I’m based in South Africa and have always worked remotely for US companies. My last role started mid-2023, I then decided to leave that near the end of 2024 and take some time off. I've been job hunting for about a month again non-stop with no luck—just a flood of automated rejections.
Admittedly, my CV sits in that weird mid-senior limbo where I’m somehow both over- and under-qualified in my industry. I’ve only ever worked US time zones, so I doubt time difference is the main issue. I also can’t really take local roles because the pay is usually half of what I’d make internationally.
Lately I’ve noticed more US companies asking for “remote but local” hires — same time zone remote work. Maybe legal stuff or a shift back toward in-office culture? Curious if anyone else has seen this too. How are you navigating it? I’m thinking of shifting focus to Australia (better time zone overlap), but it’s frustrating feeling boxed in.
Edit: clarity