The idea of remote work is exciting and rewarding.
It is an idea whose time has come.
It reduces vehicle traffic.
It reduces stress of commuting to an office.
It reduces sick time and absenteeism.
It brings families together.
But, it is not for everyone.
Not everyone can be a remote worker.
So what is a critical skill to be a remote worker.
You need to love being alone!
If you are a highly social person (extrovert!), then being alone day after day may be too much.
Can you get up in the morning and work all day without physically seeing another soul?
Can you work on assignments and projects without supervision? Many say they can…but few can do it!
Remote work means missing a horrendous commute…stuck in the endless 5 mile per hour commutes up a slammed freeway.
Remote work means you can focus and get work done as 91% of employees believe they more productive (see Are Remote Workers Happier And More Productive?)
Remote work also means you can feel cut off from the other team members. Especially if those team members are in an office and you are not.
No going out for lunch with the team.
If you work remote, you will have a healthier life.
If you work remote, you can take care of your sick children without giving up a workday.
If you work remote, you can be home for service and maintenance works to come to your home.
If you work remote, you can take your children to school with minimum impact.
If you work remote, you miss the problems of the office politics.