By Kelli Brewer
Feeling hesitant to head back to your frontline job in 2021? You’re not alone! In fact, Oregon employers in restaurant, lodging, and other customer-facing industries are facing unprecedented hiring challenges in the wake of the pandemic.
If you’re ready to start working again but don’t feel safe returning to a frontline job, remote work offers a solution. However, there are a few things Oregonians should know as they prepare to go remote.
First up, your rights as a worker in Oregon.
- Have questions about your rights during the pandemic? Learn how to handle common employment scenarios during COVID-19, including what to do if you’re being asked to work in unsafe conditions.
- Oregonians should also understand their rights as a remote employee, such as entitlement to breaks and overtime pay.
- S. veterans who qualify for Protected Veteran Status have additional rights under the law.
- Employee misclassification is a major problem in the remote workforce. Learn what distinguishes employees from independent contractors and what to do if you believe you’ve been misclassified.
Wondering the best way to start working from home? Try one of these strategies for going remote.
- While some companies are sticking with remote work, others are calling employees back to the office. Read this article for strategies on how to ask your boss for an exception.
- Rather than fight an uphill battle with an inflexible employer, some workers are leaving for remote-friendly companies. Many leading employers in Oregon have embraced remote work so you’ll have plenty of options.
- Veterans should consider remote civil service jobs. Qualified military veterans receive hiring preference for civil service positions in Oregon.
- Workers can also strike out on their own as freelancers. To assess your freelance earning potential, research the going rate in your field — for example, freelance graphic design prices — and factor overhead costs and self-employment taxes to estimate take-home pay.
Are you thinking of starting a home business in Portland? Starting a business offers greater growth potential than freelancing, but there are a few things to know first.
- Businesses are required to register with the City of Portland and Multnomah County. Home-based businesses may also need a Home Occupation Permit.
- Zoning may limit what type of business you can operate from your home. Homeowners and renters can check their neighborhood’s zoning at portlandmaps.om.
- Starting a business after military service? Oregon Veterans Mean Business provides advising, training, and support for veteran business owners. Veterans can access this program at four locations in the state.
Frontline jobs aren’t the only way to get back to work in 2021. Remote work offers safety, flexibility, and opportunity for Oregonians. However, telecommuting has challenges of its own. From knowing your rights as a remote employee to understanding home business regulations, the resources we have shared can help you navigate remote work in Portland.
