6 Reasons Why Remote Work Isn’t Right For You

Working from home appears to be a fantasy for many people. The global epidemic gave remote work a boost, but many individuals appreciated the concept of working from home long before that. What could be more appealing than a career that allows you to work from the convenience of your own home?

Remote work, on the other hand, isn’t always the ideal option. Even if the money is good, once reality sets in, several common objections arise. So, before you look for a new job that permits you to work from home, think about the ramifications.

1. Consistent WiFi

Finding stable WiFi is one of the most difficult aspects of working remotely, especially if you carry your job with you on the road.

Even at home, however, it can be difficult. For example, if your internet service provider goes down, you could be without access to your job for hours, unable to complete any tasks. When you start working from home, the burden on your network might sometimes rise, resulting in slower upload and download times.

What you should do is:

Make sure you have a backup plan in place for your WiFi. Get a sense of where you might be able to connect to the internet in towns, such as a library or a coffee shop. You can also purchase a portable hotspot to use while traveling. For example, I have a hotspot on my phone that allows me to connect to it in an emergency if my home’s internet goes down.

2. Feeling lonely

According to the American Psychological Association, over two-thirds of individuals who work from home at least occasionally feel lonely. When you’re doing remote work, it’s natural to feel isolated. People who wish to feel connected to others may find this mental health toll difficult to bear.

What you should do is:

Look into the possibility of commuting to work two or three days a week. This might help you connect with your coworkers and other people. Another alternative is to collaborate with others in a coworking space or in a coffee shop.

3. It’s difficult to turn off the computer at the end of the day.

When you work from home, it might be difficult to wind down at the end of the day. Indeed, according to the American Psychological Association, 67 percent of remote employees struggle to put down their computers at the end of the day. When you work from home, you run the risk of becoming overwhelmed by your work and failing to distinguish between work and the rest of your life. Work can start to take over if those boundaries aren’t set. Even if you plan to retire early, you’ll most likely want to stop working at the end of the day to relax.

What you should do is:

Make a time for yourself to stop working at the end of the day and stick to it. Consider setting an alarm to get you out of the office at the end of the day. Another option is to put the email away and disable the app after a specific time in the evening. Finally, if you have a work computer or phone, think about putting it away at the end of the day.

4. Differences in time zones across scattered teams

Working with a completely distributed team can feel like a dream come true, especially if you are able to work from home. But what if you need to collaborate with someone who is asynchronous and has a large time zone difference? You could have to wait until the next day for a response to your email, or you might have trouble scheduling a meeting that works for everyone.

What you should do is:

When working with peers across time zones, technology platforms like Slack, Zoom, and Teams can help you connect quickly and effectively. You may need to schedule a video meeting that works for different people at different times, but completely distributed teams can collaborate on numerous tasks asynchronously.

5. Using vacation time

It’s difficult to take a true vacation when you work remotely, even if it’s paid for. You may become accustomed to working from any place and find it tough to take vacation time. Even when you’re supposed to be relaxing, you may find yourself checking your email or working on another report. It’s difficult to take a break when you can access your work from wherever.

What you should do is:

Make vacation time a priority — you’re entitled to it. Try to avoid doing any work while on vacation. This is a break. Disconnecting from work can be challenging at times, but make it a priority at least once a year.

6. Responsibilities to family and pets

You certainly want to be there for your family and pets. However, when the cat refuses to leave the computer or your kid demands yet another toy, things can spiral out of hand. One of the most challenging aspects of remote employment is navigating these challenges.

What you should do is:

Set some ground rules. In rare situations, a gate in front of your working area may be required to keep the pets out. Another option is to hire childcare, at least for a few hours every day, so you can concentrate on your work.

Key takeaway

Working from home can give you more freedom in your schedule. Working remotely, on the other hand, has its drawbacks. Even if you’re seeking ways to supplement your income or establish your own business rather than working for a company, working from home may cause you to struggle.

Disclaimer: This article is originally being published by me here on this platform.