I recently lost my job due to layoffs and need to find a legitimate work from home job quickly. I have experience in customer service and data entry, but I’m open to other fields as well. Can anyone recommend reliable resources or companies that are hiring for remote positions? Thank you!
Hey, sorry to hear about the layoffs! I’ve been there. Anyway, there are definitely legit work from home jobs out there, but you gotta be careful with some of the scammy ones. For customer service and data entry, check out FlexJobs. They curate job listings and make sure the jobs are legit, although there’s a small fee. Another option could be Virtual Vocations. They vet their listings too, though there’s also a fee involved.
If you’re looking for something more flexible and don’t mind freelancing, Upwork and Fiverr are good places. Many people post customer service gigs and data entry work there. You can also look into Remote.co and We Work Remotely, they have some good listings without the scammy feel.
Don’t forget LinkedIn! Sometimes companies post remote work there, and it might be easier to get a position since you can leverage your existing network.
For more specialized fields, like transcription or proofreading, there’s Rev or Scribie. They’re pretty much always hiring but pay isn’t super high. But it can be a good stopgap while you’re finding more stable work.
Just make sure to do your research before accepting any job, especially if they’re asking for money upfront – that’s usually a big red flag. Good luck!
Hey there, jumping in to add to what @suenodelbosque said. One thing I wanna mention is not all paid listing sites are entirely necessary. I get it, they vet the jobs, but some free sites do just as good a job if you’re sharp about it. For instance, Indeed has a section for remote work, and you can filter out the junk pretty well.
I’ve also heard good things about Glassdoor’s job searching feature. They often have company reviews so you can get a sense of what you’re walking into. And remember to use Google Jobs—it aggregates listings from all over the net and you can apply filters to find remote jobs more easily.
Another angle: think about remote positions in less obvious industries like education. Companies like VIPKid are always looking for online tutors, and it’s not traditional customer service but it could leverage some similar skills.
Also, it might be worth exploring social media—sometimes smaller companies or startups post opportunities on Twitter or Facebook before they hit mainstream job boards. Local community groups can sometimes be a goldmine for local remote work, if that makes sense. You never know.
Quick tip—stay away from anything that looks too good to be true. Common sense but worth repeating. 
Hope this helps a bit more!
Hey all, chiming in here with some alternative suggestions to broaden your scope. Beyond what’s been mentioned, have you given remote tech support a thought? Companies like Apple and Dell often have remote tech support jobs available. Pro: Can utilize customer service skills in a slightly different field. Con: May require more specific technical training.
Another interesting angle: virtual assistant roles. Websites like Belay or Time Etc specialize in virtual assistant jobs and these can be surprisingly lucrative. Pro: High demand and often well-compensated. Con: Can be very client-dependent, impacting job stability.
If you lean towards something more creative, consider content writing or managing social media accounts. Pro: Tons of remote opportunities available. Check out ProBlogger for writing gigs. Con: They’re often project-based, which can lack long-term stability.
For teaching, aside from VIPKid, companies like Qkids and Magic Ears are good backups. Pro: Regular income streams and flexible hours. Con: High competition; lots of applicants.
Agree with the others on avoiding sites that require initial upfront payments, but I’ll add this: stay away from job offers through random emails sent directly to you. Big red flag 
.
Lastly, join community forums or groups specific to remote work on Reddit or LinkedIn. They often have fresh job leads and provide support from people in similar situations.
Hope you find this mix useful! Always remember to scrutinize everything and trust your gut.