Do you dream of working in a far-flung destination, far away from office gossip and politics? You’re not alone. According to a 2023 Forbes article, a huge 98% of workers dream of working remotely for at least some of their work time. But while remote work is definitely on the rise, it doesn’t suit everyone—how can you be sure that you’ll enjoy working alone compared to being around your office buddies?
5 Signs That You’d Be Better Off Working Remotely
While working remotely comes with a range of challenges, it’s certainly rewarding. Having worked in an office environment for 14 years, remote work gave me the freedom I craved and allowed me to build my freelance writing portfolio; I wouldn’t change a thing. The freedom to wake up every day and organize my own time while going wherever I want to go, whenever I want to go, is something I never want to give up.
Not sure if it’s for you? Check out the five signs that remote work is the answer to your prayers; by the end, you should have your answer.
1. You Manage Your Time Excellently
When you work remotely, it’s all on you. There’s nobody to tell you to hurry up or check up on you. That means if you want to get paid, you need to get the work done—it’s pressure, but the good kind.
Can you self-manage your time well? If so, remote work could be a great choice for you. Of course, doing so will also allow you to see more of the wonderful destinations you’re visiting as you work and earn a living doing what you love.
Studies show that not only can it be more enjoyable, but it’s easier to be productive when working on the go. A 2022 study by Zapier found that 64% of those surveyed felt they got more done while working remotely. Say goodbye to your endless ‘to-do’ list!
2. You Dream of Working Alone
Let’s be honest: you probably like your colleagues but a lot of the time they get on your nerves. Am I right? You try to get on with your work, but a stream of distractions knocks you off course and leaves you feeling stressed by the end of the day.
Well, if you work remotely, you won’t have that trouble. You can find a quiet spot and get down to business without having to stop to talk to Karen at the next desk or engage in small talk with Richard, who you secretly find annoying. Because in all honesty, there is always a Karen and a Richard.
Not everyone wants to collaborate and work in a loud environment all the time. If you’re someone who thrives in a quiet, personal environment, remote work gives you the freedom to choose when (to a degree) and where you work—and of course, with whom.
3. You Have a Travel Itch
Most people have a mental bucket list of the destinations they want to visit, but often they remain just a dream. However, if you work remotely, you have zero ties: as long as you have an online connection, you’re good to go. That means you can travel wherever you want and have all those experiences you’ve always dreamed of.
If you’re someone who has a traveling itch with a desperate need to be scratched, remote work allows you to earn money while seeing the world; in all honesty, is there anything better? Life is far too short to look at online pictures of places you want to visit and think “What if.”
While you do need to consider time zones when working and traveling, it’s nothing that careful planning can’t overcome. The world truly is your oyster.
4. You’re Done With Office Life
Some people thrive in the office world; they enjoy the routine and the company, and that’s okay. But it’s not for everyone. I thought office life was for me, and it was for a while, but things and people change.
If you feel like you enjoy the work you do, but the office is starting to feel like a cage, remote work gives you the key to get out and breathe freely. The same 2002 Zapier study found that morale increases during remote work, thanks to a better home and work-life balance.
If the daily commute is a grind, you’re tired of working out what to wear every day, and your productivity levels aren’t where you want them to be, perhaps your office days are behind you.
5. Problem Solving is Your Thing
Here’s the thing: when you work remotely, you’re kind of left to your own devices. That means whenever a problem arises (and they will, trust me), you need to think on your feet and figure it out. So, if you’re a born problem solver and you crave a good challenge, remote work could be the route forward.
From time management issues to internet connectivity glitches, problems crop up often, and quick thinking is needed to jump over those hurdles and continue to be productive on the go. But the good news is that there is nothing you can’t overcome with a quick switch in mindset.
In Conclusion
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work was making waves, but now it seems to have turned into a tsunami. It’s no surprise—there are endless benefits to working on the go, and while there are still downsides, it’s a work solution that suits so many people, for so many reasons. I’m not suggesting you throw caution to the wind and go all ‘carpe diem,’ but it could be the best step you’ll ever take.
If you’ve been considering remote work for a while and you’ve been stuck in endless ‘What if’ thinking, these five signs should give you some clarity. If you recognize them, maybe you should start thinking about the types of jobs you can do remotely, or perhaps approach your manager and see whether remote positions are available in your organization. After all, what’s the worst that could happen?