ChatGPT is sometimes seen as a potential threat to freelancers and remote workers. It's said that if a job can be performed remotely, artificial intelligence might be able to replace it. But ChatGPT, in its current version, is more of a productivity tool that has multiple benefits for work.

ChatGPT can help you with your unique challenges as a freelancer or remote worker. It offers many applications, allowing you to quickly draft content, generate ideas, and more. Let’s explore the most helpful ways you can utilize ChatGPT for remote or freelance work.

1. Use ChatGPT to Draft Emails

A significant portion of any remote worker’s day includes crafting messages to clients, team members, or collaborators. ChatGPT can craft clear and concise emails. However, it's essential to verify the accuracy of the information provided.

When writing professional emails, remember to give ChatGPT the necessary context. Are you talking to a client or a team member? What details do you want included in your email? However, don’t give complex instructions, which is one of the ChatGPT prompt mistakes to avoid.

If you’re concerned about protecting your privacy while using ChatGPT, you can ask the AI to write a generic email as we did in the prompt in the photo below. Afterward, you can add more information to make the email more personal.

Example prompts for emails:

• “Write an email to a client informing them about the progress of their project.”
• “I need to distribute the meeting minutes to my team. Help me draft an email to share the minutes and action items. [Insert the draft].”
• “I’d like to request feedback from a client on our recent project. Can you help me write an email seeking their insights and suggestions?”
• “I’ve decided to decline a job offer from Company X. Assist me in composing a professional and gracious email.”

2. Use ChatGPT for Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

Many freelance workers run their businesses as sole proprietors to keep expenses low. You might find yourself struggling with problems or making critical decisions independently. Thankfully, ChatGPT can serve as your trusted partner in these situations. Whether you need guidance on a tough decision or run into a challenging problem, ChatGPT can provide insights and suggestions to help you take action.

ChatGPT's responses are currently based on a September 2021 knowledge cut-off, but the AI can still give you practical tips and advice for simple technical concerns, as shown in the photo below.

Example prompts:

• “ChatGPT, my Bluetooth devices can’t connect to Windows 10. Help me troubleshoot this problem.”
• “ChatGPT, I’m facing a challenge in my current project. [provide context]. Can you suggest some strategies to overcome it?”
• “I need to decide between two potential clients for an upcoming project. [provide context]. Help me weigh the pros and cons.”

3. Use ChatGPT to Research and Learn New Concepts

ChatGPT provides new avenues for learning, especially for those working an online job. Many freelancers need to upskill to remain relevant in a world where artificial intelligence is gaining ground. Ironically, AI or ChatGPT itself can accelerate your learning journey.

ChatGPT can be your virtual tutor, offering general information on various topics. ChatGPT can simplify complex issues, reducing your time spent on research and reading.

To prevent AI hallucinations, use a credible source as a reference. In the photo below, we instructed ChatGPT to extract the key points from Encyclopedia Britannica's article on artificial intelligence. We also asked the AI to use bullet points and simple language.

Example prompts:

• “ChatGPT, explain the basics of cryptocurrency to me.”
• “Here’s an article on data privacy and security. Extract the most relevant information using bullet points and explain them in simple language.[Insert article].”
• “I’m interested in learning about artificial intelligence. Where should I start?”

4. Use ChatGPT to Create Content

For freelancers and remote workers involved in content creation, ChatGPT can provide a valuable starting point. You can use it to generate ideas, blog outlines, or even entire blocks of text.

Generating fresh ideas is one of the most important tasks of freelancers and remote workers in leadership roles or those in the creative industry. With ChatGPT, you can quickly combat creative block. It can be your brainstorming partner, helping you view a topic from different angles.

Remember that ChatGPT can also give very generic results if you're using it to write content. This is why you should view it as a tool rather than a replacement. Always edit and proofread ChatGPT answers. Check for tone and word choice, as its responses can sound impersonal and robotic unless you train ChatGPT to write like you.

Example prompts:

• “Brainstorm topics related to freelancing in the age of artificial intelligence.”
• “Create a blog outline for my article on [topic].”
• “Please review this paragraph and suggest revisions. [Insert text].
• “I am a freelance graphic designer. Help me create a content calendar for December. The goal is to gain new clients and expand my reach.”

5. Use ChatGPT for Editing, Proofreading, and Translation

ChatGPT can help you edit and proofread you content. Unlike Grammarly, ChatGPT can revise your content to fit a variety of styles and tones. It can be your language support tool, assisting with grammar checks and providing detailed critiques to improve your writing.

In the photo below, we asked ChatGPT to review an article draft. You don't have to apply all of ChatGPT's suggestions, but the comments are a good starting point for feedback before submitting work to clients.

You can also use ChatGPT as a language-translation tool. Tools like Google Translate attempt to bridge language barriers. However, you can’t interact with Google Translate in the same way you can converse with ChatGPT. By providing context, asking follow-up questions, or offering additional information, you can get more accurate results with ChatGPT.

Currently, we don’t suggest using ChatGPT to translate content for distribution to your colleagues or teammates. Like other apps, it still can't fully capture the nuances of certain expressions. If you can’t edit or proofread in the translated language or find someone who can, it’s better to use ChatGPT for simple language queries.

Example prompts:

• “ChatGPT, check this document for grammar and language errors.”
• “Revise these social media captions. Use a witty and funny tone.”
• “Review this blog I wrote for a nonprofit. The goal is to get new donors for our new project. In what ways can I improve it?”
• "My Filipino colleague just asked me ‘Hoy! Kamusta kana’. What does this mean?"

6. Use ChatGPT for Temporary Mental Health Support

Remote work can sometimes lead to burnout or feelings of isolation. ChatGPT can support your well-being by engaging in casual conversation, offering motivational messages, or suggesting self-care practices.

Of course, AI can’t replace the comforting presence of another human being. But if you can’t find anyone to talk to, you can temporarily use ChatGPT safely as your mental health coach. Instruct it to give you advice using a specific point of view, philosophy, or perspective to get tailored responses for your situation.

Example prompts:

• “ChatGPT, share a quote to kickstart my workday on a positive note.”
• “I’m so stressed about work! Give suggestions for a quick work break.”
• “Tell me a joke to lighten the mood and keep me motivated.”
• “Give me Christian advice on handling a difficult boss.”

Maximize ChatGPT for Freelance and Remote Work

While concerns about automation replacing human jobs are valid, we must also understand that ChatGPT can be a helpful tool rather than a threat. There are numerous ways to harness the capabilities of ChatGPT to help you in your freelance or remote tasks.

The versatile and interactive features of ChatGPT make it an ideal assistant. However, it’s important to maintain a balance, recognizing that ChatGPT is most effective when used with human judgment and expertise. When used responsibly, ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for various remote and freelance tasks.