Remote work is on the rise.
Now more than ever, people are working from home, and while remote work can be good for mental health in many ways, the lax schedules and lack of business meetings can lead to a chaotic work life that can actually cause stress (not to mention missed deadlines).
How can remote warriors achieve success in this new way of working?
While everyone is different, here are some keys to remote working success, whether you’re a digital marketer for a car dealership or run your business online.
Be transparent about your availability
One of the benefits of working from home is having the freedom to work whenever you want. Of course, you still have to get work done.
Communication is essential when working from home and you have to be transparent about your availability. Not only will this help your employer or client know when you can and can’t work but it will help you protect your time, as well as ensure everyone is on the same page.
If you’re not transparent in the availability department, then stress could take over when you’re asked to work on a project on one of your days off.
Have all the necessary tools
This is a no-brainer, but still worth pointing out. If you don’t have the necessary tools, then you won’t be able to do your job. In most cases, you just need a good computer and reliable internet connection.
Be self-disciplined and motivated
Remote workers have to be self-disciplined and motivated. Without these characteristics, tasks will get pushed off, you won’t work when your brain is functioning at its best, and you’ll likely stress about deadlines and doing quality work.
Most remote workers are in charge of their schedules and with that needs to come self-discipline and motivation to ensure everything is getting done properly and on time.
Separate home and work life
This is one of the toughest things for workers to do, whether they work remotely or at a dance center in Montclair, NJ. One of the reasons is because we live in a technology age in which we are connected to our phones and are expected to be available 24/7.
While work-life balance is ever-changing and means different things for different people, you have to give your home life the attention it deserves as well as your work life.
That’s why learning how to eliminate distractions is crucial when you’re working, and being able to disconnect from work is essential when you’re not working. Finding the right balance takes time and experimenting, but this is a concept that has to take place if you want to be the most successful remote worker you can possibly be.
Stick to your schedule (one that’s realistic)
Just like with work-life balance, finding the right schedule is going to take some tinkering, unless, of course, you’re expected to be at your computer during specific times.
Creating a schedule that’s realistic (and one you can stick to) is also going to take time because you have to find something you can do for the long haul. Working for 10 hours straight might sound like a good plan when you’re motivated, but it also might not be manageable and could lead to a fast trip to burnout.
Once you figure out what works for you, stick to your schedule. You might work from home, but you still have to protect your time.
Find meaning in your work
Working from home is a luxury, but working from home is not a dream job. It’s a scenario.
You still have to find meaning in your work. You will get used to working remotely and the focus will go back to finding work you love and at your dream job. If you’re doing work you enjoy, then all of the things above will come a little easier, and you will enjoy everything working remotely has to offer.
Working from home might sound glamorous, but it takes time to perfect. We hope these tips can help along the way.