Millions of people transitioned to remote work during the start of the pandemic, and as of today, most companies have streamlined their remote work guidelines and benefits. Thousands of undergrads are joining an economy filled with a mix of remote jobs, hybrid jobs, and in-person jobs. Older people are also retiring at higher rates than before. Workers with families are leaving their jobs to work remotely and enjoy the work-life balance benefits. Accepting a remote position is both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially if this new job is your first remote job ever. Here are some things to consider:
Location:
The world is your oyster, and working remotely means you can work from anywhere. If you’ve been longing for a change for yourself or your family, moving to a new city is something to consider after accepting remote work. Talk to your family and friends and figure out if moving is a financially smart and viable option for you. Moving might mean losing your support network, but it could also give room for personal growth and new adventures.
Work Office:
Next, your office! Or should we say bedroom? Most people who work from home have a designated space where they can dedicate their time to work and work only. This might be a study office or a corner in a room. Whichever it is for someone, one thing is shared amongst all options: tailor it to you and your needs! If your job requires you to video call for most of the day, have all of the equipment in your work area and make sure everything can fit while still maintaining organization.
Scheduling:
Scheduling your upcoming weeks and months is extremely important when starting a new position. There might be weekly, or monthly meetings that you must know are happening. Taking notes of what time zone your company is following is also necessary to know. All of these things can be jotted down on a paper calendar or google calendar. The more prepared you are before and during the first few weeks of your remote job, the easier it will be to stay organized for the remainder of your time at the company.
Setting Boundaries:
Take steps to unplug and set work-life balance boundaries before and during the first few weeks of your remote job. Create a strict routine that can balance your needs and your company’s needs. Set boundaries with your coworkers depending on how the company operates their hours. Communicate what hours you will and will not typically be online. Use new tools that aren’t available in person, like the mute button to turn off notifications during your off-hours.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to speak up and be your own advocate. Just like you have your own preferences, your coworkers will too. As you get to know them, get to know their communication and work preferences. Now that you’re a full-time remote employee, you’ll want to find excuses to interact with humans and not, well, your computer.
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