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Choose the most suitable work style for your current stage of life
Various work styles?
Do you have worries such as you haven’t worked in some time in order to rear children or care for family members, you have little work experience, you feel unsure if you can manage both your job and housework, you want to try something new, or you still want to work after leaving a previous job?
What about a "work style" that allows you to select something you are interested in, or something you can do without time and location constraints?
Kobe City is aiming at creating an environment where everyone who wants to work can freely select the work style that suits each person's given stage of life and demonstrate his/her ability without giving up work for various life events.
One of our approaches is "various work styles" from which each individual can choose the most suitable work style for the given life stage. This page introduces one "various work style", "working from home".
Working from home
Working from home eliminates the need to commute to work, and it is typically either "teleworking" or "crowdsourcing".
The following briefly describes teleworking and crowdsourcing.
What is teleworking?
If you are "teleworking", you work from home or somewhere other than the company office. There are "employed teleworkers" and "self-employed teleworkers".
Employed teleworkers are employed by an enterprise and work from remotely. They may work from home or while being away or on the move.
Self-employed teleworkers are not employed by an enterprise, but rather act as the business owner and take orders from their clients. Self-employed teleworkers need to have skills to secure orders and carry out marketing activities to their clients as the business owners.
What is crowdsourcing?
Crowdsourcing refers to "outsourcing work to an unspecific crowd". Orders are placed by clients and taken by crowdworkers on designated Internet sites (crowdsourcing sites). The difference from self-employed teleworking is that both parties deal via crowdsourcing sites. These sites eliminate the need for marketing; therefore, crowdworkers can select work within their capacities even if they do not have specific skills.
"Crowdsourcing" work style
Features of crowdsourcing
This page describes crowdsourcing, which is an easy option to start when you are "working from home" even if you are not employed by an enterprise and have little experience in working from home.
How crowdsourcing works
Clients who outsource work and crowdworkers who undertake work place and take orders on designated Internet sites (crowdsourcing sites). Clients are normally enterprises and they advertise the work they want to outsource to crowdworkers on crowdsourcing sites. Crowdworkers check the conditions such as the contents of the work, delivery date, required skill level, etc. and apply for the work that they want to undertake.
Crowdsourcing sites: Matching sites for clients and crowdworkers
Crowdsourcing business owner: Business owner who runs the crowdsourcing site.
Clients: Enterprises and individuals who outsource work using crowdsourcing.
Crowdworkers: Individuals who undertake work through crowdsourcing.
Features of crowdsourcing
When undertaking work as an individual, normally you meet your client (enterprise or individual) as part of marketing activities. You also need to negotiate conditions of the contract, delivery method, payment method, etc. individually with the client.
On the other hand, these procedures are not necessary in crowdsourcing.
The following 2 points are typical features of crowdsourcing.
- You can undertake work from various and new clients (enterprise and individual) as long as the conditions are met.
- Contract exchange, work, delivery, and payment are all done on the crowdsourcing site.
In other words, crowdsourcing allows you to search a number of posted work items on crowdsourcing sites for a piece of work that interests you and suits your plan, and work at a convenient time and place as long as you have the Internet connection. Undertaking work is a smooth task because all procedures are carried out on the crowdsourcing site.
Flow from the order to completion of work through crowdsourcing
Register to a crowdsourcing site. Although it varies depending on the site, normally you need to enter your "name", "sex", "address", and "e-mail address".
Various types of jobs (projects) are published on crowdsourcing sites. Look for a job that suits you.
Describe "reason for the application", "delivery date", "amount of work you will be able to do", "how much time you can spend on work", etc. in your message, and wait for the client's reply.
Conclude the contract if you are happy with the proposed job and client's reply. Confirm any unclear points with the client before concluding the contract.
The client then pays a deposit to the crowdsourcing business owner. It is part of the crowdsourcing system that "the remuneration is paid by the client to the crowdsourcing business owner as a deposit after concluding the contract, before placing the order ". (The remuneration paid by the client is paid to the crowdworker by the crowdsourcing business owner after delivery.) The contract is consolidated when the deposit is paid, and you can start the work.
Do the obtained job to meet the delivery date agreed with the client. Send a message to the client if you have any questions.
Deliver the work in the way specified by the client.
Wait while the client is checking the delivered work.
If the delivered work satisfies the client, the agreed remuneration will become payable. The payable remuneration will be paid into the account specified by the crowdworker on the payment date of the given crowdsourcing site. (* Some crowdsourcing sites may deduct a system usage charge from the remuneration.)
The client will give review on the work and you can also assess the client. Clients assess items such as "the quality of the delivered work" and "if the work was done on schedule". Obtaining work will be easier if you get good reviews from the client. Crowdworkers assess items such as if the client was "clear about the request" and "communicated smoothly". The work is complete after each party reviews the other. (* Whether the review takes place and review items vary depend on the crowdsourcing site.)
How to start crowdsourcing
Crowdsourcing work
Hundreds of types among thousands of projects are posted on crowdsourcing sites every day. Some projects can be done by unskilled workers and some difficult projects require professional freelancers.
You can try something you can handle to begin with, and gradually increase the level as you get used to the work.
The following table shows typical examples of work through crowdsourcing:
| Type | Description | Required items | Examples | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common among all types | Crowdsourced work | Internet connection E-mail address Bank account |
||
| Questionnaire | Give feedback and opinion on using products or services (choices, words). | PC or smartphone | Respond to a simple questionnaire concerning the product! | Many can be filled out from smartphones. Use your free time and respond efficiently. |
| Data entry and information collection | Organize a large amount of data or search and enter information. | PC Excel, etc. |
Search and summarize published company information (name of the president, address, capital fund, business contents). | Work efficiency is the key. Select a large project that you can continue intermittently. |
| Tape transcription, dictation |
Transcribe interviews and letters in books into text data. | PC Word, etc. |
Transcribe an interview (approx. 120 minutes)! | Speed of typing is the most important. Practice first and write accurately. |
| Administrative assistant | Carry out internal office work such as accounting, secretarial, customer support work from home. | PC Word, Excel, etc. |
Customer support via e-mail from home wanted. | The work resembles the client's internal office work. Quick response and frequent reporting are important. |
| Writing | Write articles to be published on the Internet. | PC (smartphone) Word, etc. |
Write a book review article (1,000 characters or more). | Observe the regulations (writing rules) strictly and create a unique article. |
| Translation | Translate proposals, e-mails, and websites into foreign languages or Japanese. | PC | Translator for e-mails wanted! | Accuracy of the sentences is essential. |
| Image processing | Clip images, change colors or backgrounds, etc. using image processing software. | PC Photoshop |
Image processing (clipping images, removing backgrounds) for E-commerce. | You need to be able to use Photoshop. Basic image processing skills are required. |
| Video making | Edit videos mainly to be posted on the Internet. | PC Video editing software |
Edit a video advertisement (30 seconds) for a SNS site. Material and structure will be provided. | Start with short videos under a minute. |
| Logo and illustration making | Create logos, illustrations, banners, etc. | PC Illustrator |
Create a web advertisement banner to promote a product. | Get experience in open competitions while you do not have your own clients. |
| Printed matter and DTP designing | Create leaflets, pamphlets, posters, etc. | PC Photoshop Illustrator |
Create a leaflet for an event. A4 one-sided color | Get your previous work ready to show to the client. |
| Website designing and making | Create websites and landing pages. Also code CSS and HTML. | PC Photoshop Illustrator |
Create a landing page for advertising a product. | Expand the client range by mastering both designing and coding. |
| System development | Implement systems for clients' business. | PC Development editor tool Test tool |
Develop a customer management system for online shopping services. | Try projects that require new technologies and languages to keep yourself up to date. |
| Application development | Develop apps for smartphones. | PC Development editor tool Test tool |
Develop an electronic medical interview app. | Use popular UX designs as reference. |
Notes on starting crowdsourcing
This page describes what you need to be careful about in order to safely work through crowdsourcing.
When looking for work on a crowdsourcing site, information such as the client's "order history" and "review by crowdworkers" helps you select a client. (* Whether the review is available or not depends on the crowdsourcing site.)
Clients with a long order history are used to dealing with crowdworkers, and thus you will probably find it comfortable to work with them; for example, their delivery date settings are likely to be appropriate and their instructions on the deliverables are likely to be clear. You will feel more at ease if other crowdworkers have commented, "They provided me with detailed instructions", "They had a useful manual", etc.
Select work that has detailed work descriptions. Clarify with the client if you have any questions on the deliverables, delivery date, or work contents, before concluding the contract if possible.
You will have to correct what you have already delivered if you do not make queries or deliver something that is "not what the client wanted". You will not be paid for the time you spend on corrections, so the work would thus be wasted.
The contract is not consolidated until the client pays the deposit. Even if you start working before the deposit payment, it is possible that trouble may occur such that "the order was not placed, and thus the remuneration has not been paid" in the end. Therefore, wait until the client pays the deposit, and then start working.
Crowdsourcing FAQ
About orders
A: Yes. Select work that you can do without overextending yourself to gain experience. You can expect the unit price and the number of orders to increase when you have experience.
A: Projects marked as "Recommended for beginners" or projects posted by clients with a long order history. Some crowdsourcing sites publish the number of orders placed by the clients or reviews by crowdworkers on the work details page. Use such information as a reference.
About clients
A: In many cases you can negotiate conditions such as the amount and delivery date using the messaging function on the crowdsourcing site (* varies depending on the ordering method on the crowdsourcing site and the client).
A: (1) Clients who demand direct dealing before concluding contracts.
You must be careful if the client demands direct communication without using the messaging function on the crowdsourcing site before concluding the contract. As long as you are communicating on the crowdsourcing site, messages are kept in the site; therefore, the crowdsourcing business owner can provide support to resolve the trouble. However, their support will be limited if you directly communicate without going through the crowdsourcing site because they cannot be aware of the whole situation.
(2) Clients who order work that involves incurring expenses
You must be careful if the client demands crowdworkers to bear expenses such as to purchase something on behalf of them, register for a chargeable membership, or join a business network. Such orders are likely to be a breach of regulations of the crowdsourcing site. Consult with the crowdsourcing business owner before taking the order.
(3) Clients who ask for personal information without clear purposes
You must be careful if the client asks for personal information without clear purposes. Check why the information is required, and consult with the crowdsourcing business owner before giving the information to the client.
Handling of personal information
A: Check if the crowdsourcing site has the policy on handling of personal information that is published.
Many crowdsourcing sites have disclaimers such as "We require your personal information such as your address and telephone number for authentication purposes; however, such information will not be disclosed without your consent or used for any other purposes." In general, personal information is not shared with clients. Contact the crowdsourcing business owner if you are in doubt.
Be careful if your client asks for your personal information. Check why the information is required and if it is essential for the business, and consult with the crowdsourcing business owner if it can be justified.
A: The amount of information varies depending on the crowdsourcing site. Normally your "name", "sex", "address", and "e-mail address" are required for authentication purposes.
Also, your bank account is required to receive payment. Generally crowdsourcing business owners make payments to crowdworkers; therefore, the account information will not be passed on to clients.
Troubles concerning contracts
A: Because of the general practice of the "deposit" system, the remuneration is paid to the crowdsourcing business owner in advance. Consult the crowdsourcing business owner if trouble occurs, such as you are unable to contact the client after the delivery.
A: Contact the client as early as possible if you think you might not be able to complete the work by the specified delivery date. If you contact them early enough, the client can take action such as to employ another crowdworker.
If you deliver something that is not what the client expected, normally you will receive a "correction request". Correct your work according to the request.
Consult the crowdsourcing business owner if the work contents differ significantly or the volume of the work increases drastically from the initial contract.
Most cases can be solved if you "inform early about the delay" or "deal with the correction request". Also, the consequence of a failed delivery by a crowdworker is non-payment of the remuneration in general, rather than a penalty payment. However, the possibility of the client's making some payment demand cannot be completely ruled out in some special cases where the client suffers a considerable loss. Consult with the crowdsourcing business owner as early as possible if you feel there might be trouble.
Crowdworkers voices!
Active crowdworker in 60s
Profile
Mr. A (male in 60s)
I live with my wife. Previously I worked as a technical marketing staff member for a major electrical equipment manufacturer. Since leaving the company, I have been working as a financial planner as well as a crowdworker (mainly in writing (*Note 1)).
* Note 1. Writing indicates creating articles. I cover a wide range of articles of various difficulties.
Initially I was a client in crowdsourcing to create a logo for a company I started after leaving the previous company.
While I was feeling anxious about getting many people to visit my site, I came across a concept called SEO strategies (*Note 2). Sites with useful contents or sites that are updated with the latest information are highly ranked on search engine results pages, thereby increasing visibility.
So I thought, "I might be able to write articles with effective SEO strategies to attract more visitors to my company's site if I gain experience in writing articles as a crowdworker".
* Note 2. SEO strategies: Strategies to be ranked highly on the search engine results page after key word searches.
Once I made a mistake by applying for a writing project in an area I was not interested in, and found it very difficult to create sentences.
I am writing explanation articles on health food at the moment. I am interested in health issues considering my age, and feel eager to research and write. The unit price was initially low; however, it has increased by 1.6 times after half a year. I suppose the point is not to worry about the unit price to begin with, and gain experience continuously by writing in your area of interest.
First, I want my current client to order subsequent projects, and also I want to try larger writing projects and projects in which I can use my knowledge of financial planning. I think I can improve my writing skills by doing so because larger writing projects and specialized writing projects require skills in constructing sentences and greater volumes of information. When I am equipped with sufficient writing skills, I want to publish my articles on my company's site and make it attractive to many visitors. I am hoping to write about 20 articles for my company's site this year.
Working for myself while coping with a chronic disease
Profile
Ms. B (female in 40s)
I work as a part-timer 2 days a week, and as a crowdworker (writing and answering questionnaires) the rest of the time. Despite having to cope with a chronic disease, I am able to continue my style of life thanks to an understanding workplace and colleagues, as well as crowdsourcing.
I lost my previous part-time job owing to the employer's circumstances. It was difficult to find a suitable position because I have a chronic disease and tend to become unwell in particular seasons. Then someone told me about crowdsourcing. I felt it would be great to be able to work whenever my physical condition allows, and decided to try it. Although I found a job afterwards, I can still continue crowdsourcing work while commuting to the office if I pick something like answering questionnaires. I found it helpful to be able to adjust the workload depending on my physical condition and changes in the workplace environment.
Currently I am avoiding long-term projects because I am caring for someone; however, I would like to work with clients who place regular orders when things are more settled. If I have long-term projects, I do not have to search for work each time and hopefully the crowdsourcing income will become stable. My current employer is very understanding about my physical condition, and thus I am hoping to balance office work and home work well.
My dream came true through crowdworking
Profile
Mr. C (male in 30s)
I am a freelance designer and have three children. Recently, I am trying to build a community such as by holding local design classes and exchange meetings while working as an illustrator through crowdsourcing.
I worked in the printing industry before becoming a freelancer. Although I studied illustration in vocational school, making a living by illustrating was difficult, so I had given up my dream to be an illustrator. I came across crowdsourcing by accident and decided to try illustration work as a second job through it.
First I created many illustrations and posted them to competitions. I thought, "I must increase the number of illustrations I create, even if they are not selected!" Then I gradually understood how to be selected. I was very happy when my illustration was recognized and selected for the first time. Once my work was selected in competitions, the number of stable clients increased, and I eventually decided to become a freelance illustrator. Crowdsourcing gave me confidence to go freelance.
Recently I am especially enthusiastic about holding "crowdsourcing exchange meetings" and "beginners' design classes". Freelancers often work alone at home; therefore, they tend to have problems such as not having someone to consult or not knowing how to grow. That is why I think it is important to create a local community where we can exchange information on crowdsourcing or seek advice. In the long term, I would like to create teams within the community and take orders as a team. I often have to decline projects that I cannot do alone; however, we can take orders more efficiently if we work as a team and use each member's strength.
Working at my own pace as a mother
Profile
Ms. D (female in 30s)
I work through crowdsourcing while raising 2 children. I spend 3 to 4 hours per day on mainly data entry, and rest of the time on housework and child rearing.
I normally check the following conditions when I am looking for work.
- No fixed work hours
- Deliver when you finish (no fixed delivery date)
- Likely to have subsequent orders
Since I am rearing children, it is difficult to work for specified hours, and the amount of work done is dependent on whether children have an afternoon nap. Therefore, it is easier with the type of work without a delivery date, such as "deliver when you have finished 100 items". Also, it is better to have continual orders because familiarity with the tasks is important in administrative work, such as data entry.
It is not difficult to find work in crowdsourcing even if one has conditions like mine because of the sheer number of available jobs. Finding work that suits the required work style is a great advantage of working through crowdsourcing.
In my case, I came across crowdsourcing when I became pregnant. I was fortunate enough to have a good client and was able to work without straining myself. However, I feel there are many people who "want to work but do not know how" and "are not confident in working through crowdsourcing". I hope I can do something to encourage more people to try crowdsourcing in the future.
Running a café while working as an IT engineer
Profile
Mr. E (male in 30s)
After graduation I joined an IT venture company and worked as a systems engineer for 6 years before becoming an independent IT engineer. Now my wife and I run a café, and I use leisure time to work as a system developer through crowdsourcing.
While I was working in a company, it was my dream to own a café one day. I came across crowdsourcing through the Internet and determined that "I can make a living by taking system development work through this without being employed by a company", and became independent 3 years ago. Now my wife and I own our dream café and are able to spend more time with the family. I mainly do system development work obtained through crowdsourcing while the café is not busy or after closing time.
It was difficult to get orders immediately after registration to a crowdsourcing site. I could not get well-paid jobs before my participation history eventually grew. However, I tried not to be impatient and worked sincerely. I gradually built up my record by repeating "search and apply", and started to win some clients who place continuous orders. Also, the probability of winning new orders has naturally improved. Recently, crowdworkers are creating teams to take on large projects that one cannot do alone.
