#3. Don’t skip breaks.
I’ve never worked in an office setting in my professional career so far. Sure, I’ve made trips to our Oxford or Amsterdam offices for meetings and events but, mostly, I’ve been working remotely since I was 22.
At first, I was worried it wouldn’t work and that I’d be fired my first week.
No manager looking over my shoulder?
No dress code?
No commute?
Will I actually get anything done?!
Well, I’m 4 years in and now manage people across time zones, so I think it’s worked out pretty well for me so far. Here’s what I’ve learned.
Stop chasing perfect
Some days will be amazing. You’ll wake up refreshed and ready to go. You’ll be so laser-focused on your work that it’ll actually feel enjoyable for once.
And other days will be a drag. You’ll feel tired from the moment you sit at your desk. You’ll put your shirt on backward and not realize it until you’re halfway through a client call.
Working remotely has its pros and cons. Yes, you don’t have anyone looking over your shoulder, but this means you’re responsible for yourself. You have to set up your workday properly and ensure you can meet deadlines.
I know, this piece of advice is super basic, but even I forget it sometimes. We could all do with a reminder.
Perfect shouldn’t be the goal. Doing your best is the goal.
Be honest
If I’m struggling with something, I say it without shame. Asking for help when you’re in an office is one thing. But when you’re working in your pajamas from home? That’s difficult.
No one can see you. No one knows what’s going well or not. They can’t know anything unless you tell them. So speak up. Ask for help. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
“I’m doing my best, but it’s not going so well. I’d appreciate your help at this stage, please.”
“I don’t know how to do this. Do you?”
“I messed this up. Would you mind helping me fix it?”
