Today, many people are interested in remote work. Previously, most people perceived the format, which involves performing professional duties outside the office, as nothing more than a part-time job for students, but nothing stands still and everything changes. Today work from home allows you to earn even more than at a regular job. It all depends on what you do and how in demand your skills are. For example, IT specialists, copywriters, designers who work in the format freelance, often have a very good income.
Why is remote work becoming increasingly popular?
Firstly, it is very convenient for many. Remote work It allows you to work in the comfort and cozy environment of your home. You can wear comfortable clothes, have a cup of coffee or even some snacks, and the schedule is usually more flexible.
Secondly, it has become more accessible. Technology is evolving and this is affecting the labor market. Thanks to the globalization of the labor market and the introduction of digital tools such as Zoom, Slack or Trello, many companies have the opportunity to hire employees from different parts of the world.
Thirdly, the pandemic of the well-known disease also contributed, when many employees began to work from home and both they and the companies they worked for realized that remote work – this is not only realistic, but also quite profitable.
Pros of remote work
If we talk about the advantages of this option, then there are many of them. It's not for nothing that so many people have already switched or are planning to start working from home in the near future. Let's talk about them.
- Flexible schedule - this work format allows you to plan your day independently, which is especially useful for those who have a non-standard schedule or need time for personal matters.
- Saving time and money - thanks to working from home, you don't need to spend hours commuting to the office, as well as money on transportation, lunches at a cafe, or office clothes.
- Comfortable conditions - the ability to work in a familiar environment helps you focus and avoid stress associated with noise or other factors in the office.
- A wide selection of vacancies - you can find projects or vacancies in international companies, not limited to the local labor market.
- Increased productivity - many people work more efficiently at home, because the environment is more comfortable and they can tune in to work.
Disadvantages of remote work
Of course, as with any other phenomenon, there are certain negative aspects here. For some, this is not very significant, but for others it may even push them away from this format of work. What are we talking about?
- Lack of social interaction – Working from home can lead to isolation and a lack of communication with colleagues. This is especially true when you have a busy schedule and don't have time to meet up with friends, and communication is an important part of life for many people.
- Blurring the lines between work and personal life – when you work from home, it is difficult to find a balance between work time and rest. This can quickly lead to burnout and depression.
- Problems with self-discipline - not everyone can plan their schedule and allocate their time wisely. Often, earning money from home directly depends on the number of completed tasks. Without supervision from management, some people find it difficult to meet deadlines or stay focused on tasks. As a result, productivity drops, and with it, income decreases.
- Technical difficulties - not everyone has a modern, high-quality PC. It is not always possible to ensure a stable Internet connection. This can interfere with work.
- Overworking is also not a good idea for so-called "workaholics." This category of people should have certain restrictions, for example, in the form of an office schedule, because otherwise they will not know when to stop and the workday may become 24 hours long.
Prospects for remote work
It's difficult to say anything specific here, because it all depends on the value of your professional skills, knowledge, and abilities. All of this is also influenced by the field in which you are a specialist.
The complexity of career growth is present here. The thing is that not everyone is used to such employees. Because of this, in some companies, remote workers may have fewer opportunities for promotion or participation in important projects.
With all this, many modern companies are gradually switching to a hybrid format, combining work from home and in the office, which helps to maintain a balance between productivity and social interaction. Your place of residence will not limit you. Are there no vacancies in your locality or even country? This is not a problem, because you can get a job in a company that is even located on another continent. There are clearly more opportunities.
In addition, it should be noted that analysts predict an increase in the number of vacancies for freelancers and remote workers in the fields of IT, design, marketing, customer service, and many others.
How to make remote work effective?
We offer a few tips that we think are useful:
- Organize your workplace – nothing should distract you;
- Stick to a routine – there should be a clear work schedule;
- Use modern technologies that help you work more efficiently;
- Take regular breaks, for example for a cup of coffee or a snack;
- Improve your skills to be more competitive and have the opportunity to earn more.
Is remote work right for you?
This is a question that each of you must answer for yourself. It all depends on what exactly you do, what goals you set for yourself, what you want to achieve, and generally what kind of person you are (character, psychotype, interests, etc.).
Should you work remotely? If you are disciplined, value flexibility, and can organize your work process yourself, remote work may be the perfect choice. If live communication with people is important to you and you work more effectively when your manager is nearby, you should choose an office format or perhaps a hybrid option, where you can work from home for a few days but spend most of your time in the office.
Let's summarize
Remote work is an interesting solution that suits many, but not everyone. There is no need to emulate anyone. We are all different. It is important to understand whether this will be a convenient option for you, taking into account the important aspects and features of your specific situation.
