Social media would have you believe that being a remote worker is as easy as setting up your laptop poolside and snapping a few selfies before getting down to business. But while the past few years have seen an increase in the number of people attracted to the flexibility of working from anywhere, not everyone has the personality to thrive outside a traditional work environment.
Whether you are currently looking for a job that will let you work from anywhere, or are exploring the possibility of launching your own remote business, here are a few things to consider before you pack your bags for a work-from-anywhere adventure.
Are you self-disciplined?
As a remote worker, you won’t have a boss or colleagues watching over you. It will be up to you to manage your time effectively and to work independently. If you don’t have the self-discipline to set a schedule and stick to it, to avoid distractions, and to deliver quality work on deadline without a manager breathing down your neck, you may find it difficult to succeed as a remote worker.
Can you manage your time?
One of the best things about being a remote worker is having the freedom to set your own schedule. But being able to work 24/7 can make it difficult to achieve a healthy work-life balance. Being able to manage your time so your work life doesn’t take over the rest of your life is key to avoiding burnout as a remote worker.
Are you a good communicator?
Whether you are part of an organization or work for yourself, good communication skills are always an important part of building a successful career.
But when you are not present physically, you’ll need to master the art of communicating clearly, concisely, and promptly via email, chat, or video call. If you’re more comfortable interacting face-to-face, remote work may not be the best choice for you.
Are you a problem-solver?
As a remote worker, chances are good that you’ll be on your own when problems arise. From technical glitches to dealing with difficult customers, if you are not resourceful enough to find solutions without depending on others, you may want to look for more traditional employment.
Can you go with the flow?
Remote work can be a great opportunity to see the world. But it’s important to remember that different countries and cultures have different ways of doing things – and some people find it hard to adjust their expectations.
Being able to adapt to new situations can help you remain productive and deliver quality work when faced with unexpected challenges.
Happy travels!