An honest chat about remote working

I recently had a really eye-opening conversation with a young woman who is just starting her career in remote work. It was a bit of a throwback for me, reminding me of my own early days navigating the remote working landscape. We've all been in those newbie shoes, haven't we?

These kinds of conversations don't just allow me to coach newcomers; they take me on a trip down memory lane, back to when I was figuring it all out for myself. After many coaching sessions and my own whirlwind of experience, I've accumulated a treasure trove of insights.

That's why I'd like to share a few handy tips for young people embarking on a remote working journey.

Achieving the perfect balance in remote work

Balancing work and personal life can be challenging when working from home. For me, it was particularly difficult as I tend to be a night owl, naturally inclined to hit my stride when most people are winding down.?

This often led to working through the night, disrupting my work-life balance. To address this issue, I had to make some changes.

I realized that achieving balance is not about resisting your natural tendencies. Instead, it's about adjusting them to establish a harmonious routine. For me, it was a matter of experimenting and making adjustments until I found the ideal balance between work and personal time.

The key is flexibility and a willingness to adapt while still setting firm boundaries to ensure that both aspects of my life receive the attention they deserve.

Over time, I discovered a few techniques that were particularly helpful. Have a look at them and let me know what you think!

Goal-oriented daily schedule

This involves setting clear, specific goals that prioritize tasks based on their impact and urgency, rather than the quantity of time spent on them.

To achieve this, I recommend to use methods such as:

• The Eisenhower Box - this system is flexible, allowing you to distinguish between what is immediate and what can wait. You can then work during your most productive hours and align your professional objectives with personal well-being.?
• Setting realistic and achievable goals - to prevent overwhelm and foster a sense of accomplishment, try and break down large projects into smaller tasks to make progress tangible and satisfying.?
• Regularly reviewing and adjusting goals - for those new to remote work, this approach may require some adjustment. I also recommend seeking assistance from your boss or a coach like myself. I can guide you through these challenges and help you establish a routine that works best for you, ensuring your success in the remote work environment.

Self-Care and Professionalism

To navigate the remote work lifestyle successfully, it is essential to approach it with dedication to self-care and professionalism, even when working from home.?

1. Begin by creating a productive workspace that is separate from areas of relaxation. This will help you mentally shift from personal to work mode.
2. Dressing appropriately also plays a significant role. Swapping pajamas for casual, work-appropriate attire can transform your mindset and strike a balance between comfort and professionalism. Plus: it is not advisable to work from the couch. Believe me - been there, done that.
3. It is essential to prioritize physical and mental well-being. To improve focus and overall well-being, consider incorporating exercise, such as a brisk morning walk or a relaxing yoga session, along with mindfulness practices like meditation.

Finally, remote work does not mean isolation. Staying connected through virtual coffee breaks or spending quality time with loved ones after work ensures a wholesome and socially enriched work-from-home experience.

Change your environment

Adapting your habitat is crucial for goal-oriented work. With a clear understanding of your objectives, you can easily determine the time needed, set achievable deadlines, and choose a workspace that resonates with the vibe essential for maintaining concentration.?

Freelancers can break the monotony of traditional work environments and find a refreshing change in workspace by choosing the right coffee bar or library that aligns with their goal-oriented work lifestyle.?

These places offer more than just a change of scenery. They are a sanctuary for those who find the seclusion of home suffocating and desire a stimulating and productive environment.?

Here's how I find them:

• Nibol
• WeWork
• Workfrom
• Local Chains like McDonald’s or Starbucks

However, when I want a more traditional experience, I simply use Google:

Use technology, do not let it use you

To maintain focus and productivity, it is essential to embrace technology while setting firm boundaries.?

You can use time management apps like:

• Toggl or RescueTime to gain insight into your work habits and allocate your time more efficiently.
• If you are easily sidetracked by social media or other websites, tools like Cold Turkey or Freedom can be lifesavers as they block distracting content during your work hours.
• The Forest app provides a creative solution that rewards you for focused work sessions by growing a virtual tree. This offers a visual and gamified incentive to stay on task.?
• Using features like 'Do Not Disturb' can also help.?

But you can also start to:

• Incorporate mindfulness into your routine - apps like Headspace or Calm offer short, guided meditation sessions that are ideal for mental reset breaks
• Use the Pomodoro Technique - facilitated by apps like Be Focused, structures work into productive intervals with short breaks, preventing burnout.

Additionally, taking regular digital detoxes, where you unplug completely, can maintain a healthy balance between connectivity and personal well-being.

By using these tools and techniques strategically, you can boost your productivity without letting technology overwhelm your professional and personal life.

Work is not Everything

When working remotely, it is easy to lose track of time. It is important to remember that work is not everything. Breaks are not just pauses in your day; they are essential moments for rejuvenation.

Here are some tips:

• Plan your breaks thoughtfully - this could mean savoring a meal, taking a quick stretch, or stepping outside for fresh air.
• Chat with family or friends - this is a simple yet effective way to recharge and reconnect with life beyond work.
• Incorporate reminders and alarms into your daily routine - these small nudges will help you step away from your desk at regular intervals, preventing the common pitfall of overworking in a remote setting.
• Embracing a workation lifestyle - it combines work and vacation, allowing you to change your environment, explore new places, and still stay productive.

My dream? To work like this:

Mastering Remote Communication

Interacting with colleagues, bosses, and managers in a remote work environment can seem daunting at first.?However, building a connection through communication can make it smoother and more rewarding.?

• Regular virtual coffee breaks or check-ins are more than just formalities; they're opportunities to transform professional relationships into more personable and meaningful interactions.?
• Open and genuine communication, sharing thoughts and professional needs, fosters mutual understanding and respect.?
• Seeking feedback actively and embracing it is crucial for personal growth and aligning with team expectations. Feedback is not just about improvement; it's about personal development. I used to find feedback challenging, but I've learned its value and look forward to sharing more insights on this.
• Networking is crucial in remote settings. Engaging with peers and industry professionals through LinkedIn groups and virtual events can lead to new opportunities and perspectives.?

Successful remote work relationships are built on personal connections, open communication, feedback, and networking. These elements can turn potential challenges into avenues for growth and collaboration.

Last but not least

Navigating the remote work landscape is a journey of growth and learning. If you are starting out or finding your way, remember that I have been there too, and I am here to help. Reach out for tailored advice, and let us make your remote work journey not just successful, but truly enjoyable and fulfilling.

My name is Giulia and I am a Life Coach. I am here to help you achieve your work-life balance in remote environments where unique challenges may arise.