Remote working can be a dream job setting and a very tempting scenario. It’s also an increasing global trend that found fertile ground among Millenials and UI&UX designers. Even though comfortable and productive, remote work isn’t only a bed of roses. Reason? Human nature.
I’ve worked remotely for some time now, and here’s my take on this:
you can sleep in for a little longer. But if you really want to be efficient, waking up 5 minutes before the time scheduled for work won’t do the trick. The transition is crucial here. And while the daily commute and change of places can help do that, it’s hard to achieve the same level of mode switching just in your head (and in only five minutes).
Like a pro
Remote working allows you to work on your couch in your pajamas and eat a greasy toast while finishing important tasks. Sounds great? No one will notice your peculiar outfit on slack, just your insightful comments. If you’re an early bird, you can kick-start the day closing all the necessary tasks and then have a whole afternoon for yourself – go to the movies, pick the groceries, cook a 5-star meal, and enjoy some reading.
It’s wonderful. As long as everything goes according to the schedule (yup, you need to make one), the reward is precious. If some accidental idleness takes over, though, let’s remember that time is at stake here. YOUR TIME. So in a way, you’re like your own boss. But in a way, you can become your own victim too. Especially because we’re prone to distractions in our private space. Suddenly, even doing laundry sounds like a perfect idea compared to work.
What I’ve learned for the past half-year is that:
Remote working is about the discipline. And being honest with oneself.
At the end of the day, we’re the only people who know how much work we’ve done. Furthermore, it will be entirely up to us if we have a good night’s sleep or fall into restless insomnia thinking how many tasks still need to be finished (or started for that matter). We need to trust in our capacity to manage different projects while maintaining a bit of distrust not to allow ourselves too many wasted hours.
At the beginning, it can be tough to acquire such high level of organization. Especially because, as humans beings, we tend to let go when no one’s watching
Luckily enough, we can learn from our mistakes too. Here’s the set of rules that really worked out for me:
- Embrace the privilege and convenience that come from not going to the office from 9 to 5.
- Appreciate the freedom you have and make the most of it (use the free time for a new hobby?)
- Slowly progress with your organization skills and remember it’s not only helpful for work but also builds a strong character.
- Become your best friends with your agenda, write down all your goals and plans, even the simplest ones. The excellent planner can make the excellent freelancer.
- Wake up 15 minutes earlier to enjoy the new day.
- Check your mailbox within previously fixed hours.
- Organize space designed for work only
- You don’t need to stay at home all day long. Go to a nice cafe and get work done in a refreshing environment.
Everyone has their own methods according to their needs and private life. You just need to focus on what’s important to you and what would make you feel and perform best. It’s all about finding and keeping the right balance. When you’re able to do that, you can make your remote work the Oscar-winning, best scenario possible.
