How to Find Remote Jobs in Unconventional Sectors

When people think of remote work, they often imagine tech jobs—software development, digital marketing, or customer support. But what if your passion or expertise lies in something less conventional? The good news is that remote opportunities exist in nearly every field—you just need to know where to look and how to position yourself.

In this article, we’ll break down how to find remote jobs in unconventional sectors, where to look, and how to stand out in a less competitive but often overlooked job market.

Many people assume that some careers simply can’t be remote. However, industries that traditionally require in-person work are increasingly adopting digital workflows. Here are some examples:

• Healthcare & Therapy – Telehealth services, virtual therapy, medical writing, and online health coaching. Related: How to Monetize Your Storytelling Skills (Even If You’re Not a Writer)
• Education & Training – Online tutoring, curriculum development, instructional design, and e-learning content creation. Related: The One Remote Skill That Takes Only 30 Days to Master & Pays Well
• Law & Legal Services – Remote paralegal work, contract review, legal consulting, and compliance analysis.
• Science & Research – Data analysis, remote lab work collaboration, technical writing, and research assistance.
• Art & Culture – Virtual museum guides, online art curation, remote art restoration consulting, and digital storytelling.
• Environmental & Agriculture – Remote conservation projects, digital mapping (GIS), climate research, and online agricultural consulting.

The key is to explore how your skills can transition into an online setting. If you’re unsure, start by researching whether anyone in your field is already working remotely—chances are, they are.

Since unconventional remote jobs aren’t always listed on mainstream job boards, knowing where to search is essential. Here are some lesser-known platforms that cater to niche and non-tech fields:

• We Work Remotely (weworkremotely.com) – Good for writing, education, and legal work. Related: Forget Upwork: 5 Unknown Websites to Land Remote Jobs
• FlexJobs (flexjobs.com) – Curated job listings in a variety of sectors, including healthcare, non-profits, and research.
• Outsourcely (outsourcely.com) – Great for project-based remote work in journalism, education, and consulting.
• Remotive (remotive.io) – Includes some unique job categories like mental health, coaching, and sustainability.
• AngelList (angel.co/jobs) – If you’re interested in working remotely for a startup, this is a great place to find unconventional roles.

In addition, don’t ignore LinkedIn. Many recruiters now post remote job opportunities directly, especially in industries where remote work is still gaining traction.

Even if you have the skills for a remote job, employers need to see that you can work independently, manage your time, and communicate effectively online. Here’s how to highlight this:

• Emphasize Remote-Ready Skills – Include experience with project management tools (Trello, Asana), communication platforms (Slack, Zoom), and any independent work you’ve done. Related: Maximizing Your Productivity: Tips for Balancing Multiple Remote Gigs
• Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile – Add “Open to Remote Work” to your profile and mention remote-friendly skills in your summary.
• Create a Digital Portfolio – Even if your field isn’t traditionally portfolio-based, having a personal website or online showcase of your work can make you stand out. Related: The Ultimate Guide to Writing Viral Blog Posts
• Get Testimonials – If you’ve worked remotely before, request recommendations on LinkedIn to validate your ability to work in a virtual setting.

Many unconventional remote jobs don’t make it to public job boards—they’re filled through networking. Here’s how to tap into hidden job markets:

• Join Industry-Specific Online Communities – Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups, and forums related to your profession often have job postings. Related: How to Market Yourself and Get High-Paying Clients
• Attend Virtual Conferences & Webinars – Many industries now offer online events where you can meet employers and professionals who might know of remote openings.
• Cold Outreach – If you admire a company or professional working remotely in your field, don’t hesitate to send a message asking about potential opportunities.

If you’re unsure where to start, search “[your field] + remote work community” on Google and see what comes up.

Sometimes, landing a full-time remote job in an unconventional sector requires building a track record first. Freelancing or contract work can help you transition:

• Use Platforms Like Upwork or Fiverr – These can be good starting points to test remote work in your industry.
• Look for Part-Time Remote Gigs – Websites like PeoplePerHour and Freelancer often have niche opportunities that can help you gain experience.
• Offer Consulting Services – If you have industry experience, you can start by offering consultations to clients online.

Many companies first hire remote workers on a freelance or contract basis before offering full-time positions.

Finding remote jobs in unconventional sectors may take longer than in tech-heavy industries, but it’s absolutely possible. Stay flexible and continue learning new skills that make you a strong remote worker. Courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning can help you stand out. Related: The 3 High-Income Skills That’ll Be in Demand for the Next 10 Years

Lastly, don’t get discouraged. Many employers are still adapting to remote work in non-traditional fields, but the shift is happening. If you position yourself well, you’ll be ahead of the curve.

Remote jobs in unconventional sectors do exist—you just need the right approach to find them. By identifying remote-friendly roles, using the right job platforms, optimizing your online presence, networking strategically, and considering freelance work as a stepping stone, you can successfully transition into remote work in a field you love.

Stay patient, keep refining your approach, and soon enough, you’ll land the remote job that fits your passion and expertise.