Even before the coronavirus pandemic forced communities into lockdowns, the opportunities for remote work had been gradually increasing. Currently, there are more permanent or long-term opportunities to work remotely. If you’re considering taking on a remote working opportunity, here are a few factors to consider.
The Benefits of Working Remotely
Work From Anywhere
While you can work from home, there’s much more freedom for someone who can fully work remotely. It’s not uncommon for remote workers to travel as they work, making use of coliving spaces to maintain a good quality standard of living. The ability to continue earning an income as you travel is changing the way people vacation and work.
Save on Expenses
Working remotely can help you save on the expenses that would otherwise put a drain on your household budget. For example, you won’t have the cost of fuel that comes with commuting every day. Additionally, you can eliminate the expense of paying for daycare, since you’ll be home with your children.
Create a Better Work/Life Balance
The ability to create your own work schedule combined with eliminating commute times will leave you with extra time. You can use this time to reconnect with your family, or pursue your own interests. This means you’ll get more joy out of your life and experience less stress.
The Challenges of Remote Work
Don’t Let Time Get Away From You
As you start working remotely, you’ll face the loss of the structure that a formal work schedule provides. Working remotely provides the opportunity to work when it’s convenient, but that also means it will be easy to lose track of time. To avoid missing important deadlines, it’s a good idea to create your own schedule and use a proper time tracker.
Communication Will Take More Work
You’ll be losing the convenience of peeking your head into your boss’ office to ask a quick question. If you don’t set up some means of communicating with your co-workers and supervisors, you’ll find that your productivity will suffer. Fortunately, there are apps and online services, such as Milanote, that make it easier to share ideas and seek insights. State of the art communication software will help you stay connected.
It’s Easy to Lose Motivation
Over time, you’ll pick up bad habits that will affect your emotional health and your ability to be productive. If you have stopped showering and dressing in the morning, or if you develop other habits that negatively impact your productivity, it’s time to motivate yourself. Schedule an afternoon walk, meet a coworker for lunch, or add yoga to your daily routine to help reinvigorate your day.
How easy you find it to work remotely will depend on the planning you put into the process. If you take the time to choose a specific place to do your work and set up a rigid routine, you shouldn’t find any challenges in meeting your goals. It may take a process of trial and error, but you’ll eventually find remote work enjoyable, convenient, and less stressful.