Top Jobs, Remote Work & Expat Income Ideas
Living abroad changes your perspective on money, work, and lifestyle. I’ve learned this first-hand after moving from South Carolina to Indonesia more than two decades ago. At first, I wasn’t sure how I would make things work financially—but I quickly discovered that making a living abroad isn’t about replicating your U.S. income. It’s about finding the opportunities that fit your skills, the local economy, and today’s global digital marketplace.
Below I’ll share some of the best ways Americans (and others) can earn an income while living overseas—mixed with insights from my own journey.
1. Remote Work & Online Jobs
The internet has opened doors for expats like never before. Many Americans abroad support themselves entirely online.
- Freelancing: Skills like writing, graphic design, web development, and digital marketing are in demand globally.
- Remote employment: Some U.S. companies allow employees to work from abroad, provided time zones can be managed.
- Virtual assistance: Administrative, social media, and customer support roles can be done from anywhere.
My take: I’ve built websites and digital projects from Indonesia that connect with clients and readers worldwide. If you can work from a laptop, you can work from almost anywhere.
2. Teaching English & Education Jobs
For decades, teaching English has been a go-to income source for Americans overseas.
- ESL (English as a Second Language): Many Asian countries actively recruit English teachers.
- Online teaching: Platforms like VIPKid and Cambly let you teach remotely.
- Private tutoring: High demand in cities with large student populations.
Tip: If you have a degree and TEFL certification, opportunities expand significantly.
3. Entrepreneurship & Small Business Abroad
Starting a small business abroad can be rewarding, though it requires patience and knowledge of local regulations.
- Hospitality & tourism: Guesthouses, cafés, or tour services in expat-friendly destinations.
- Import/export: Selling local products abroad (like I’ve done with Indonesian furniture and design).
- Online business: Dropshipping, affiliate marketing, or e-commerce stores targeting global customers.
My take: Running businesses abroad has taught me resilience and creativity. It’s not always easy, but the freedom of building something across cultures is worth it.
4. Real Estate & Property Rentals
Some expats earn income by investing in housing or short-term rentals.
- Vacation rentals: Platforms like Airbnb can generate steady income in tourist hubs.
- Long-term rentals: Affordable housing markets in Asia can offer strong returns.
- Property management: Assisting other expats or investors with their real estate.
Warning: Property laws for foreigners vary greatly—always research restrictions before investing.
5. Local Employment
While salaries may be lower than in the U.S., working locally can be fulfilling.
- NGOs & charities: Opportunities in development, education, and health.
- Specialized roles: If you have unique skills (engineering, healthcare, IT), you may find local demand.
- Corporate positions: Multinationals in Asia sometimes hire expats for regional offices.
Note: Local work usually requires a formal work visa.
6. Retirement Income Abroad
For retirees, Social Security or pensions can stretch much further in Asia than in the U.S.
- Social Security benefits: Transferable to many countries.
- Pensions or retirement savings: Often go further with lower living costs.
- Part-time income: Retirees often supplement retirement with side projects or consulting.
My personal example: My $1,700 Social Security income provides a comfortable lifestyle in Indonesia—covering housing, food, transport, and even some travel. What might feel tight in the U.S. feels abundant here.
7. Creative Pursuits & Side Hustles
Living abroad can inspire new ways of earning:
- Writing & blogging: Sharing your experiences can build an audience and income stream.
- YouTube & digital content: Travel, culture, and lifestyle channels can monetize through ads and sponsorships.
- Crafts & local art: Selling handmade goods locally or online.
Final Thoughts
Making a living abroad isn’t about chasing the highest salary—it’s about creating a lifestyle that balances income with the benefits of living overseas. For me, it’s been a mix of entrepreneurship, digital work, and living simply in a place where money stretches further.
If you’re considering making the move, think about your skills, your passions, and how you can adapt them to the opportunities around you. With creativity and flexibility, you can not only survive abroad—you can thrive.