Edit: This post was originally written before the pandemic, and since then, remote work and distributed teams have become even more prevalent. The shift has brought new insights and challenges, and I’ve gained valuable experience in this area. I’ll be sharing more about it in future posts, reflecting on the lessons learned and best practices for navigating this new normal.
Hey there, fellow product managers and tech enthusiasts!
Guess what? Your boy just made a big leap – I’ve joined a fully remote team! Yep, you heard that right. No more daily commutes, no more office small talk by the water cooler. It’s just me, my laptop, and a whole new way of working. And let me tell you, it’s been quite the ride so far!
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Remote work? Isn’t that just an excuse to work in your pajamas?” Well, let me spill the tea on what it’s really like to work in a distributed team. Spoiler alert: It’s not all smooth sailing, but the view is pretty great!
The Good, The Bad, and The Comfy (Chair)
First things first – let’s talk about the elephant in the room (or should I say, the elephant NOT in the room?): the work environment. Turns out, your surroundings matter. A lot.
Pro Tip #1: Gear Up or Get Left Behind
Listen up, because this is crucial: invest in your home office setup. Trust me, your back (and your sanity) will thank you later. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- A good monitor is your best friend. Say goodbye to squinting at your laptop screen all day.
- A decent headset is non-negotiable. Nothing kills productivity like constantly asking, “Can you hear me now?”
- Fast, reliable internet is your lifeline. When your face freezes during a video call, it’s a lot less funny in real life than in those memes.
The Work-Life Tightrope
Now, here’s a plot twist I didn’t see coming: when your office is just a few steps from your bed, it’s dangerously easy to blur the lines between work and life.
Pro Tip #2: Set Boundaries or Set Yourself Up for Burnout
I learned this one the hard way. It’s tempting to think, “I’ll just check one more email” and suddenly it’s midnight and you’re still at your desk. So, here’s what I do:
- Set a hard stop time for work. When the clock strikes 6 (or whatever time you choose), it’s tools down. No exceptions.
- Create a “commute” ritual. I take a walk around the block after work to mentally switch gears.
- Use separate devices for work and personal life if possible. It helps create that mental separation.
The Secret Sauce: It’s All About the Team
Now, let me let you in on a little secret: the make-or-break factor in remote work? It’s not the tools, it’s not the tech – it’s the team.
Pro Tip #3: Your Team is Your Lifeline – Nurture Those Relationships
In a distributed team, those casual coffee chats and corridor conversations don’t happen naturally. You’ve got to make them happen. Here’s how:
- Schedule regular video catch-ups, and not just for work stuff. We have virtual coffee breaks where work talk is off-limits.
- Overcommunicate. In the absence of body language and facial cues, clarity is king.
- Be proactive in reaching out. If you’re stuck or need help, don’t wait – ping a teammate.
- Celebrate wins together, even if it’s virtually. We have a Slack channel just for sharing good news and virtual high-fives.
The Verdict: Is Remote Work the Future?
So, after diving headfirst into the remote work pool, what’s my take? Well, it’s not without its challenges, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons for me. The flexibility, the focus time, the ability to work in an environment that suits me best – it’s pretty sweet.
But here’s the kicker: it’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. It takes discipline, great communication skills, and a team that’s committed to making it work.
As for me? I’m loving this new adventure. Sure, I miss the office banter sometimes, but the ability to work from anywhere (hello, local coffee shop with the amazing pastries!) more than makes up for it.
What about you? Have you dipped your toes into the remote work waters? I’d love to hear about your experiences! Drop a comment below or hit me up on LinkedIn. Let’s keep the conversation going!
Until next time, happy remote working (or office working – you do you)!
P.S. Stay tuned for more updates on my remote work journey. Trust me, there’s plenty more to come!