Do you have any advice for remote workers?

Interview with Mike, a software engineer who works remotely at GitHub

Don't try to force remote work into a work culture that actively or passively opposes it.

If the vast majority of your organisation, division or team are not remote you are going to have a really tough time being included in conversations (unless they are already mostly happening in places like Slack and GitHub).

Make sure you ask tough questions about such topics in your interview process so you don't end up somewhere unfriendly to remote folks by mistake.

Mike got started with remote work after getting an offer from his dream organisation. Learn how he works remotely while working on open source projects and publishing books.

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Interview with Rosemary, a digital content marketing manager reveals must-see freelance tips

Be willing to continue to learn and gain more skills. The online space is ever-evolving, so the demand for different services can and often change with time, and you want to have adapted, so you do not lose work.

Also, on an ongoing basis, when you have created quality work, and have a happy client, ask for references/recommendations from them.

If relevant, create case studies so that you can show new customers your track record. If you do not have a portfolio of samples of work that you created - then you could start with displaying samples of business work that you can do that you believe your ideal clients want.

Also, emphasize your true skills and that you can deliver a quality service.

Don't take work for the sake of it, leave leads with unrealistic expectations behind. Its better in the long run.

Lastly, never forget expenses: Yes, you work from home or remotely, but there are bills too (gas, heat, light, internet, phone etc). Factor them into pricing.

Rosemary, a digital content marketing manager shares the freelance lessons she has learned over the years—see her tips & exceptional entrepreneurial wisdom.

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Interview with Scott about working remotely for 20 years

I’ve been working remotely for 20 years, and have done so in a variety of capacities.

I’ve managed distributed teams and been a solo contributor. Ive worked from spare bedrooms, dedicated offices, coffee shops and back porches.

The last bit of advice I have is to be a lifelong learner.

What fuels you? Working remotely can afford you the time and energy to pursue some of those things, so don’t wait for it. Make a plan.

If you want to learn a new technical skill online, pick up the guitar, join a community group, start drawing or build something in the garage … go for it. I have seldom worked on something that hasn’t influence my paid gig in some way.

Scott is a designer and developer that's been working remotely since 1998, read his interview to learn how he's been successful

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Interview with Shauna, founder and business consultant specializing in remote work

• Get dressed every day and feel good in yourself.
• Meet with real people in person often.
• Get outside and away from the screen as much as possible.
• Find a structure and a routine that works for you.

Lastly, watch out for remote burnout— we tend to be more productive compared to office workers, which is because we find it hard to switch off. So, it's imperative we find ways to really switch off.

Shauna is a consultant that guides companies in thriving while remote—see her advice for staying grounded as a remote worker.

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Interview with Elizabeth, a graphic designer and art director

I truly believe that remote work is the future of work in general. I’ve developed some really bad habits over the last six years - be ye not so stupid.

Take the time to enjoy the benefits of remote work like setting your own office hours, but do remember to set them, and establish a few boundaries for yourself along the way.

I also recommend using tools that make you happy - even if you have to spend a bit of money on them. I walk into the studio every single day and smile at my ultra-nerdy set-up.

I look forward to working from my various computers and devices, using software and tools that are appropriate for the task at hand. Don’t be tempted to try and run a business using free or limited versions of the apps you need to deliver excellent work.

Elizabeth provides the ultimate list of tips for aspiring freelancers and remote workers. Check out her game-changing tools, and advice for thriving as a freelancer.

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Interview with Meryl, a digital marketer and master of home office organization

The first thing I advise remote workers to do is to have a set space to work as well as boundaries, preferably something with four walls to help draw the line between home and office.

But if you don't have four walls, try creating a perimeter with a desk and computer.

Get into a routine of when you start and stop work and take breaks including standing breaks every hour. (A smartwatch is great for reminding you.)

Ensure you have the right tools and technology including an ergonomic-friendly desk space. Make the space yours.

Meryl K. Evans is skilled at creating a home office that leads to remote work flexibility. See her advice for creating a successful workspace, and hear about her journey into freelancing.

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Interview with Ascencia, a content marketer, and avid gig economy professional

Save and invest your money, especially if you’re a freelancer. This is actually not only for remote workers and freelancers, but I would also suggest this to everyone who hasn’t been doing it.

It’s just the only logical thing to do if you don’t want to work your whole life. Working from home can be lonely. Spend time with your family or friends, outside the house, at least 2-3 times a week on weekdays. Don’t take those weekdays for granted.

A forgotten two-year-old Upwork account allowed Ascencia to become a content marketer—see how the gig economy has offered her an alternative path to success.

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Interview with Nathan and Connor, owners of Freeeup

Communication, communication, communication. Have set methods for providing daily updates, meeting weekly, and staying on the same page with clients.

The more you stress communication upfront, the stronger the relationship could become over the long run.

You could be the best at what you do, but if you can’t communicate, you’ll struggle with remote work.

Thinking of creating your own remote startup? See how Nathan and Connor built a successful and effective remote team from scratch.

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Interview with Haley, a VP of Operations shares her stellar remote work strategies

Working remote takes practice, not just in terms of how to be productive. I wrote an article about how to get better at working remotely through the lens of increasing confidence, sense of self, and mastering your schedule.

Haley has figured out the way she works best as a VP of Operations. See her principles of remote work and the unique advice a former boss gave her about breaks.

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Interview with Ben, a web developer who freelances from home

Be lucky :)

But seriously, luck played a lot of a role in the bigger contracts I got. Work hard, but don't be afraid to throw out that post about whatever you're writing, or try to sell some hours on a popular community site, or apply for that job. You never know what's going to get you in the door somewhere, or put you on someone's radar, or give you that next idea to run with.

Work hard, don't mess around, be straight. This advice applies even if you were an employee, but it's even more important as a remote worker. Your boss / client can't see you work, so they only have how they perceive you're working to go off of. Always communicate, before you start a project, as you work through it, when you're ready to sign off. Involve people in the process of your work, share your progress, always make sure they know what you're on and how it's going.

Being remote means they can't tell how things are going as easily, so be the person to let them know. I cannot stress how important this is, regardless of if the projects are going well or poorly. As long as you are straightforward with where you are and any challenges you might be running into, you're in a good place. You can't cover that stuff up. Don't skip owning mistakes.

Build a reputation as someone who they can trust to tell them the real state of the project.

Learn the tips and tricks Ben uses to stay productive while working remotely on a hybrid team

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