Excelling in Remote Work
Are you new to remote work and finding it too easy, or have you missed out on jobs and labeled yourself as an on-site worker? This article is for you. Take a deep breath and get ready to learn how remote work differs from on-site, explore the pros and cons, and discover how you can excel in a remote work environment.
Believing Remote Work is Serious Work
It’s crucial to recognize that remote work doesn’t mean you’re at home and can take it easy without caring about your responsibilities. One of the main reasons employees don’t approach remote work seriously is a lack of commitment to their careers. A person without ambition might prefer a typical 9-to-5 job, where they work with a mediocre mindset and constantly worry about job security.
Remote work is comparable to an on-site job, but the responsibility can be even greater, especially if you’re in a higher position. To take it seriously, it’s important to recognize that the value you bring to the company is significant. In a rapidly changing world, your contributions are crucial in driving change. As you work to make an impact in this era, you’ll also be gaining new perspectives, and new opportunities will only become apparent through diligent research and dedicated effort.
Be Active, Understanding, and Focused
Stay active, both physically and mentally. Waking up just 15 minutes before your first meeting indicates a lack of routine in your life. It’s essential to establish a routine and a schedule that allows you to work effectively, live fully, and enjoy life. While this might feel overwhelming at first, with thoughts like “Am I becoming a machine?” or “I don’t want to restrict my life,” it’s important to realize that sacrifice is necessary to achieve your goals.
When working remotely, maintaining focus and understanding is crucial. To truly grasp a problem is to also grasp its solution, because if you have enough experience, your focus on the problem will naturally lead you to the solution. If you lack experience, your focus will help you gain the necessary insights to resolve the issue.
Your Environment Matters
Some people enjoy working from their bed, wearing formal shirts and ties, but that’s not truly professional unless the job itself isn’t demanding professionalism. It’s important to create an environment that suits the requirements of your job. For example, as a Software Engineer, I like to keep a large cushion shaped like an Enter button nearby so I can hit it when I’m frustrated, which helps me relax. Additionally, I keep my workspace clean, use an air freshener, and make the environment conducive to my work. This creates a positive atmosphere, making me feel like I’m succeeding in both life and my career.
Let yourself and others know
When working remotely, your colleagues won’t be able to guess what you’re doing or what you expect from them. It’s important to maintain a positive attitude and keep yourself organized by using tools like Google Tasks, Asana, Trello, or other task management apps to jot down your daily tasks.
Additionally, make sure to communicate with your team, send emails, messages, and set up meetings to keep everyone informed. Being proactive in remote work is key to proving your value, as remote workers are judged more by their communication and contributions, whereas on-site workers are often evaluated first by their presence and then by their input.
Being honest to your work
Whatever you do, never be dishonest about your work. Dishonesty has a way of coming back around, so it’s essential to avoid it at all costs. It’s relatively easy to become the most important person at your workplace, but staying important through positive and ethical means is much more challenging—similar to finding a job but then striving for promotion.
The root of dishonesty often starts with office politics. Engaging in workplace politics can tarnish your reputation, affect future job opportunities, and raise questions about your character. Always strive to be truthful, helpful, and understanding at work because the one-third of your day spent there should not lead to stress.
These are some of the key tips to help you excel in remote work. Remember, change takes time, effort, and persistence, but it’s important to start somewhere. Don’t let yourself down by staying in your comfort zone.
