Working remotely from home or from wherever you feel like has never been easier as it is now. We have transitioned from having a few freelance websites like Odesk (now UpWork) and Freelancer to niche gig websites like Fiverr and 99designs to having full-fledged recruitment portals like FlexJobs. This growth happened in such a short amount of time that it is honestly mind-blowing, especially for someone like me who has been working remotely since 2013. You can basically google something like “Remote Jobs”, or “Work from Home Jobs” and you would be presented with an endless number of results – it wasn’t always like this.
With such ease and an abundance of opportunities now readily available for anyone who wishes to, one simple question needs to be addressed – should you?
Let me preface this by saying that personally, I think that working remotely is AMAZING. It gives me flexibility to work when and where I want. How much or how little I want to work. It allows me to choose the types of people and managers I must engage with and my personal favorite, it liberates me from my toxic daily commute which in turn, saves me a lot of time that I can then spend on something else.
However, this goes without saying that working remotely is not for everyone. I can list down just as many reasons not to start working remotely as I can list reasons why you should. Here are a few of them:
- Working remotely can get very lonely. If you’re the type of person who thrives on social interactions and values in-person collaboration at the workplace, then working from home isn’t for you. That’s just the way it is. Sure, you have the liberty to chat with your friends via social media apps and even spend entire shifts on a discord server, but it honestly is just not same.
- It’s easy to get distracted. Remote working environments like home or co-working spaces can be filled with distractions like chores, family members, vehicle noises, Netflix and Chilling, pets, and those dreaded chickens, (cs reps know what I’m talking about). If you’re the type that gets easily distracted by your environment, then working from home might prove to be counterproductive for you.
- You’d have limited career advancement opportunities. In some industries and roles, remote workers have way fewer opportunities for career advancement and networking compared to those who choose to work at a physical location. If career advancement is a top priority for you, if you value that job title so much, working remotely might not align with your long-term goals.
- Work-life balance. This is one aspect of remote work that seldom gets talked about but working remotely can easily blur the boundaries of work and personal life, making it very difficult to disconnect from your job and relax. You might find yourself saying “Ah, I’m already here so I might as well just do this” but this is a rabbit-hole and will eventually become a habit. If you have workaholic tendencies and find it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance, then working remotely might exacerbate this.
- Technical and connectivity issues. Remote work relies heavily on technology and a stable internet connection. If you live in an area with unstable internet access (hey, PLDT right?) or are a bit of a boomer and struggle with technical issues related to your computer, you might find remote work frustrating and hinder your own productivity.
If you’re currently doing well with your career and are on the fence about transitioning to remote work, I highly advise you to think it a hundred times over. Try to determine if this is something you truly want or need in your life right now or if it’s just because it’s trending. Do not give in because of the hype-train or because of peer-pressure.
With that said, here are a few of my personal reasons why one should start working remotely.
- Flexibility. Remote work provides a high degree of flexibility in terms of your work schedule and location. You have more control over when and where you work, allowing you to better tailor your work environment to your preferences.
- Reduced Commute. Eliminating the daily commute can save you significant time and money. You’ll have more time for personal activities, reduce stress associated with commuting, and potentially lower transportation costs. Eliminating the commute from my day-to-day gave me 4 hours of my day back which I then used to read and start working out again.
- Work-Life Balance. I might sound self-contradictory after listing the same reason above, but remote work often does promote a better work-life balance depending on the person. You can better integrate work with your personal life, making it easier to attend to family needs, social obligations, pursue hobbies, or engage in other activities that are important to you.
- Increased Productivity. Some people find that they are more productive when working remotely, as they can create a customized work environment that suits their needs. Fewer office distractions and the ability to work during your most productive hours can lead to higher efficiency.
- Access to a Global Job Market. Remote work opens opportunities to work for companies located anywhere in the world. This broadens your job prospects and allows you to explore roles that may not be available in your local area. Of course, with a global job market comes a global paygrade.
These are just a few of the advantages and disadvantages of remote work, and they can vary depending on your individual circumstances and preferences. Remote work can be a valuable option for those seeking greater flexibility and a better work-life balance.
Sure, at first it feels very liberating being able to work however you want at first. Waking up at the very last minute and getting to work right away in your underwear while having breakfast on your desk, blasting your favorite music while you answer those emails that you ignored last night. But once this honeymoon phase passes, as with everything, it’s just another day at work.
Ultimately, the decision to whether work remotely or in a traditional office should be based on your personal preference, job requirement and personal circumstance. It’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons to determine what time of arrangement best suits your needs and long-term goals.
