gain training in your niche, like this free Highly Paid Freelance Writer course over at SmartBlogger. Niche-specific training and certification allows you to quickly get established in your chosen writing path.

2. Customer Service

Customer service does not mean you have to sit in a call center all day. Today, there are opportunities to work remotely as a chat agent, email rep, or even via text.

Some companies, like LiveOps and NexRep, even allow agents to create their own schedules. In fact, agents can schedule blocks of time to work in increments as little as 30 minutes.

You don’t necessarily need formal training to be a competitive entry-level remote customer service agent. However, it’s always a good idea to brush up on your customer service skills when looking for a new job.

Through LinkedIn Learning, you can hone your customer service skills and receive a certificate upon completion to show prospective employers you are ready to tackle work as remote customer representative. As a bonus, you can share your new certificate directly on your LinkedIn Profile which helps strengthen your position as a candidate.

3. Medical Billing & Coding

Medical billing and coding professionals review patients’ charts and assign industry-specific codes to medical procedures. These codes are used by insurance companies to make payments to hospitals, doctors, and clinics.

In a CNBC Jobs Report, it found more medical billing and coding jobs exist than qualified professionals to fill them. What’s more, this is an in-demand field that’s expected to grow faster than the national average.

Keep in mind, you will need training and certification to be a competitive entry-level candidate. The good news is, there are flexible online learning programs that prepare you for remote work in Medical Billing & Coding. CareerStep has an award-winning Medical Billing & Coding program you can complete at your own pace in as little as one year.

4. Transcription

Transcriptionists listen to recorded audio and type out what is being said. They use a foot pedal, software, and headset to increase their speed and accuracy.

There are quite a few different transcription opportunities for remote job seekers. The three most common are general transcription, legal transcription, and medical transcription.

For legal transcription and medical transcription, training is highly recommended and often required. That’s because you use terminology specific to those industries. Having a good grasp of grammar, quick typing speed, and ability to proofread your own work for accuracy is a must too!

You can try your hand at general transcription or legal transcription for free over at TranscribeAnywhere.

For Medical Transcription & Editing, CareerStep offers an online option for adults.

5. Bookkeeping & Tax Preparation

Nobody really likes to do their taxes. That’s why an estimated 60% of taxpayers hire someone else to do their taxes for them. Tax preparers are busiest from late January to early May. However, freelancers and the self-employed need tax help year round since they make estimated tax payments every few months.

Bookkeepers are responsible for managing the flow of cash in a business. They keep track of all money coming in and going out. Unlike an accountant, bookkeepers do not need a degree. However, aspiring remote bookkeeping professionals should learn how to use popular bookkeeping software, like QuickBooks, through a bookkeeping training program.

6. Graphic Design

Graphic designers are the creative minds behind visual images. This can include logos, magazines, websites, and more.

Often, graphic designers create marketing materials that sell products or help build brand awareness. Typically, a graphic designer does not need a four-year degree. Instead, post-secondary training in a design-specific program is appropriate.

Through online training, like the Fundamentals of Graphic Design at Coursera, aspiring graphic designers study the basics of design and layout as well as learn how to use popular design software like Photshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. You even complete a project you can use in your portfolio.

7. IT & Tech Support

Tech support pros help consumers navigate an issue from a remote location. For example, internet, cable, phone and technology companies, like Apple, all use remote representatives to help their customers troubleshoot issues and come up with resolutions.

To be successful as a remote tech support rep, you need to be tech savvy and able to communicate complex instructions in an easy-to-understand manner.

If you’re interested in the technical side of customer support, there are two highly-recommended IT Support Certifications to check out:

IBM Customer Engagement Specialist Professional Certificate

Google IT Support Professional Certificate

Both programs prepare students for IT roles that are equal parts tech support and customer service.

8. Developer, Programmer, and Coder

Developers create the structure of websites, apps, games and software. They use a series of code to bring their ideas to life.

The terms web developer, programmer and coder encompass a lot of different job titles. Some popular remote jobs in these areas include full-stack developer, DevOps, front-end developer, user experience designer, and so much more.

To get started down this career path, it’s best to figure out which types of projects you want to work on. This will determine which type of coding language you need to learn to get hired. For example, if you want to work on apps, you would most likely need to learn Java or Swift. If you prefer gaming, Unity and Typescript are your best bets.

You can learn more about the different coding languages, their respective jobs, and appropriate training for each over at Fullstack Academy.

9. Virtual Assistant

The one thing nobody can buy more of is time. So, many busy professionals opt to hire extra help to make the most of their time instead. That’s where virtual assistants come into play.

A virtual assistant (VA), is an administrative professional who provides clerical and professional support from a remote location. VAs often help answer emails, schedule meetings, coordinate travel, and perform basic administrative functions.

There are plenty of companies that contract with VAs to work remotely. As a VA you might work one on one with a single person, assist an entire team, or handle multiple clients at the same time.

Familiarity with web-based applications like Google Drive is a must as well as calendar management and communication skills.

Brush up on modern day administrative skills with the Virtual Assistant Certificate Course over at IAP Career College.

10. Copyediting, Proofreading, Fact Checking

In a world that is content driven, there’s a high need for copy editors and proofreaders. Copy editors are typically the middleman between writers and publishers or readers. They often review and revise content and make corrections as needed.

Book lovers and avid readers often make great copy editors. But, a solid grasp of grammar and knowledge of editing styles, like Chicago Manual of Style is a must too. My friend, Phon, offers a free masterclass that teaches the 4-Step Framework for Starting an Editorial Business. Fun fact: Phon built a career that started as a proofreader for romance novels!

I also highly recommend the free webinar provided by Proofread Anywhere. In just 76 minutes you can learn all about professional proofreading and whether it’s the right path for you.

Embrace Remote Work for All

As remote work continues to gain popularity among corporations, large and small, there is a greater need for trained remote workers to fill open positions.

For individuals with disabilities, telecommuting offers a way to work without barriers that traditional office jobs present. Even if you’ve been out of work for awhile or don’t have the right skills you can still make a plan to jumpstart your remote career.

Did you know Entrepreneur named bookkeeping as one of the most profitable online small businesses?

The low overhead and next-to-nothing startup costs combined with the $80+ per hour rate help it land this coveted title.

And that’s why, if you’re in the market for a new online career, I highly recommend starting a virtual bookkeeping business.

Even if you have absolutely zero professional bookkeeping experience, you can get started with this in-demand, high-paying, remote-friendly career path. Here’s how.

Sign up for a FREE Discovery Series to learn how to own a successful digital bookkeeping biz.

What Does A Bookkeeper Do, Anyway?

Many people confuse a bookkeeper with an accountant. In reality, they are two very completely different careers. For starters, accountants often require a degree or even certification. Bookkeepers, on the other hand, don’t require formal education.

Education aside, the roles of a bookkeeper and accountant are also quite different.

What An Accountant Does

You may use an accountant to do your taxes each year, and for good reason: Accountants figure out taxes owed and prepare tax returns. But they also help individuals and businesses:

• Organize financial records

• Comply with state and federal laws

• Examine financial statements

• Evaluate records and suggest ways to save money

Often, accountants audits financial statements, but aren’t responsible for day-to-day finances. That is, they don’t pay bills or deal with accounts payable or accounts receivable.

What A Bookkeeper Does

Unlike accountants, bookkeepers often take charge of a business’s daily financial health. They may be responsible for paying bills or collecting payments on invoices. Other responsibilities of bookkeepers include:

• Updating financial records

• Creating financial reports

• Checking records for accuracy

• Posting financial records in computer programs

• Putting debits and credits to appropriate accounts

A bookkeeper may also receive receipts, reimburse company employees for work-related expenses, and take charge of accounts receivable.

Generally, a bookkeeper is responsible for keeping track of all debits and credits — money going in and money going out on a daly basis.

How Much Can I Earn?

For an entry-level bookkeeper, hourly rates hover at about $18.50 an hour. This comes out to nearly $40,000 a year. Keep in mind, this is for bookkeepers who work in the accounting department of a company or corporation.

Bookkeepers who strike out on their own can often earn three times that rate (or more). Mostly because freelancers, like virtual bookkeepers, can set their own rates. And, because these bookkeepers often work for multiple clients, their combined hourly rate is much greater than the set pay of an employee position.

Can I Really Become A Bookkeeper Without A Degree?

You sure can! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), entry-level bookkeepers don’t have a degree. Instead, candidates rely on a combination of existing skills and on-the-job training to be successful in the workplace.

What About Previous Professional Experience?

Again, because a bookkeeper does not advise organizations on financial records, no previous experience is required. Many bookkeepers gain experience on the job while working in accounts receivable, accounts payable, or in an administrative-type role.

Find out more about what bookkeepers need to be successful during the free discovery series at Bookkeepers.com.

Where Can I Find Remote Bookkeeping Jobs?

Almost every business — large and small — benefits from the services of a bookkeeper. While there aren’t specific companies that routinely hire bookkeeping candidates, almost any remote-friendly company will, at some point, have the need for a bookkeeper.

Keep an eye on Indeed for remote bookkeeping jobs updated daily. Be sure to bookmark my weekly job leads page, I’m always quick to share legitimate bookkeeping jobs!

You can even subscribe to FlexJobs if you’re worried about scams. FlexJobs individually screens every single listing on their site and guarantees they are 100% legit. It does cost a monthly fee, but it may be worth the cost for peace of mind 🙂

Freelancing as a Virtual Bookkeeper

Don’t forget to sign up for popular freelance marketplace sites. Often, you can find a variety of bookkeeping jobs posted across the different platforms. These can range from temporary gigs to long-term projects.

The key to success as a new freelancer is to pick a niche and stick with it. In this case, maybe you’d like to become a bookkeeper who helps florists. Or maybe you’d like to work as a virtual bookkeeper for lawyers. You can always expand your niche, but in the beginning it’s a good idea to focus on a particular client and grow organically.

Once you have a niche in mind, it’s time to set up a freelance service site that sells your bookkeeping services for you. This is actually really easy to do (I promise!). And all starts with a well-branded domain name. For example, yourname.com or yournamebookkeeping.com

Curious if you can turn your name into a website? Check to see if it’s available by typing it in the box below:

Getting your own freelance bookkeeping website set up is an important step. But what comes next is even more important: getting clients!

A great place to start learning the basics of securing clients is by reading (and re-reading) the book: How To Open Your Own In-Home Bookkeeping Service.

It’s packed with a lot of insight and helpful tips for gaining traction as a home-based bookkeeper!

Help! I Want To Start A Virtual Bookkeeping Business But Need Step By Step Guidance

No problem. I too like a little hand holding when it comes to going down a new path. And there’s nothing wrong with that!

If you’d like to build a solid foundation that leads to a thriving bookkeeping business, I highly recommend Bookkeeper Launch and their free discovery series.

Ben Robinson, the mastermind behind this online course, breaks down the business behind bookkeeping step by step.

He’ll also give you the tools needed to start from scratch and grow to a thriving, independent bookkeeper regardless of your previous experience.

But before you go all in and sign up, be sure to take this free 3-part training series. In it, you’ll learn what a bookkeeper does, why it may be a good fit for you, and whether or not you’ve got what it takes to get started.