Remote work has been around for some time, but it’s now gaining popularity in different parts of the world. 70% of the global workforce work remotely at least once a week. In the United States alone, a 2017 study revealed that about 8 million people worked at home. These figures indicate that more and more people are accepting the concept of telecommuting or working remotely. If you are also interested in diving into this industry, you need to make all the necessary adjustments first.
Common Misconceptions About Working Remotely
In the past, employers avoid hiring freelancers and workers who prefer a work-from-home setup. They believe that it’s too risky to allow their employees to work full-time while staying home. They think that there are a lot of distractions at home. Aside from this, there is a huge possibility that their workers will not deliver excellent outputs, which may compromise the success of their company. These negative factors made a few companies doubt the skills and capabilities of telecommuters. If you want to become a successful work-from-home employee, you need to prove that you are a real asset to the company.
Taking the First Steps towards Telecommuting
There are a lot of things that you can do to prepare yourself to become a full-time telecommuting employee. If you still have an office-based job, the first thing that you need to do is to find a new employer. Refrain from resigning from your job if you don’t have a clear plan for your future. Here are some basic steps to consider to start transitioning to a work-from-home setup:
- Get a part-time work-from-home job—If you have a full-time office-based job, you can begin by taking part-time jobs first. Look for job posts that allow a work-from-home setup. It would be best if you can choose one which offers a flexible work schedule. This way, you can work when you get home from work or during weekends only.
- Start building your home office—Slowly start building your home office. If you are planning to become a full-time telecommuter, you need to have a proper work area. Set up your private home office to avoid distractions while working. You can contact smart home companies to request home automation solutions as well. You can get business integrated systems to ensure that you can run meetings and submit outputs without delay.
- Ask your current employer for a full-time work-from-home setup—You can consider talking to your current employer if you can change your current setup. Instead of resigning from your post, you can continue working for your company. If not, you can always look for better opportunities from a different company.
- Learn how to manage your time correctly—You need to start learning how to manage your time. Learn how to schedule your tasks at work and home. This way, you can focus on accomplishing all your obligations without getting stressed with deadlines.
Working from home can bring a significant change in your career. Before you become a full-time work-from-home employee, make sure that you are 100% sure about your decision. Keep in mind that adjusting to this new work environment may be tough. However, if telecommuting will allow you to have more time for yourself and your family, everything will be worth it. Also, a lot of excellent opportunities can help develop your career as well as your income in the work-from-home industry. The key is to know your priorities and maintain your motivation in accomplishing your goals in life.
