If you are looking for your first tech job, there’s a good chance you are focusing on finding a remote role. Working from home seems to be the new norm. According to a recent Gallup poll, less than 40% of workers said that all or almost all employees have returned to the workplace.
However, while there are perks to working remote, it doesn’t always set you up for success long term when you are just starting out in your career. That’s why we’ve consolidated a list of things to consider before committing to a fully remote position.
Are you able to learn and develop skills?
College courses teach you a lot about the foundations of your skillset or trade, but what it is often missing is the real-world experience and knowledge gained by working with, and in the same vicinity as, more experienced teammates. By being in the same office, you can overhear conversations that you might not be exposed to otherwise. Sure, you can send a quick ping to your manager to ask them a question, but often the most valuable information is learned from listening to them work, what they’re discussing with their peers or superiors, how they are solving problems or even quick informal check-ins.
Think about it, would you expect a doctor to know how to perform open heart surgery if they only practiced at home? Probably not. The same goes for a lot of entry-level tech roles. The more in-person experience gained, the better you are setting yourself up for success in the long run.
Can you handle remote teamwork and collaboration?
One of the most important things missing in remote work arrangements is correct communication between colleagues. In the office, whenever you want to discuss issues, it is very easy to communicate with colleagues. However, as a remote operator, you must rely on virtual communication. Although it is a good solution, it will never be as effective as talking to the person next to you.
If you are working remotely, you will lose the opportunity to work with colleagues. When you bring people together, you can collaborate wonderfully. In-person collaboration is one of the main reasons why Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, decided to bring all the staff back to the office.
Do you have the self-discipline needed?
Remote work requires discipline which doesn’t come easily to everyone. Additionally, a corporate environment has an entirely different pace that can be hard for recent grads to transition to and learn how to prioritize projects. In an office environment, your colleagues and your manager keep you on task. When you’re remote, all bets are off and it’s up to you to keep yourself accountable. For many people task management and productivity are huge benefits of the in-office routine.
Another advantage of being in the office is that it eliminates distractions and provides an environment that where it is easier to concentrate and get things done. If you’re a person who couldn’t finish a term paper without getting side-tracked by YouTube or Instagram, you may want to reconsider a remote job.
Do you crave social interaction?
If you are an extrovert or a social butterfly who needs continual in-person communication, remote work may not be a viable option. The lack of social interaction will greatly impact you and your mental health. When you work all day without talking to anyone, you are more likely to feel lonely and down. While some may be perfectly content with being siloed, being stuck at home can begin to affect your routines, work performance and overall happiness.
Will you be able to set boundaries?
Technology makes remote workers accessible around the clock. The blurred lines that separate work and personal life can present challenges in relation to work–life balance. The stress from the never-ending workday is damaging. On top of the lack of structure when it comes to hours, you will also be conducting all aspects of your life in the same confines, which might lead to burnout and affect your health and overall happiness.
Work-life balance means something different to every individual, but having a separate place for work, where you can set learn boundaries and clock out at the end of the day might be one of the easiest ways to keep the balance you need.
If you feel that you are not ready for a remote position that is okay! Think about your current situation and what kind of job makes the most sense for you at this moment in your life. At the end of the day, you should choose the option that will help you grow your career.
No matter what stage of your tech career you are in, or what kind of position you are looking for, SkillStorm can help! If you are interested in learning more, you can explore all the openings that SkillStorm has by visiting our careers page.