Taking Advantage of Remote Job Opportunities

During the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of people could not work in person. Remote job opportunities give people the chance to work from home (or from anywhere!) while still advancing in their careers. And remote work gives employers the power to build dream teams unburdened by the limitations of geography! The pandemic hasn’t gone away, and many people can return to work, but things have changed and likely will not return to pre-pandemic norms. Most companies incorporate technology into their respective fields, and some have even decided to work remotely indefinitely. Remote work can benefit not only employers, but employees as well. Taking advantage of remote job opportunities is a great way to save money, save time, and even increase your freedom. Despite all its benefits, there are some downsides to remote work that you should note. Learning what works best for you can help you have the best job experience possible! 

 

Benefits of Working Remotely 

 

The COVID-19 pandemic aside, working remotely has many benefits for people worldwide. Some of the most significant benefits come from the savings opportunities remote jobs offer. In fact, a Brightwing survey confirmed that 43% of people said they’d like to go all-in on remote whereas only 6% preferred that they work in the office all the time.

 

Cost-Effective

Working at a specific location always presents some costs. This includes the cost of professional or field-related clothing, transportation, food, supplies, and more. Working from home can save the average person up to $4,000 per year! 

 

Time Savings

Another benefit is time savings. Most people spend about an hour each day traveling to work and back. Sitting in traffic always feels like a waste of time. Your commute is only a few steps down the hall when you work at home! This can be an hour saved and spent on much more fulfilling and productive tasks for people with families or pets. Having remote workers can also save time for a business. Meetings and other group-oriented tasks can take much longer in person. Online meetings require less time to coordinate, saving everyone’s time. 

 

Productivity 

Remote job opportunities may also lead to greater productivity. Many people feel energized and more organized when they don’t have to worry about outside influences. Some people are less stressed, which leads to improved work quality. Productivity varies from person to person, but overall, most workers find that working from home does not impede their production. 

 

Flexibility

Arguably the best benefit of working from home is the increased flexibility it offers. People find time to travel the world through remote job opportunities while still working. People previously unable to have a pet can have one at home. Parents can work from home without the cost of childcare. You can adjust your schedule more easily, and employees find balance in their home vs. work life. Flexibility is one key component of working from home that almost everyone can enjoy. 

 

Downsides to Remote Work

 

While remote job opportunities are ideal for some employees, there are some downsides to remote work that you can’t ignore. Some of these include problems specific to your field, difficulties with technology, distractions at home, or even reduced career opportunities. Whenever you consider a remote job opportunity, it is important to examine these downsides before deciding. 

 

Technical Difficulties

Through technology, we can accomplish more than we’ve ever hoped. However, some people struggle using it to work from home. If you have a flawed computer system, working remotely has serious downsides. It also is not ideal to have your job depend on one piece of equipment, which may be difficult to replace if something goes wrong. Others may find it challenging to learn new systems or use unfamiliar programs. Finding and hiring IT professionals can be difficult in this market as well. While many millennial and younger hires find it easy to transition to remote work, a great deal of older and more experienced hires struggle with this. 

 

Distractions 

Another downside to remote work is that home life is distracting. Distractions abound in an office setting, but working from home can present new challenges. Parents who need to keep their kids at home may quickly find it difficult to balance their children’s needs and their work. Some workers also struggle to prioritize or find themselves playing on their phones or taking breaks instead of working like they would at an office. Those with peaceful home lives or fewer distractions have an advantage when working remotely. 

 

Career Impediments

One of the biggest frustrations for many employees is that remote work may lead to a stagnant career. Less time in the office may mean fewer chances for promotion. This may be contribute to why the job market is flooded with resignations right now. 

 

Connection

Among the other downsides to remote work is one key factor: Working from home is lonely. Most people need social interaction, and many depend on a sense of community or team to thrive at work. Socialization and a sense of being a part of something can be some of the most positive things a job can offer to you. While working from home does offer the benefits of working alone, working with others just can’t be replicated by a screen. 

 

Remote Job Opportunities and You 

 

While working from home may not be for everybody, remote jobs have many benefits. This is one of the best times to find a job in your field that fits your needs and wants! Finding a company in your field that offers remote work might be possible and ideal for you. However, some workers want the benefits of in-person work. Weighing your goals and options is key to your success as a worker in this job market! You deserve a job you love, and this is the time to make it happen.