Do you have any advice for remote workers?
Interview with Melissa, a co-founder and remote work champion
If you are working remotely and part of a hybrid team as we call it, you have to drop any guilt or the feeling of trying to PROVE to others that you are getting work done.
I see this so much where people are glued to their screens at home because they don’t want their boss (who isn’t remote) ever to see them away from their desk. When you do this, you are just perpetuating the inaccurate assumption that when you work at home, you are binging on Netflix all day.
Set expectations with your team of how you structure your workday and then embrace it! There are perks and it’s ok to take advantage. You will feel so much lighter. Take a call from your back porch. Schedule a lunchtime spin class. Walk to the corner coffee shop. If you get your work done, the trust follows.
Melissa started Work Well Wherever to help individuals & companies embrace remote work—see how she balances entrepreneurship, parenthood, & self-care.
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Interview with Vivek, an entrepreneur building a virtual office for remote teams
View social isolation as a fun challenge, not an obstacle. Many people don't have strong physical social networks where they live, and that's totally fine!
Use the opportunity to find the intersection of your hobbies and a community, such as a recreational basketball league or church group that meets to play board games. Whatever you decide to do, make sure that you're consistent.
Also, not all remote positions are created equal.
Beware of situations where:
1) You would be the only remote worker, and 2) The hiring company is not promoting ways to support remote workers (i.e., not "remote-friendly"). You'll be fighting a losing battle in feeling productive and being included in the company discourse.
I've interviewed a few remote workers who are obviously worn down by communication dynamics that reward office workers and beat down remote workers by exclusion.
Great remote situations exist - you just have to go out there and find them.
The long San Francisco commute sent Vivek into remote work—hear about his three strategies for eliminating distractions & his must-have tools.
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Interview with Kristi, a CEO and remote team leader
I do! I've written somewhere around 170-180 or so blog posts for Remote.co on a very wide variety of topics, from networking, loneliness, career development, team dynamics and entrepreneurship to negotiation and finding new clients, and then some.
I even wrote a post about why it's great to work from home with your pets. I'd love for your readers to check those out and connect with me on LinkedIn or Twitter if they're looking for more specific advice.
Kristi is a CEO, remote work author, and speaker. In this interview, she shares the impact of new motherhood and remote team leadership on her work.
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Interview with Pamela, a travel writer adjusting to freelancing
Meet other successful entrepreneurs and freelancers and learn as much as you can from them.
There’s no need to re-invent the wheel.
I am humbled by the number of strangers who have answered my questions, taken a moment to review a submission or provide guidance.
I would also suggest putting social time on your calendar. The inside of your head is a dangerous place to be. It’s important to be out among friends, family, networking events, and classes to keep your brain in check.
Pamela is new to the world of freelancing. In this interview, she shares the ups and downs of adjusting to the gig economy.
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Interview with Michelle, an organizer of digital nomad experiences
- Work in a coworking space.
- Take brakes.
- Do fun things.
It is easy to work all day since you can work anytime from anywhere and forget about your social life or get out for a walk. However, it is important to have a balance.
A solo backpacking trip led to Michelle organizing co-travel experiences for digital nomads—hear how she manages working while traveling.
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Interview with Tara, a remote director of research and administration
Keep the lines of communication open with your colleagues.
Sometimes picking up the phone is the quickest, best way to get questions answered, solve problems, and confirm that you’re on the same page.
Additionally, if you work from home, I would also recommend creating a ritual that signals the end of the day, separating work life from home life. I like to take our dog for another walk at this time, or sit and chat with my husband before supper.
I might also suggest getting a pet; our dog makes sure I see the outside world at regular intervals, and she’s a great sounding board. She also makes me laugh multiple times a day.
A move to be closer to a spouse's job led Tara to remote work—see her tips for staying productive and organized as a full-time remote director.
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Interview with Emma, a freelance marketing consultant
This is tricky because I think you have to find what works for you. I’ve found that still having a relatively structured day is great and also that separate zone for my office work rather than trying to work out of the kitchen or something.
One bit of advice for remote freelancers that work across a number of different clients – have a different notebook for each client, I find that really helps me manage all the different tasks.
Emma is thriving as a freelance marketing consultant—see her tips on managing client demands & making yourself marketable as a freelancer.
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Interview with Audrey, a military wife thriving as a marketing manager
Give yourself some structure. Don't wake up every day and wing it. You'll end up overworked, exhausted, and unorganized.
In an office, the structure is somewhat provided for you. However, in remote work, it's really up to you to set yourself up for success.
Also, look for companies who already have a tried and true remote work culture. It will make a big difference in your day to day.
Marrying an active-duty army officer sent Audrey on the search for a remote work position—see how she has established her career while staying on the move.
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Interview with Danielle, an author who found the benefits of coworking
Find accountability partners and groups that will support you and your goals if you're an entrepreneur, outside of a coworking group.
You can have plenty of tribes! Also, set boundaries because work and personal time can easily become blurred.
Danielle's remote work journey led her to become an author—see how coworking with other remote workers and digital tools have helped her to fulfill her passion.
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Interview with Tammy, founder and CEO of Workplaceless
Remote work has incredible benefits, but it also comes with real challenges, like isolation, lack of visibility, and lack of training.
Reflecting on the challenges that affect you personally and professionally will help you identify resources to help yourself.
Learn how this founder and CEO of a remote work resource and certification program handles the triumphs and trails of location independence.
Read full interview from Interview with Tammy, founder and CEO of Workplaceless.