No traffic, no nosy co-workers, no rigid work schedule – It’s the ultimate dream job. For many of us who have experienced working in the corporate jungle, working remotely may sound like the answer to our prayers. Remote work not only puts us in-charge of our work place, it also frees us to engage in personal activities and hobbies. Working at home also allows us to work in whatever clothes we are comfortable in. It’s the ultimate solution to many woes of the typical office worker. Yet despite its advantages, unhappy remote workers still abound. What could be causing misery in this wage earner’s paradise?
Unfortunately, there are still challenges to be met when one chooses to work independently. While these difficulties aren’t encountered by all remote workers, they still affect a number of people. The ones that affect our physical health are certainly troubling, but it’s the mental ones that make people unhappy with the job. The good news, however, is that the solutions to these dilemmas are simple and doable.
Loneliness
In the words of the 16th century poet John Donne, no man is an island. Even if you describe yourself as an introvert by choice, chances are you’ll still find relief in talking with other people once in a while.
Many remote workers find themselves socially isolated because of their jobs’ nature. More often than not, remote working takes place at home. With the advent of food delivery and online shopping, a remote worker can survive for days without leaving his or her house. Unfortunately, this has some consequences.
Being alone all the time damages your social skills. Over some period, you might develop depression over your isolation. That is why some remote workers go from extremely delighted to disturbingly bitter over their jobs in a span of a few months. Unheeded, loneliness and depression may cause mental breakdowns.
Thankfully, the solution is pretty simple: get out of the house and meet people. You can set yourself up so that you’ll be able to interact even with your job. Join exercise classes or find jogging buddies with apps such as Jaha. Bring your work to a café or try out WeWork and other co-working spaces. Be active and volunteer in community work. If your home is large, you can even opt to rent some rooms out to bring in people and additional income. Another thing would be to offer Couch Surfing to allow travelers to stay with you in exchange for stories and some company. Go out once in a while, mingle, and have some fun.
Professional Isolation
Another challenge you might encounter while working remotely is losing your social skills in your specific field. Your expertise in certain areas may also become outdated if you don’t get to talk with colleagues often. Especially with technology-related jobs, you need to brush up once in a while on the latest trends to keep up with the market.
If you work with a group or company, make it a point to meet up with your peers every few days. This not only helps your social skills, but boosts company rapport too. Conduct phone or video calls with your clients as well. These help you remain socially competent at work. Websites such as Zoom can help you conduct online meetings. Meanwhile, Slack provides a virtual office where you can converse with colleagues in real time. Remain accessible and visible too in your industry’s circles. Not only would this boost your networking, it would also send a message to potential clients that you are still open for work even if it’s not in the office.
Lastly, dress properly for work and leave the pajamas in the bedroom as much as possible. Even if you work from home, remember that you are still a professional. You are your own boss, so dress up like a boss to play the part well. Check out some clothes at Old Navy and other similar establishments to remain comfortable while presentable.
Blending Professional and Personal Work
When you work from home, sometimes you can’t help but bring your tasks to bed. Or at times, vacuum while taking a quick break from the computer. While these instances might be excusable once in a while, habitually combining your personal and professional duties can make you lose focus. It can also make your spouse mad if you keep working at a time when you should be spending time together.
Even if you function at your own pace, set a routine to manage your commitments. For some remote workers, adopting a fixed schedule makes things easier to handle. While you don’t have to punch in a time clock, be disciplined and save household chores for later. Track your hours with apps like hivedesk.com and don’t overexert yourself. You don’t have to adapt a 9 to 6 system, but if you maintain a set schedule for work, you’ll be able to concentrate more on your job.
At the same time, recognize that remote working doesn’t mean being on-call 24/7. While your clients may send messages and make calls in weird hours, learn how to bargain for time. Set boundaries with your work and unplug to make time for your family, relationships and even your dog. If your finances permit, take vacations once in a while to relax and recharge. You can do that on your own or with programs specially organized for remote workers by Remote Year. Even if you’re cash strapped, a brief walk to the park or morning stroll along the beach can do wonders for your spirit.
Stress and Worry
One of the many things that hound remote workers is the uncertainty of the future. Like any other business, you can never tell where your next paycheck will come from. At times, this can cause so much stress and worry to the point of mental detriment. Anxieties about money can keep you up at night and prevent you from eating properly.
To combat worries, think positively. While this may prove difficult, reassuring yourself can boost your spirit and help you do work better. If you are religious, pray to keep your fears at bay. If not, a little meditation can help you at least to calm your mind and ease your anxieties.
If stress is a constant problem, try getting a pet. Adopt-a-pet.com and other groups can help you find the right animal companion for you. Animals often boost moods, and a cute puppy or a charming cat can easily brighten your day. Plus, they never get tired of keeping you company.
Despite uncertainties, the joy of remote working is that you open yourself up to clients all over the world. With enough patience and perseverance, eventually, you will find those who can provide steady work. While waiting for those opportunities, meanwhile, focus on developing your skills and mastering new ones. You’ll be able to tap different industries this way and have greater chances of securing work.
Overall, remote working can make you happy if you adapt it to suit your lifestyle. Take care of the basics, like the right insurance, and with some planning and discipline, you can thrive at your work even if it’s at home. It’s not a vacation trip but it’s not a prison sentence either. Find the balance between the professional and personal, and remote working just might prove to be the best career decision you’ve ever made.
