Can I Work Remotely From Hawaii?
Aloha state is one of the dream spots for remote work for many professionals. While this type of work seems very appealing, it takes much more than a laptop and a plane ticket, not to mention finding work is much harder now.
Luckily, there are some programs that make it easier for Hawaii residents and remote workers to get a job. Read on to learn more.
Hawaii Programs for Remote Workers
Movers & Shakas is one of the state programs designed specifically for digital nomads looking to relocate to the Big Island for one month or more. It is aimed at bringing together mobile employees and returning those who have lived on the islands for a long time to keep contributing to the local economy.
Formed by business leaders and a group of local nonprofits in cooperation with the Hawaii government, the program came into effect in November 2020 intending to bolster and diversify the state economy.
Is Hawaii paying people to come? Last year, fifty candidates won a free round-trip flight to Oahu, which hosted remote workers from out of state. Unfortunately, only a select group of American remote workers took advantage of this scheme.
Other applications were accepted on a rolling basis. The catch is that newcomers were required to set aside several hours of their time every week to an education nonprofit that was assigned based on their skillset.
Another project worth mentioning is the Hawaii Remote Work Program. This pilot program offers expanded job opportunities to residents, allowing them to live and work remotely from Hawaii while providing various services to national, global, and local businesses like FCH enterprises parent company.
The goal is to stimulate the most efficient economic and industrial development efforts through different demonstration and research projects. If you are interested in relocating temporarily and working remotely, stay up to date with remote work programs in Hawaii.
Can I Work Remotely from Hawaii?
Yes, you can work from Hawaii. However, keep in mind that people who work remotely from the Aloha state face a lot of challenges along with the rewards. While the reality is quite bumpy these days, it should not discourage you from moving your WFH ‘office’ to Hawaii.
Wi-Fi strength and stability should be at the top of your list when relocating to the islands, because not all regions provide a reliable connection. This is particularly true for rural areas that lack cellular infrastructure or robust broadband.
Before flying to HNL (HONOLULU INTERNATIONAL) airport, get a better idea of island life. Read through residents’ reviews about life on the islands to make sure it meets your expectations. It is also a good idea to check housing and living expenses in Hawaii beforehand.
Today, there are a lot of websites offering job opportunities on the islands, but you can Browse Hawaii jobs at our website here.
Are Jobs Hard to Get in Hawaii?
You may be wondering, why is it so hard to get a job in Hawaii? The coronavirus pandemic has dramatically affected Hawaii’s economy. As a result, employment in the hospitality and leisure sector dropped about 50 percent in 2020. The situation has caused reductions across other sectors as well.
Furthermore, the global economic recession has caused the housing and consumer prices to keep rising in Hawaii, just like in most other states. It already has some of the highest living expenses in the country, which adds to the challenges in getting a job today.
There’s another thing that makes it more difficult for job seekers to find employment – it relates to occupational licensing laws. Chances are slim you have ever heard of these laws unless you’ve sought job positions like an auctioneer, massage therapist, painter, or cosmetologist.
Working in particular fields, including these jobs, involves getting government permission. As you may assume, licensing requirements for middle and low-income jobs are extremely burdensome in Hawaii. Many people can’t afford the expensive fees as well as training for jobs that require a license.