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So you want to work from home, eh? Well, hold your horses. There's more to remote work than just staying in your sweatpants all day.

Business woman looking professional on top, wearing PJ bottoms and Crocs w/ text 'Business on the top...Party on the bottom'

I've been working remotely for the past six years (even before Covid-19) and during that time, I've gained valuable experience in:

  • managing my workload

  • collaborating with team members

  • staying productive while working from home

Person working from home and placing a plant on a desk.

Did you know?

Remote work can help the environment by reducing pollution from commuting. If half of US workers worked from home half the time, it would cut the same amount of pollution as taking 51 million cars off the road. (Global Workplace Analytics, 2019)

1. You Need Reliable Technology

A reliable technology setup is important to make sure that you can work efficiently and effectively without any interruptions.

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At the beginning of my experience as an online teacher without reliable technology, I experienced:

  • Computer crashes and slow Internet, which meant looking unprepared for my job.

  • Difficulty accessing files and software.

These issues can quickly become frustrating and time-consuming, and may even impact productivity and job performance.

Nic Offerman throwing away a computer in frustration.

To ensure a smooth and successful remote work experience:

  • Invest in reliable technology — a good computer/laptop, comfortable headphones, and a good quality camera.

  • Upgrade your internet service if you experience connectivity problems.

  • Take the time to learn and troubleshoot new tools and software.

2. Flexibility Can Be a Double-Edged Sword

Remote work offers a lot of flexibility, which can be both a good and a bad thing.

Meme: Excited - Remote work with a flexible schedule. Disappointed - Working at 10:30pm on a Saturday.

On one hand, the flexibility of remote work allowed me to create my own work schedule that fits my lifestyle.

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On the other hand, it was a bit challenging to separate work and personal life, and I found myself working for long periods of time, clocking insane hours.

Self-discipline and good time management skills are crucial for remote workers to stay focused and productive.Flaticon Icon

  • Set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Take regular breaks!

  • Create a workspace that is separate from your personal space.

  • Develop a reliable and predictable schedule for your work hours and do your best to stick to it consistently.

3. Isolation is a Real Challenge

I'm a friendly and social person that loves to be included in collaborative environments.

If you're like me, you might struggle with feelings of loneliness if you don't seek out social interactions actively.

Man air boxing, with text, 'Kick away the loneliness.'

  • Schedule regular check-ins using video conferencing tools, such as Zoom and Discord. Seeing your coworkers' faces and body language can help you feel more connected and engaged with your team.

  • Participate in online discussions. Stay connected throughout the day. Make sure to participate in discussions, even if it's just to share a quick update or ask a question. Join virtual interest groups, attend online conferences or events, or participate in online communities related to your hobbies or interests.

Let's take a look at Emily's situation...

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Emily is feeling lonely and a bit stressed from work...Woman on computer 'SIGH'.

She takes a break to refresh and revitalize...Coffee Omg GIF by 247GRAD

What can she do during her break to feel less lonely and isolated?

A. Read a book.

B. Join discussions on Discord about her interest in plants.

C. Watch a TV series.

D. Have a virtual snack/coffee with her coworkers.

Quiz

Select all that apply:

Take Action

While there are certainly challenges to working remotely, such as potential isolation and the need for self-discipline, I've found that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks!

Happy, accomplished woman on her desk. She throws her fist in the air & says, 'Yes!'

To be at the top of your game while working remotely:

License:

This Byte has been authored by

MA

Maria Agop

Online Tutor/Learning Designer/EdTech Specialist

English

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