It’s cool working remotely?
IT DEPENDS!
I’ve been working remotely for 4 years.
It’s cool? For me it is!
It’s easy? For me it is!
Working remotely can be cool and easy, but it can also be neither cool nor easy. It is not for everyone and depends on the preferences of each person, both personally and professionally.
We are at a time when more and more people are talking about remote work and there are also more and more opportunities in Portugal. Unfortunately, things are not as many paint.
It is very possible that you have already read at least 1 article about working remotely. There are many articles on the internet on the subject, most of them portray it as being cool, easy and cheap… only advantages!
I’m sorry to disappoint you, but it’s not like that.
Flexible schedule
It is one of the biggest lies about remote work. To work remotely it is necessary to have a great organizational capacity. One of the most important things is to set a time and be on time. As an example, my schedule is 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm, but I usually start at 8 am and rarely work just 8 hours a day.
Heavenly place
Another of the biggest lies about remote work. To work remotely it is necessary to have the right conditions. You need a good internet speed, a good chair, a clean and organized desk. Conditions that are not possible on a beach, terrace, sofa, etc.
Cost reduction
It is hardly true. It is a reality that money is not spent on transportation. However, you need material to work with… computer, screens, an internet speed that you might not need for your day-to-day, office supplies, etc. You will also spend a lot more electricity and water. And, if we think about winter, the costs still increase more, much more: you will turn on the light much earlier (sometimes in the morning) and you will need heating.
Real (dis)advantages of working remotely
(Dis)advantages, because what is positive for me, can be negative for someone else and vice versa.
Advantages
Don’t leave the house (does not mean spending the day in pajamas)
Don’t spend/lose/waste time on trips (I have already worked at a company that works from 9 am to 6 pm, I needed to take a train at 7:20 am and arrive at 8 pm… if I left on time).
Don’t spend money on fuel or transportation.
Don’t have to deal with customers.
Take less time between getting up and starting work, as well as finishing work and being available.
Have a space just for me with the environment I want, without disturbing anyone and nobody will disturb me. In silence or, sometimes, with loud music. Perfect for saying blunders aloud to relieve some pressure from the moment.
Have more time.
Conclusion
Working remotely allows me, at a professional level, to have an environment 100% adapted to me and to become much more productive than in a shared environment. On a personal level it allows me to have more time.
As I said at the beginning for me it’s cool and easy. I love it!
For you … it depends! Only you know!
