Unlocking Remote Work: How I Started Earning in USD from Anywhere

Manousos A. Klados
1 day ago
6 min read

Updated: 3 hours ago

I still remember the day I realized I didn’t have to be tied to a 9-to-5 office. One evening, stuck in traffic after another long day, I scrolled on my phone and stumbled upon a blog about digital nomads. There were people out there coding from beach cafés and designing marketing campaigns from mountain cabins — all while getting paid in US dollars. As someone living outside the U.S., the idea of earning a salary from US company (much higher salaries than my local ones) was thrilling. That night, I decided I wanted the remote work lifestyle, not just for the flexibility, but also for the financial stability of a USD income. Little did I know that decision would kickstart a journey that changed my life.

My Journey to the Remote Work Lifestyle

When I first told friends and family about my plan, many were skeptical. “Is that even a real thing — working from home for a foreign company?” they would ask. To be honest, I had my doubts too. I spent weeks researching, reading success stories, and brushing up my skills. I remember landing my first freelance gig with a U.S. client — a writing assignment that paid in USD. It was a small project, but seeing those dollars in my account felt like winning a prize. More importantly, it proved this lifestyle was possible. Each small victory (a freelance project here, a remote contract there) built my confidence and my portfolio. Soon, I had a taste of the freedom — no more daily commute, clients from across the globe, and the ability to work in pajamas (at least from the waist down on video calls!).

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. In the beginning, I faced rejections and the confusion of navigating international contracts and time zones. I learned that landing great remote jobs requires more than just luck — it requires strategy and persistence. Over time, I picked up some crucial tips that made all the difference.

Tips for Landing Your Own Remote Job

Breaking into remote work can feel daunting, but here are a few lessons from my journey that might help you too:

Build a Portfolio & Online Presence: One of the first things I did was create a portfolio website to showcase my work. Whether you’re a developer, writer, designer, or marketer, having an online portfolio or a strong LinkedIn profile can help you stand out. If you’re just starting, consider taking small freelance gigs to build up examples of what you can do. A well-crafted portfolio not only demonstrates your skills but also tells your story in a way that resonates with remote employers. (In fact, on freelance platforms like Upwork, a strong profile and portfolio can help you land well-paying gigs .)
Apply Strategically (Quality over Quantity): Early on, I made the mistake of sending generic applications everywhere. It’s far more effective to target your applications. Research the company and role, and tailor your résumé and cover letter for each position. Highlight skills that remote employers value — self-discipline, communication, time management — and any experience you have working independently. Recruiters often seek these remote-work skills on your resume , so don’t be shy about emphasizing them. Use keywords from the job description and mention your familiarity with remote tools (Slack, Zoom, etc.) if relevant. In short, show them you’re not just a great candidate, but a great remote candidate. (Pro tip I picked up: always customize your application to show you’re a fit for that specific remote role .)
Stay Consistent and Be Patient: Finding a remote job, especially one that pays in USD, won’t happen overnight. In my case, I treated the job hunt like a job itself — setting aside time each day to search, apply, and follow up. You might send out dozens of applications before hearing back, and that’s okay. The key is to keep at it and not get discouraged by rejection. Every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.” I also kept updating my skills during slow periods — taking an online course here, improving my English there — so that I was ready when opportunity knocked. Remember, persistence pays off. Stay active on platforms, keep networking, and continuously refine your approach. With consistency, the right opportunity will come along. If you stay ready, you won’t have to get ready when that dream offer appears.

Now, on to the treasure trove of resources that can help you in your search — the websites and platforms where remote jobs thrive.

5 Platforms to Find Remote Jobs

When I started out, I had no idea where to look for legitimate remote jobs. Over time I discovered a wealth of job boards and platforms dedicated to remote work. Below I’ve compiled 30 of the best online platforms (many that I personally used or explored) that connect you with remote opportunities — all paying in USD. I’ve also noted what each platform is best for (whether it’s freelance gigs, full-time roles, tech jobs, etc.). Happy browsing!

Himalayas

If you want filters that actually matter — time-zone, salary band, tech stack — Himalayas delivers. The site curates 85 000 + live remote jobs across tech, design, marketing and operations, and even throws in free AI résumé and mock-interview tools for job-seekers.

DailyRemote

DailyRemote feels like the “Google Flights” of remote work: a clean engine that sweeps dozens of sources daily and drops them into 15+ categories (software, writing, customer success, you name it). You can set granular alerts or just browse the continuously updated feed of worldwide, USD-paying roles.

Remote Rocketship

Think of Remote Rocketship as a giant radar dish scanning 100 000 + postings from remote-first companies. What sets it apart is the extra context: visa sponsorship flags, entry-level tags, and country-specific views (e.g., “Remote jobs in Greece”) — handy if you need an employer who can hire where you live.

Remote.io

One of the oldest indie boards on the scene, Remote.io focuses on startups and high-growth tech firms. All listings are vetted for 100 % remote compatibility, and the board routinely features roles from seed-stage companies right up to FAANG-scale enterprises. A quick profile lets recruiters approach you directly.

Arc.dev

Formerly “CodementorX,” Arc evolved into a full remote-work marketplace. Upload one profile and let Arc’s matching engine surface roles that fit your time-zone and skill set; companies then apply to you. While it began with developers, Arc now lists design, product and even operations jobs — always remote-first, and often US-dollar denominated.

Conclusion: Go After Your Remote Dream 💪

Embarking on a remote work journey changed my life. It gave me the flexibility to design my own schedule, the opportunity to collaborate with people across continents, and the financial benefit of earning in strong salaries. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re dreaming about that change too. My advice? Go for it. Start exploring the platforms above, even if it’s just a few applications a week. Keep building your skills and portfolio, stay persistent, and don’t be afraid of starting small.

Every big success in remote work (mine included) started with that first small step — be it a tiny freelance gig or a single job application sent into the void. Use the resources here, learn from each rejection, and celebrate each win. The world of remote work is expanding every day, and there’s a place in it for you. With determination and the right tools, you can land that remote job and start earning in USD no matter where you are.

So grab your laptop, brew your favorite coffee, and take that leap. Your future remote self is cheering you on. Happy job hunting!