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In this article, we'll review the most common truths and myths about remote work, and how people might mistakenly believe in false claims.
Working remotely has now become more popular than it has ever been. Predominantly, due to the pandemic, many people experienced the thrill of "using your couch" as your office.
The work-life balance previously reserved for a select few is now spreading rapidly, and many employees on labor contracts from various companies get to see what it feels like to be a freelancer or a work-from-home mom.
Truths and Myths about Remote Work (Revealed Inside)
It all sounds so good - the dream of many - working from anywhere you want, whenever you want... The only condition: a laptop or maybe only a smartphone + Wi-Fi.
The hotel room on your vacation, the beach, or even the swimming pool should you have one of those plastic covers against water. Oh, the world would be so much better place if everyone could just live and work like that.
But is this honestly the reality of remote work?
Let's see the most popular myths about remote work and reveal the truths behind them.
Myth No. 1:
Working remotely will let you spend more time with your family
This is one of my favorite myths about remote work. While it's true that you will be physically in the same room/flat with your family, it is also true that you will be WORKING.
Depending on your job, as a result, your kids or family members will get approximately from 1/6 to 1/2 of your attention if you're lucky. I don't know anyone who would be happy with that little.
Quality time spent with your family is crucial, and during work, you cannot possibly provide that. So, yes, you will spend more time physically at home, but not emotionally.
As a bonus, you might get frustrated if some of your folks constantly interrupt you while you write an important email, for example.
Myth No. 2:
Working from home will make you more efficient
A total bonus in regards to time - no travel time. You get up, drink your coffee, and the couch is waiting for you (or even the bed if you feel extra lazy that day).
All is good so far, with only one issue. Nobody tells you to start working, no colleagues to motivate you, and no boss to keep you focused.
At least not physically. The only one who can physically make you do the job is yourself. This means that you, my friend, will need all the power, will, and self-discipline (whatever you call it) you have to get things moving.
TOP TIP: Each person has his unique journey in remote work, and you might experience your daily routine slightly differently. Keep that in mind and prepare to work towards your ideal lifestyle.
Most people I know will undoubtedly need an extra push from the outside in such a situation. And this fact is one of the main reasons why working online is inappropriate for everyone.
Myth No. 3:
You can work from any location as long as you have an Internet connection
You can do this when you work for yourself online and organize your time. It is a different case when you work for someone else, though.
Some companies have requirements about your location (country/city), while others would provide a hybrid work environment - meaning that eventually, you would need to go and work at the office.
The chances are higher to find yourself without having a reception if you like nature and countryside holidays.
If you cannot connect to the Internet, that could leave you without the possibility to work. It all depends on your chosen type of job and its specific conditions.
Myth No. 4:
You can work while you are on a holiday
Unquestionably, you can. But guess what? It is no longer a holiday. It becomes a working holiday or holiday work, or whatever you want to call it.
The worst part is psychological - your brain gets confused about whether you need to be in a work state or vacation mode. This equals stress.Usually, holidays exist so that one can take a break from the work environment and recharge with different and positive experiences.
Working while on vacation leaves less time for those activities. If you do that often, the time spent away will lose its effect on making you relax.
Myth No. 5:
Work-from-home jobs are less demanding compared to regular positions
I've heard that some people point this out as if it is a fact. In reality, staying at home and working on a computer is equal to dealing with enormous amounts of information.
It includes a lot of mental work, analyzing, reading, etc. In time this whole process becomes exhausting. None of what you do can be considered simple.
This is only on the outside. On the inside, you are pushing your brain to its limits to provide good quality and efficiency in your job.
You are also left by yourself because direct help is out of the scope of remote jobs. Getting support is possible only online, and the answer will often be delayed or not the one you need.
Working online requires a lot of self-discipline and independence.
Myth No. 6:Working from home cannot be an earnest job
This is a thought I heard even from close people familiar with the nature of working from home. In specific scenarios, you can work on an individual contract without any tax, insurance, or benefits included.
However, this doesn't make the job less demanding. Companies providing opportunities to work from home count on finding reliable contributors.
Measurement factors are conducting knowledge checks, detecting quality issues, and accuracy. You can't pass these examinations successfully if you take things casually.
The job of business owners who work online is to provide products or services to potential customers. That sounds as intense as doing the same in the real world, if not more.
Myth No. 7:Working remotely gives you more time to travel
Traveling is your thing if you don't get a headache while working in a moving (and shaking) vehicle. You should also be okay with the noise it creates.
And remember that the passengers around you might try to engage you in a conversation and distract you from your tasks.
On a fun side note: if you are courageous, you can simultaneously work & drive your vehicle. However, I don't recommend this for your safety.
Practice shows that working remotely allows you the flexibility to use different locations. However, working while traveling is a challenging experience.
Myth No. 8:The rules are not so strict as nobody is watching you when you work
The rules of remote jobs are heavily underrated, and usually, by office workers. It's easy to create myths about remote work when you've never experienced the reality of it.
The truth is the other way around. The rules are even stricter when "nobody is watching you." It is even incorrect to say that your job is not supervised.
Everything you do online is visible and can be easily checked by your employer. Protecting your reputation is of utmost importance when running an online business. That only happens by being disciplined yourself.
Truth No. 1:You can work in your pajamas
Yup, that's true - if you prefer even naked. It's a great advantage considering the time needed to prepare to go out (especially if you are a woman), etc.
Unless the work requires that you use your camera, clothes are not a factor. And even in the camera situation, you can positively skip the trousers as only your upper part will be visible.
Many people claim they dress only partially for virtual work meetings. I tried it myself, and it is more convenient and faster to start working.
Truth No. 2:You can have a lot of fun
Absolutely true! This is far from a misconception about this type of work. Not only that, working from home develops creativity.
You can experiment with different environments, work in various locations, and enjoy breathtaking views.
These opportunities are valuable for providing you with a sense of freedom. Working remotely is highly inspiring and worth putting in the effort.
The idea of such diversity in the workplace makes remote jobs enticing. That can even push you to work harder. Sometimes, you may virtually work with people you have never seen or met offline.
Everything you do is online. To some degree, there is a fun mystery around your workspace that you get used to as you develop your online career.
Conclusion
That will help you avoid stress and unpleasant surprises. As with any other job - this type of work would need your complete focus and devotion so that you thrive.
Soon enough you'll be experiencing the truths and myths on your own in your first remote job. Wish you to find your dream work quickly and start enjoying its benefits.
Which of these myths about remote work do you find most entertaining? Let me know in the comments!
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