As a small business owner, I’ve adjusted to working remotely and understand the ups and downs with this. Forbes agreed and published an article I wrote about this topic. A replica of the article is written below and you can also access the Forbes version here: Adjusting to Remote Work Can Really Bite: Here’s How to Adapt.
As published in Forbes:
I know we are at a moment in time where working remotely is a must and, in many cases, a blessing. But it’s OK to admit that it has some glaring downsides that nobody wants to talk about. Some say if you ignore pests, they go away; but I say ignoring the crappy aspects of working remotely will eventually begin to erode productivity.
Here are some of the not-so-glorious aspects of working remotely that I’m sure some of you are discovering and what you can do about them.
You have FOMO.
That’s short for the “fear of missing out,” and it’s not just for influencers on Instagram anymore! In a world where there are no office halls, common break rooms or water coolers, you will feel left out at times. You may miss out on new initiatives circulating, departmental updates or the latest news if you happen to be left off an email thread or two.
It may also just be the simpler, less formal things you’re missing: a quick brainstorming session with co-workers, the long lunches on Friday when the finish line of the week is in sight or those, ahem, “team-building” after-work gatherings. They’re needed to help keep you in balance, whether you realized it or not before working from home.
Don’t wait for your company to come to the rescue. Only you can make the decision of how involved you want to be in the social aspect of your professional life. Schedule quick check-ins via FaceTime or even group lunches over Zoom. Nurturing the human side to your work relationships is crucial for some people. You may be one of these types and just never knew it.
Networking can become difficult.
Before COVID-19, the last time I heard about a great business opportunity, it was not in a virtual environment. It was from a colleague at an informal networking event. If you count on your network of colleagues to develop leads and find new opportunities, you may be surprised by how difficult this can be when you’re socially isolating.
Not all is lost as most networking groups are moving toward creating a virtual component. Granted, you may have to change out of those pajamas and get ready to show your beautiful face on video, but sacrifice is often necessary when it comes to professional growth.
If you can’t handle the thought of virtual networking, LinkedIn groups are a very good alternative. Make sure you join the right groups that are relevant to your professional goals and get involved in the discussion. Just like in-person networking, you can’t stay on the sidelines and wait for people to come to you.
Productivity expectations might change.
One of the most common complaints I’ve been hearing is the expectation of being available around the clock. At first, a client of mine was actually relieved to have to work from home. Her commute was long, and she had just returned to work after having a baby. Her biggest complaint now? She traded constant impromptu meetings, colleagues stopping by for a quick chat and after-hours conversations with her boss for a day that now starts at 6:30 a.m. and includes several new unexpected projects. It feels like a day that never ends.
Granted, she doesn’t have a commute anymore, but does that mean she should be spending every waking hour working? Make sure you discuss expectations with your boss early on. Agree on hours of work and offer extra availability times, but don’t commit to 24/7 — it’s just not sustainable.
It can get lonely.
I am an introvert. I love working from home…alone. We introverts were mentally ready for this moment in history. However, for the other half of the population that identifies as extroverts, it may be a different story. Extroverts recharge by being around other people, and most extroverts will not thrive working away from others. The toll on an extrovert’s mental health is an aspect that’s rarely discussed.
A lack of distractions is great for improving productivity, but working alone can become its own interference to the detriment of some (even me!). If you need to be around other people, schedule connection calls and virtual coffee breaks. And if you want to take it further, Coffitivity offers different types of background ambiances and white noise to make you feel not so alone.
Self-discipline is essential.
Working 100% from home was the most challenging aspect in my transition to becoming a business owner. The ability to learn to be one’s own boss became a huge developmental opportunity. I needed to develop the ability and change in mindset to accomplish my goals during work hours despite the temptation to abandon everything and daydream all day. Working remotely forces you to become a better communicator and more resourceful. Think about this time as an opportunity to cultivate a new skill.
Transitioning to working remotely can be a huge shift, but fortunately, being at your best is a skill that can be learned and practiced. Give yourself a little time to settle in, just like you would during your first weeks at a new gig.
Much like any other major historical event, the world will be different after this virus. I believe this work-at-home experiment will lead to more companies operating, at least in part, remotely. Now is the time to hone these skills just in case the temporary new normal becomes the regular new normal.
Are you ready to step up in your career in a big way? Let’s have a conversation, I can help. Contact me to schedule a chat HERE!
