Working remote offers different opportunities and benefits for people that are interested in this type of arrangement. However, it’s important to set up your ‘office’ correctly if you’re new to this type of arrangement.
Keeping To Yourself Rather Than Forming Relationships
It’s important to continue to grow your professional network with colleagues at your company, senior advisors, and clientele you’re interacting with. Part of what makes working remote hard is that your peers and superiors aren’t sitting directly in front of you seeing what your work ethic is and how you work to problem solve and get things done.
Work on building relationships with people in the industry you’re working in and try to build strong foundations with those above you at your position. If your boss is in town for the week, go out of your way to say hello or meet up with them for a coffee. Office about half an hour away? Pop in and say hello every once in a while. Keeping those relationships strong will help you down the road when you’re hoping for a promotion or raise.
Getting Easily Distracted
Working remote takes focus and drive. You have to self-motivate and encourage yourself to get up every morning, get ready for the day, and buckle down for work. If you let yourself slack, you’ll find yourself drowning in mountains if you take the time to focus on the stacks of dirty dishes, the grocery shopping that needs to get done, or that Netflix show you’re dying to watch. It’s tempting, but force yourself to get into the habit of waking up and ‘going to work’ even though you’re in the privacy of your own home.
Maybe you remove yourself from the house and go to your favorite coffee shop or take a few days a month to work out of a co-working space if you have a lot of work and have difficulty focusing at home. You’re your own worst enemy. In order to be successful, you have to be disciplined.
Not Creating A Schedule And Set Boundaries
Tread lightly when it comes to not setting boundaries, timelines, and winging it schedule wise. You’d think that working remotely would allow you to balance your personal and work life better, but it can work against you if you don’t set strict guidelines for yourself. Setting a schedule and deadlines for yourself is a major step to take when you are evaluating your goals and work expectations. Another step is taking the time to set boundaries and establish parameters for things that are okay during the work day and things you should leave for later. Once you’ve created a roadmap for yourself, you’ll have an easier time navigating the path between work life and social life.
Not Creating A ‘Work Space’
Working remote can be a great opportunity, but that doesn’t mean that you should let yourself roll out of bed and hang out on the couch all day. It’s important to create a clear workspace for yourself that allows for quiet time and a distraction free environment. If you have kids running around or roommates hanging out on the couch watching TV while you’re trying to work, it’s going to be challenging to focus on the task at hand. Establish ground rules with your household and create a safe work space for yourself where you aren’t tempted to slack off or aren’t able to think due to distraction.
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