How to Get a Remote Job & redesign Your Life- She Hit Refresh Podcast
Are you dreaming of working from a beach in Bali or a café in Lisbon, but have no idea where to start? In this episode of She Hit Refresh, Michelle Coulson, CEO and founder of Remote Rebellion, who has helped hundreds of people land fully remote jobs and completely redesign their lives, shares actionable tips on how to get a remote job, common mistakes to avoid, and the realities of the digital nomad lifestyle.
From London Recruiter to Bali-Based Entrepreneur
Originally from the UK, Michelle spent over seven years working in the fast-paced world of recruitment. But everything changed during the pandemic. Like many of us, she was asked to work from home—but instead of staying in London, she booked a one-way ticket to Bali.
That temporary escape turned into a major life pivot. When the call to return to the office came in 2021, Michelle said no thanks, quit her job, and founded Remote Rebellion—a company that teaches people how to find remote jobs that align with their lifestyle goals and values.
Why Michelle Started Remote Rebellion
Michelle saw firsthand how people were craving more freedom and flexibility in their careers. Remote Rebellion was born out of her mission to show others that:
Remote work isn’t just for tech bros or freelancers.
You don’t need to be an influencer or start a business to work from anywhere.
The 9-5 office grind isn’t the only path to success.
Top Tips for Landing a Remote Job
In the episode, Michelle shares actionable strategies to help you stand out in the competitive remote job market:
✅ Tailor your CV and LinkedIn to remote-first companies.
✅ Showcase your remote-ready skills: communication, time management, and tech literacy.
✅ Get clear on your values and ideal lifestyle—and find companies that match.
✅ Use your network and don’t be afraid to ask for referrals.
Common Mistakes Remote Job Seekers Make
Even the most qualified candidates can make errors in their job search. According to Michelle, some of the biggest pitfalls include:
🚫 Applying to every remote job without direction
🚫 Not addressing remote-specific challenges in interviews
🚫 Underestimating the importance of culture fit in remote teams
The Truth About the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
It’s not all laptops on the beach. Michelle shares an honest look at the digital nomad experience:
You’ll still need Wi-Fi, structure, and discipline.
Remote work isn’t a magic fix—you’ll need to put in the effort to land the right role.
But yes, the freedom and flexibility can be life-changing.
The Importance of Rest in the Job Hunt
Job searching can be emotionally draining. Michelle emphasizes the importance of:
🧘♀️ Taking intentional breaks
💆♂️ Prioritizing mental health and self-care
🏖️ Trusting that the right opportunity will come when you’re aligned and ready
And visit Remote Rebellion to explore programs, free resources, and job listings curated for remote work seekers.
FAQs
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Not at all! While tech roles are common in the remote world, there are plenty of remote jobs in customer service, marketing, operations, HR, sales, project management, and more. Michelle recommends identifying your transferable skills and targeting roles that align with your background.
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Remote job applications often require you to demonstrate more than just your experience—you’ll need to prove you're self-motivated, organized, and able to communicate clearly across time zones and tools. Customizing your resume to highlight remote-specific skills is key.
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Red flags include vague job descriptions, poor grammar, requests for personal or financial information early in the process, or offers that seem “too good to be true.” Michelle suggests researching the company and looking for reviews on sites like Glassdoor or Trustpilot.