Ten years remote: Insights from a work-from-home pioneer

Rooted in a deep commitment to stability and respect for work-life balance, Avi brings a unique perspective to the table. To him, working remotely is more than just a job arrangement; it's a lifestyle choice, a way to harmoniously blend life at work and life at home.  

Now, let's hear from this seasoned professional, who accumulated several years more experience in remote work than most of us, and discover how this lifestyle has shaped him personally.

In what ways has remote work transformed your approach to both work and life?

1. Remote work during and after COVID-19 has blurred the lines between work and personal life.

For me, remote work has truly been a game-changer. Not having to deal with the daily commute has freed up valuable time and allowed me to immerse myself fully in my daily responsibilities at work from the word go morning. This increased focus has not only boosted my efficiency but also left me feeling refreshed at the end of each workday.

What I love the most is being able to step away from my home office and immediately be with my partner and my son, cutting down on a lot of nonproductive hours every month.

Honestly, I doubt I could offer my son the attention he deserves if I was working from a traditional office setting. Children have a keen sense of when you're not fully present, and the flexibility of working from home allows me to be fully engaged with him without the fatigue that would otherwise come after a day of commuting and hours of work.

2. Working from home stimulates the brain even more at times

Having worked remotely for almost a decade now, I've come to the realisation that creativity does not always flourish within the confines of a formal cubicle.

As a Business Analyst and Product Owner, my role involves studying tricky problem statements and coming up with innovative solutions on a daily basis. However, I've found that I often hit a wall while trying to brainstorm solutions in a traditional workplace. It's only when I step away, maybe for a quick jog or a change of scene, that inspiration strikes. Being at home often opens my mind to new ideas, the kind that my role demands.

Additionally, digital meetings offer a level of focus that I rarely find in physical meeting rooms. With clear objectives and everyone's attention directed towards achieving them on screen, digital meetings tend to be more efficient and productive, leaving little room for distractions. However, this is not an area where we have a lot of luxury anymore, given the fact that employees are spread across the world and intercontinental travel is not always the best solution.

3. We have become way more real than before just because we work from home

I think, working remotely has taken off the unnecessary masks that we wear. What I mean by this is that we've become more genuine towards each other. Working from home brings a heightened sense of reality; we recognise that everyone is human, not just a robot. We understand that everyone experiences emotions in their everyday lives.

For instance, during remote calls, interruptions like a doorbell for package delivery, background noise from the kitchen, or a crying child are met with understanding and empathy. These moments have fostered a more profound sense of compassion among us.

In my own experience, whenever work calls extend into the late evening, it's not uncommon to find my son sitting on my lap. Prioritizing family time is non-negotiable, and this has become the norm in our post COVID-era environment.

Do you have some advice for people working remotely in Tech?

1. Be disciplined towards your work

Working from home has its challenges, and maintaining efficiency is the key. Personally, I find that diving into high priority tasks right when I start my day in the morning helps me maintain momentum throughout the day. When distractions arise, I make a mental note and push forward, dedicating that extra time when necessary to ensure my work meets a high standard

2. Be loyal even when no one is watching

Working remotely offers flexibility, but it’s essential to maintain integrity in your work ethic, especially when no one is watching. It's easy to slack off when the workload is light, but staying loyal to your responsibilities pays off in the long run.

Use quieter days to recharge and tackle personal projects, enhance your skills, or attend to household tasks because you can and have the mental bandwidth.

On the other hand, stretch when you have to on the “not so quiet” days because not all five days a week will be the same intensity. Once you’re done with your working day, if anything comes up at the last minute, make sure to make a mental note of it if that needs to be addressed first thing the next morning.

3. Build a foundation in the traditional workspace before trying out work from home option

If you’re starting your career, consider starting off in a traditional office setting to build a solid foundation of physical collaboration and interpersonal skills. It is only once you have those skills set up and have put in the number of hours in a physical office that you are truly ready to work from home.

Never underestimate the importance of face-to-face interaction and teamwork. These advantages trickle down to the digital space only when you have figured out the analogue space for a few years. Each individual will always have their own preferences; whether you thrive in a bustling office environment or prefer the flexibility of remote work, make informed choices that align with your professional and personal goals.

I believe that by investing in your professional development by embracing traditional office spaces early on, you'll be better equipped to enjoy the perks of remote work and also capitalize on the same later in your career journey to achieve a near perfect balance.