When you think of a remote job, you’re probably picturing yourself waking up five minutes before your schedule and working the whole day in pajamas. No traffic, no office gossip, no rushing through your lunch break–it sounds too good to be true, isn’t it? Well, the benefits of having a remote job are mostly true, but it may not be as easy as it seems.
Working remotely requires a great deal of self-discipline and dedication, which is among the reasons why it’s not for everybody. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many companies to switch to work-from-home setups (some temporarily, some permanently), and while some employees have grown to love the remote setup and the benefits it brings, some cannot wait to go back to the normal office routine.
If you aren’t sure if a remote job is right for you, see if you check off the following signs:
You hate commuting
Whether you travel to work by car or public transportation, commuting can be hell on Earth. It often takes a good chunk of your day and consumes a lot of your energy before you even get to the office. And the commute back home can be just as infuriating.
If you absolutely hate your commute to and from work, getting a remote job eliminates that part of your life completely. Not only do you save money and time from transportation, but you’re also doing Mother Nature a favor by reducing your carbon footprint.
If you don’t know how to drive yet, take your learners permit exam online. Working remotely is the perfect opportunity to get behind the wheel and practice now that you have more time to yourself.
You need minimal supervision
Some people need constant instruction to be able to work effectively, needing someone to tell them what to do and external motivators to keep them productive. If this sounds like you, then you may not be right for a remote job.
But if you can thrive while working alone, can solve problems on your own, and need minimal supervision to stay productive, working remotely can be a great opportunity for you. Employees who thrive in the work-from-home setup are those that are self-directed, not needing external motivators like a boss looking over your shoulder or a co-worker judging your work. So if this sounds like you, it might be time to start looking for a remote job.
You can communicate effectively online
One of the challenges of remote work is the lack of face-to-face interactions, which can affect communication in the team to some extent. A matter discussed in front of you is often clearer than when it is talked about in an e-mail or a chat thread. Sometimes, it can even cause misunderstandings between team members, leading to tension and project delays.
Companies address this challenge by using internal communication tools that keep employees connected with each other. But knowing how to use these tools is not enough. You also need to be a good communicator online as much as you are in person, able to get the message across clearly, concisely, and accurately as much as possible.
You can avoid distractions
Distractions in the office are ever-present, be it that co-worker who’s always talking to you or office equipment making noise all day long. At home, there are also plenty of distractions to fight off (family members, roommates, pets, neighborhood noise, electronics, etc.), maybe even more than there are in the office.
If you’re able to maintain good focus despite these distractions, you are likely a great fit for a remote job.
You are comfortable working alone
Being comfortable working on your own without your co-workers is a good indication that you will enjoy working remotely. A remote job usually means that you will be working alone, either at home or some other establishment, without your co-workers and supervisors interacting with you. So if you’re an introvert, this probably sounds like your idea of heaven.
But even if you’re someone who doesn’t like being alone, a remote job can give you more time for socializing outside of work. So even if you’re not working with others, you can get your social fill through other activities after your schedule is done. In fact, working remotely can give you more time for social activities than working on-site where you’re schedule is not as flexible.
If these signs apply to you, you’re most likely ready to leave your soul-sucking cubicle job for something that’s more flexible and promotes work-life balance. While you won’t truly know if you’re ready until you actually get a remote job, checking off these signs is a pretty good indicator that you are.