In a world where the traditional office is becoming less of a necessity, many professionals are redefining their idea of “the office.” For me, it’s no longer about destination vacations but embracing the concept of “Destination Location,” an office with a view — fully immersing myself in the remote work lifestyle. This shift has allowed me to blend work and leisure seamlessly, visiting new places, and connecting with friends and loved ones, all while staying productive and engaged in my career [aka getting to hang out with y’all!].
My journey into remote work began with Gun.io just weeks before the global shift to working from home. Focusing on the tasks at hand was easy enough, but learning to get to know a whole organization of teams async was new. My roles before this were all on-site, active with people who had to entertain my musings. Now that body language and verbal inflections were out the door, I had to learn the nuances of short Slack messages and the art of emoji communication.
What I found the most helpful:
1. Regular check-ins for alignment
Setting up a recurring meeting—every week or every other week—with team leaders and/or fellow co-workers that I collaborate with frequently allowed us to stay aligned. Sometimes, still being able to talk things out is the most helpful. It’s a valuable opportunity to discuss projects, brainstorm ideas, and ensure that there are clear expectations set as new projects are started.
2. Mastering responsive and clear communication
A subtle art, but hugely effective! Sometimes all it takes is your favorite Slack emoji to acknowledge you’ve taken care of a task, or a simple “Thank you for this!” email response to let co-worker know you’ve seen their message. Effective communication lies at the heart of successful remote work.
Tips from the real expert remote work veterans to newbies
I’ve been doing async remote for 4+ years, whereas there are some folks where this is almost all they’ve ever known. Transitioning to a fully remote workstyle can feel isolating at times, but learning from those who have navigated this terrain can be immensely helpful:
- Prioritize Communication: Over-communicate rather than under-communicate. Clear communication mitigates misunderstandings and keeps everyone on the same page.
- Take Breaks and Disconnect: Remote work can blur the lines between work and personal time. Setting boundaries and taking regular breaks rejuvenates focus and prevents burnout.
- Embrace Flexibility: Remote work offers the freedom to structure your day. Embrace flexibility while ensuring productivity remains high. [See my previous post about time management re-vamping.]
- Build Virtual Relationships: Foster connections with colleagues through virtual coffee chats, team-building activities, and informal check-ins to replicate the camaraderie of an office environment. AKA come hang out with the Gun.io community in Discord or follow our Meetup page to hang with other remote engineers!
Navigating the nuances of remote work takes time and adjustment, but with the right strategies and mindset, it can unlock a world of opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned remote worker or just beginning your journey, embracing the remote work lifestyle allows for personal growth, professional development, and the freedom to explore new horizons while staying connected with your team, your close ones, and yourself.
Drop your best hacks and tips in Discord, or shoot me an email: victoria@gun.io
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