I've worked with companies that insist on daily meetings/stand-ups, check-ins, and daily lists of work accomplished. One of the reasons I like remote work is the autonomy and fewer interruptions because having to stop working to check-in isn't my favorite thing to do. Also, it makes people feel like they can't be trusted.
Kati has made a career at using the internet and gig economy to her advantage—see how she successfully manages multiple side hustles and a business.
Read full interview from Interview with Kati, a co-founder shares her tips for juggling multiple side hustles.
There's very little I don't like about remote work. If I had to choose something, it would be feeling a bit disconnected from the real world around me since I live in an "online world" most of the day.
I make sure to get out of the house daily and interact with real people to get my daily dose of being social.
A ten-dollar per hour social media gig got Mindi hooked onto remote work—see how she meets her client and business goals and manages time zone differences.
Read full interview from Interview with Mindi, a content manager and social media strategist .
There isn't actually anything I dislike about remote work!
Grainne's freelance work led to her landing a remote work job—see how she manages distractions and balances her work with Buckets.co and her clients.
Read full interview from Interview with Grainne, a professional writer and content marketing manager who works remotely.
I wish I could see my co-workers in person more often! They're distributed around Colombia, the USA, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, etc... I hope to meet them one day at a retreat!
Also, I need to have better work-life integration.
If you leave me alone, I'll sometimes work 14 hours straight and forget to eat or shower.
I'm not a student anymore, and I need to live my life like an adult (I am working on it).
Josephine got a dream gig of traveling while engaging in her passion for digital storytelling. Hear about the work she is doing to bring awareness to remote work.
Read full interview from Interview with Josephine, an integrated content producer traveling the world.
I don't like not having people to talk to when I'm at home alone. That's it, but it's a very workable situation, especially when I see heavy traffic outside, I'd rather stay home alone than be stuck in traffic stressed out before I even get to work.
A demanding office job gave Drei the motivation to seek out remote work. See how two surprising entertainment apps & a six-hour workday allow her to live her best remote work life.
Read full interview from Interview with Drei, a WordPress Developer describes her methods for staying focused.
Social interaction is something that I probably miss the most.
I also miss being able to poke a coworker nearby and discuss the idea that just popped up in my head. Not sure if they miss it just as much as I do, though! 😀
Other than that, remote work doesn’t really have any disadvantages for me.
Mike had a lackluster experience with remote work 12 years ago. Today, he has embraced location-independence. Hear about his "one task a day" routine & vital tip for job seekers.
Read full interview from Interview with Mike, a business developer with a one task a day remote work routine.
The only downside in doing remote work is that it can be unpredictable at times.
There are times where there are no students available and you don't get paid.
The other problem is the internet connection. In cases where there is a typhoon or where the connection suddenly becomes disconnected, you can't work. No work means, no pay. But as long as you keep a backup such a prepaid internet, then your all set.
Wilbert is an ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher that made the jump to remote work to gain more freedom from his office job.
Read full interview from Interview with Wilbert, an ESL teacher that remotely teaches English to kids.
It can be isolating, and this is one of the things we are looking to deal with through Grow Remote. But it's important that I remember to get out to see people, and that I'm not only focused on work but also take the time to do things that aren't related to work.
I read an article over the summer that said those small interactions we have with strangers in our community are very important to help us feel part of our society.
Regarding remote work, it can become harder to have this part of your life, so, I make sure I enjoy those interactions.
Rose balances part-time SEO work with leading Grow Remote—see how she optimizes her time to build a community and resource for remote workers.
Read full interview from Interview with Rose, a co-founder growing the impact of remote work.
It can definitely be lonely working remotely all the time. You don’t have a boss when you’re freelancing, but you also don’t have coworkers or a team.
I really recommend freelancers going to events for other freelancers and entrepreneurs to start creating your own community.
I think people are sometimes afraid to befriend competitors and it holds them back from creating a good creative community.
For me, I quickly learned that:
There is really always enough work to go around.
You can even get more work because you can give each other referrals.
Not to mention the fact that people in similar careers are great people to bounce ideas off of and encourage you during your low points.
I know I can definitely start becoming a hermit if I don’t get out and work along with people sometimes. Finding a community has definitely been helpful in those times.
Erin is a videographer who carved out a successful freelancing niche—see how she optimizes her time and plans for the ups and downs of freelance work.
Read full interview from Interview with Erin, a videographer who found her freelancing niche.
It can be hard to establish boundaries between work and home life. Particularly when there is a busy time at work or a stressful matter I am working on, the temptation is great to go downstairs and keep working crazy hours.
I have to remind myself to rest. My test is to ask myself, “would I be working on that now if I still worked in an external office?”
Emma carved out her own remote work niche—see how she manages her own virtual law firm while maintaining work/life balance.
Read full interview from Interview with Emma, a founder helping companies shape their remote work policies.
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