With remote going viral and people jumping into it without knowing all of the trade-offs, it’s time to start a conversation about the good, the bad, and everything in between. Let me know what you would add to the following lists, and send me your opinions about working remotely.
Some benefits of being a remote designer are:
- The 10-second commute.
- Comfortable, casual dress. (Pajamas optional)
- Save on commute expenses and wear and tear on your car.
- The ability to manage personal time.
- Quick and affordable lunches at home.
- Flexible hours, within reason.
- Quiet, personal office space.
- The ability to slip out and watch one of your kids play sports.
- The ability to have lunch with your significant other.
- Add your favorite advantage here
Some of the trade-offs which are not so good include:
- Solitude, no chatter in the break room.
- Always home, which sometimes to your family means always available.
- Lack of office space and equipment, lack of privacy.
- Sometimes difficult to maintain a professional appearance when you have distractions.
- Communicating with coworkers is no longer across the room or down the hall, and solving problems can take longer.
- Depending on how far away you are, time zones and distance can mean no or long trips to the office for meetings. (There goes that commute savings)
- When work slows down, it’s easier to cut the hours of the person out of the office than the face you see every day. (Out of sight, out of mind?)
- It can be a dead end, limiting advancement.
- Add your biggest drawback here
There are many more trade-offs, both good and bad, when you take the remote path. What can you add to the list?
Email Thom@thejobline.com with your comments, additions, opinions, stories, anecdotes, and complaints. Your addition may be included in a future article as we continue this conversation on remote design.