Mind the Gaps and Strengthen Your Work-From-Home Skills

Are you a parent just starting to explore flexible work-from-home career options? If so, you might be wondering whether you’re really qualified. Many remote roles sound great, but the listed requirements can feel overwhelming. So how can you pinpoint the gaps in your career skillset, so you can decide whether you’re the perfect fit for the role or need to expand your abilities?

In this article, we’ll give you some pointers to help you make choices that can get your new career off to a rousing success!

Look at the Job Descriptions (Not Just the Career Titles)

When you look at the list of potential work-from-home jobs you’re considering, you might be a little overwhelmed by what you think you’ll need to know.

Here are a few examples:

• Bookkeeper: According to accounting.com, bookkeepers need a high school diploma or GED, and might want an accounting degree, certificates, courses, and on-the-job experience.
•  Editor: Indeed says that a bachelor’s degree in English, communication, journalism, or a related field is needed for most careers in editing. They also say related skills and professional experience are preferred.
• Project manager: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that project managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field. Licenses, certifications, and relevant experience are also often preferred.

But there’s another way to look at this.

Instead of assuming what a remote role requires, look at several current job postings in the field you’re considering. If you read through them carefully, patterns may appear.

You may notice repeated mentions of things like:

• Specific software platforms
• Expectations around written communication
• The ability to manage deadlines independently
• Being able to work collaboratively with a team

While you’re checking out these listings, you’ll notice some skills you already have. You may also start to see that these abilities mean more to some potential clients or employers than degrees or specific professional training.

Take an Honest Inventory of Your Current Skills

Before you decide that you need extensive training for the work-from-home career you want, take a few minutes and evaluate what you already bring to the table.

Many parents underestimate the transferable skills they’ve already gained from things like:

• Previous jobs: Even if it’s been some time, the experience you gained in your prior career(s) is still yours. You might just need to brush up or get back into the practice of using it.
• Volunteer work: If you actively fundraise for the local food bank, run bake sales for the PTA, or even coach Little League, you’ve got skills to offer!
• Managing a household: It takes a lot of coordination to keep things on an even keel in a home with children! Don’t sell yourself short on all the things you’ve learned along the way!

You’re likely to find that your life experiences have helped you develop valuable skills that are sought after in many fields.

Here are just a few to consider:

• Project coordination
• Budgeting, scheduling
• Conflict resolution
• Time and resource management

If you take a look at everything you’ve done and find some specific examples of how you’ve used these skills, you’ll reassure yourself about your strengths. And you’ll also have a head start on writing cover letters or pitches to businesses you’d love to work with.

At the same time, you’ll also start to notice some areas where you feel less confident.

Here are a few examples:

• Do you struggle with time management, systems, or keeping track of details? This might be solved by finding a system that works the way your brain does (for instance, I do very well with Trello, but some of my friends with ADHD tell me its visual format doesn’t work with their brains). Take some time to explore various systems and find what works for you.
• Are your math or writing skills weaker than you’d like? You can brush up with apps like Grammarly and resources such as Khan Academy. There are also community colleges or adult-learning options in many areas.
• If English isn’t your first language, you might want to get an understanding of your current English language skill level to see where you stand. Once you know your baseline, you can focus your time and energy on making the improvements you need for the role you want.

Not sure your experiences matter? This short video on how we learn might change your mind!

Look for Practical Ways To Close the Gaps

Once you’ve pinpointed the gaps in your career skillset, you’ll be able to choose how to build those skills. It’s worth noting that not every gap requires a degree or long-term commitment to close.

In many remote fields your options might include:

• Targeted online courses
• Short-term certification programs
• Hands-on practice projects

Any of these options can help you strengthen your skills and qualifications quickly. Plus, they show potential clients or employers that you’re serious about learning.  

Conclusion: Find Manageable Areas for Growth

Pinpointing the gaps in your career skillset isn’t about judging yourself. It’s about gaining clarity so you can move forward in a way that makes sense for you and your family. By studying real job descriptions, evaluating your skills, and determining how to close those gaps, you can better prepare yourself for a successful work-from-home career.