With the focus on telecommuting and remote workers in the news lately, many people are taking sides on an issue that has become quite controversial, without really knowing what it means to work virtually or how to be the best worker they can be, virtual or not.
The virtual lifestyle is idealized by many. A huge percentage of employees and those who are unemployed state they would love to work from home, without realizing that working from home is still work, it isn’t a free pass to spend your time doing what you please during your work hours.
Be realistic.
Research virtual work and understand the meaning of it. Working from your home doesn’t mean someone has waved a magic wand and you can sit at your computer all day doing nothing. The same rules apply to your job whether you’re at a corporate office or working from your home office.
Get organized.
When working from your home office you are in charge of yourself. Without someone keeping track of your work and how much time you spend at your tasks, you need to be disciplined enough to have your life in order. Working virtually is wonderful when it fits seamlessly into your lifestyle but it will be up to you to make it work that way by organizing your home and office in such a way that one isn’t interfering with the other.
Put in the time and pay your dues.
Most of us who work virtually have already spent many years working in an office and for large companies and have the skills to show for it. The experience gained and the knowledge we’ve acquired is priceless. Soft skills such as flexibility and a willingness to learn are equally if not more important than computer skills. A great work ethic as well as integrity are highly valued and will be essential if you wish to succeed.
Be aware.
Working remotely or from your home is different for an employee of a company than it is for an independent contractor. Check the guidelines for your province or state to see how this will affect your income, your tax deductions and other laws pertaining to your situation. You have to decide if working from home is something you want badly enough to overcome your reservations about the types of work that are available and, if so, put in the effort to pursue the right option for you.
Remember, working virtually isn’t easy. Just like everything else, you will have to work at it. It won’t be the perfect solution to all of your childcare and commuting problems and it also won’t work if you have problems dealing with others.
Decide if it is for you, look into the skills and experience you will need and give yourself the green light if this is an option that would work well with your life.
Chris Draper
© DemGen Inc, 2013
Image courtesy of Elisa Koehler
