Difficulties of Remote Work: My Experience and What Helps Me

2023-05-21

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Part I: Introduction

Remote work is no longer a perk but a norm. With over 3.6 years of experience under my belt, I've gathered some valuable insights about remote work, revolving around personal discipline and structuring your day.

Part II: Workday Rhythm

One vital aspect is maintaining communication with colleagues and adapting to their work schedules. Our team has a daily meeting, along with several additional meetings throughout the week. There's no communal lunch break, and we operate at different times.

Note: Some of us live in different time zones with up to a 5-hour difference. Some start their workday early at 7-8 AM, while others work past midnight.

Without explicit time constraints, it's crucial to plan breaks and meals into your day. It's all too easy to lose track of time and work a straight 8-hour shift, detrimental to both your health and work-life balance. For each sprint, I tackle a specific set of tasks, and if I miss a day, I have to compensate for the lost time. This often leads to overworking if I misjudge the task volume.

Note: Communicating stagnant status updates is one of the most challenging parts of remote work.

Whereas co-workers might see you at the office, remote work lacks that visibility. They can't tell if you've been genuinely working without progress for two days or not working at all.

Part III: Work Environment and Flexibility

In remote work, your workspace can be anywhere, but a comfortable environment is critical. A noisy venue makes conference calls challenging, poor internet might make work impossible, and an uncomfortable desk can lead to physical discomfort.

Note: Unlike an office setting where you can ask for an ergonomic chair or desk, remote work puts all these responsibilities on your shoulders.

The beauty of remote work is that you can work from anywhere — a beach, a café, or a bar. However, our brains struggle to switch contexts instantly. After finishing work, it often takes 2-3 hours for my mind to stop thinking about work-related tasks, and the reverse is also true.

Part IV: Work-life Balance

Remote work gives the flexibility to switch tasks when you feel tired or unable to concentrate, which can be an invaluable advantage. If I realize that I can't focus on a task, I might watch Netflix, play PlayStation, or even take a nap. This flexibility allows me to work at my peak productivity, thereby saving time.

Warning: Striking a balance is crucial. Excessive relaxation can lead to unfinished tasks, but working when focused can considerably speed up task completion.

Remember, the less we want to do something, the longer it takes. The more focused we are, the faster we can accomplish it. It's pointless to force yourself to work when all you want to do is sleep or relax.

Part V: Strategies and Solutions

Over the years, I've implemented a few strategies that significantly improved my remote work experience:

  1. Structured Day: Even without a fixed timetable, I schedule breaks and meals to prevent burnout.

  2. Communication: I keep my team updated, especially when progress is slow. Transparency helps in maintaining team trust.

  3. Comfortable Workspace: Investing in a good desk, chair, and noise-cancelling headphones have made a significant difference.

  4. Boundaries: I've created a separate workspace to mentally distinguish between work and leisure time.

Part VI: Embracing Flexibility

One of the keys to successful remote work is embracing flexibility. Understanding that your work schedule doesn't always have to align with traditional office hours can give you the freedom to work when you're most productive.

Tip: Listen to your body and mind. If you're feeling unproductive or distracted, it might be time for a break. Give yourself permission to step away from the computer and recharge. You might find that you can tackle your tasks with renewed energy and focus afterward.

Part VII: Conclusion

Working remotely is not without its challenges, but the rewards are plentiful. From having the freedom to work anywhere to setting your own schedule, the benefits can greatly outweigh the hurdles.

Remember, clear communication, personal discipline, and a balance between work and rest are essential to thriving in a remote work setting. Hopefully, my experience and tips can provide some guidance for those navigating the world of remote work. Good luck, and embrace the journey!