How has your routine changed over time?
Interview with Betsy, a head of content and remote work routine expert
When I first started working from home I didn't have much of a routine. I woke up late and was often overwhelmed because I didn't know what to work on. Initially, the idea of not having a plan can seem really appealing. However, for me, it just doesn't work.
I've come to realize that clear structures and routines allow me to thrive and do my best work as a remote worker.
I think engaging in some trial and error is necessary. Each person is different, so it's important to find what works for you.
If your current routine isn't working, switch it up!
Betsy Ramser is a content manager, blogger, and teacher who helps other remote workers thrive while creating a daily routine that works.
Read full interview from Interview with Betsy, a head of content and remote work routine expert.
Interview with Alexandra Cote, a remote digital marketer and freelancer
Yes. I used to struggle with creating a boundary between work and life, as this is a common issue for remote workers. So from my 9-to-5, I've switched to a more life-friendly schedule that allows me to focus on my mind and body and not just career.
After all, what truly matters at the end of our lives is not how successful we were or how many companies we helped grow but how healthy we kept ourselves, how we helped those around us, and what worthwhile experience we had outside of work.
Alexandra juggles freelancing, a full-time remote job, YouTube, and Skillshare instructing. How does she manage it all? Find out in her interview.
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Interview with Patryk, a Front-end Developer & UI Designer
At first, I didn't have any routine. I was believing in moments of magical inspiration.
So I usually adjusted my schedule to those sensations. Somehow, the urge to work always appeared when the deadline was tight. 🤔
Thankfully, after a while I understood that there's no reason to wait for the flow - you need to start working and you'll eventually get into it. A great routine is the key to freedom.
Patryk has learned that there is no reason to wait for the flow - once you start working, it will happen naturally.
Read full interview from Interview with Patryk, a Front-end Developer & UI Designer.
Interview with Michael about being an entrepreneur and freelancer
My routine has changed a ton in the one year of entrepreneurship and working remotely. At the beginning I had too much freedom.
I felt like I was jumping around on tasks without getting much done. This led to some burnout and low productivity.
Over time I've learned how important it is to schedule the month, week, and even day in advance. It's also super helpful to do a end of week and month recap. This way I can identify what's working, what's not and figure out how to pivot moving forward.
Michael is an online entrepreneur, author, and freelance writer who specializes in self-improvement and personal finance.
Read full interview from Interview with Michael about being an entrepreneur and freelancer.
Interview with Patric, a UX designer and usability engineer that works from home
Before having a child I could just crank trough the work day from 7am to 10pm if it was necessary.
Nowadays the day is highly scheduled around my son, his eating and sleeping routines.
Also I need to coordinate almost all meetings with my wife too as we split taking care of the little one and each one having businesses of our own.
Patric works on his own projects while also consulting for medium sized software companies, learn how he works remotely.
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Interview with Michelle, an organizer of digital nomad experiences
I try to work from 9-5.
Even though we escaped the 9-5 life in the office, I notice I am the most effective between these hours and want to be free to socialize outside of these hours.
Previously, I started working later on the day into the night, but I try to avoid that now.
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 Andrew, a freelance writer who works remotely
My routine is generally fluid. After all, when you have total freedom with both your schedule and your time, what’s the point of keeping things the same? I tend to work either early mornings or extremely late at night, depending on if I have other things going in the day. I have a lot of friends who work outside of the 9 to 5, so having flexible hours allows me to spend time with them in the morning when everyone else is busy.
Probably the biggest thing I had to adjust to when working remotely was the fact that I wasn’t going to be interacting with people very often. I enjoy working with others and am a very social creature. Truthfully, I don’t spend any time with others while working and that can make remote work a bit lonely. It can be tough sometimes, but the freedom afforded by the remote work is most attractive.
My routine essentially stays the same. But my thinking has evolved significantly in the recent months. With Upwork, it’s easy to just become a pipe-fed remote worker, waiting for the next job to arrive to you, but those jobs don’t always pay the best.
Now, I’m realizing that freelance work has unlimited potential for earning, if I’m willing to put in the time to find the right kind of clients or be willing to negotiate more aggressively with my clients. It’s definitely something that takes me out of my comfort zone, but it is also exciting at the same time.
Andrew became a full-time freelance writer after experimenting with freelance marketplaces. After the first month, he was already earning more than his full-time job.
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Interview with Tammy, founder and CEO of Workplaceless
Remote work has had a big impact on my overall health when it comes to sleep—as someone with chronic insomnia, this has been life-changing. From middle school on, I used to set an alarm to get up super early no matter what time I went to sleep.
A couple of years ago I tried not setting an alarm in the morning to let myself wake up naturally, and that’s made a huge difference for me. I sleep better at night, and my body wakes up when it needs to.
I’m naturally an early riser, so I don’t worry about oversleeping, and since I work remotely, even if I have morning meetings I don’t need a lot of time to get ready in the morning.
Learn how this founder and CEO of a remote work resource and certification program handles the triumphs and trails of location independence.
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Interview with Cecilia, a content writer managing her remote career in Dubai
My routine changes regularly, to be honest. It depends on how much work I have, my energy levels, and even the weather!
For example, it's November now, which means the weather in Dubai is perfect for outdoor activities. This means I don't need a longer lunch break to go to the gym before it gets too crowded. In turn, I can finish my work earlier in the afternoon and then go out for a run.
I'm very mindful of how productive I am and make little adjustments to my routine to find something that works better.
Last year I was working very early in the morning, sometimes as early as 6 am. But this year, I noticed I wasn't particularly productive so early in the morning anymore. So, I changed my schedule accordingly.
Cecilia got her start translating blog posts, and in 2018 she went fully remote. See her tips for managing an international remote work career.
Read full interview from Interview with Cecilia, a content writer managing her remote career in Dubai.
Interview with John, an international business writer sharing 15 years of insights
It has changed in some important ways. I have noticed that as remote work arrangements have become more prevalent, the ability to secure remote work—via remote means, has increased.
This situation leads to a decrease in in-person networking required to secure work. At this point, except in very rare circumstances, I secure all my work remotely and perform all that work remotely.
In terms of the type of work I perform, its’ focus adjusts depending on my clients, but overall my work focus has not fundamentally changed since I began working remotely.
My writing work did change; however, as blogging and digital publishing became more prevalent. I became proficient in WordPress and social media – which I think is important for professional writers in a digital economy.
To that end, I studied with Squared Online — a digital marketing leadership course established by Google and conducted remotely throughout the world – to ensure I understood everything I could about how writers are being utilized in the digital economy.
Also—since I began working remotely, I did notice a need for business English assistance to international professionals. So, I also became a certified English instructor and now also teach business English online in addition to writing.
Interestingly, many of my business English language students also need writing and proofreading assistance. One of the wonderful elements of teaching online is the ability to interact online via voice and video.
This scenario makes remote work much more enjoyable for me. Remote platforms dedicated to providing these connections between remote workers and clients are wonderful to have. I see them growing in the future as they fill a tremendous need for both clients and remote workers.
For over a decade, John has worked as an international business writer. See his insights on the state of remote work, freelancing, and attracting clients who are the right fit.
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