Remote Design positions have become mainstream, but that doesn’t negate the need and desire to have in-office Designers. When it comes to Remote Designers, the kind that are not just an hour from the office, most employers look at them as a commodity. It doesn’t matter if you are employed or contract, connecting to someone remotely to get the job done is not the same as being in the office with them.
Traditional Remote Designers will be facing increasing competition from less expensive remote design firms, like the one now growing fast in South East Asia. These OCONUS (Outside of the Contiguous Unites States, as the Navy calls it) firms give employers options, which means competition for US-based Remote Designers and lower costs for Manufacturers. Don’t kid yourself if you think OCONUS services will not be as good or as smart—they will once the learning curve is done. Just like people said when the Remote concept first started, “it won’t work”, “I can’t control it”, and “quality will suffer”, it will work, and OCONUS Design will affect your career as a Remote Designer.
The value of being in the office should not be overlooked either. When a Designer is in the office, the interaction with co-workers and managers creates a bond; it helps the company become more cohesive, interacting, and loyal. When it comes time to cut hours or staff, all things being equal, my bet is on the manager keeping the in-office designer (as I’ve seen happen many times).
Also, consider that promotion often comes from within. Where will the next Design Manager, Sales Rep, or even General Manager come from? Employers are always watching to identify people who are interested in promotion, mentoring them, and keeping them in reserve until the time is right. Remote means remote, out of sight and out of mind when it comes to promotion.
So, if you want to go Remote, have an exit plan. That can mean retirement for older designers, or returning to the office while you still can. Remember, the office network is being built without you, so getting a seat at the table may not be as easy if you wait too long. Of course, this won’t be the case for every company or every remote design position. But after doing this for 25 years, and 15 before that in manufacturing management, I see and hear things…. OCONUS is coming and will have a Big Impact on our industry.