The Unspoken Realities of Remote Work
Navigating Hardships and Finding Success in Working from Home
Hi Superstars,
Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on the truth of remote work and shed light on some of the hardships that often go unmentioned. For heads up, in this week's remote worker's spotlight, the focus is on none other than "You." I'll be addressing the most prominent and personal questions surrounding remote work and discussing the challenges we face in getting a remote job.
But before we delve deeper into that topic, I want to share a personal experience that inspired me recently. Last weekend, I re-watched the movie "Up in the Air" starring George Clooney. Movies have always been a source of motivation for me, especially when I feel a lack of inspiration in my career. They serve as a mirror reflecting the society we live in, and it's no wonder that we can easily relate to them. Movies have a unique ability to impact both our personal and professional lives, which are the cornerstones of civil society.
"Up in the Air" beautifully portrays the prominent and fundamental HR problems associated with employee termination and offers valuable business lessons from an HR perspective. The story revolves around Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), a corporate downsizer who works as one of the termination engineers tasked with firing employees on behalf of clients. His company provides "employee termination assistance" services, and these termination engineers travel the world, acting as outplacement counseling specialists for bosses.
Here are a few key takeaways I gathered from the movie:
It’s never too late to change: The movie reminds us that it's never too late to transition careers or make a change in our professional lives. Ryan Bingham, despite being a seasoned downsizer, embarks on a transformative journey that challenges his perspectives and priorities.
People respond to people: In an era dominated by artificial intelligence and virtual reality, it's crucial to recognize the value of human connection. The recent wave of layoffs and remote work trends has brought this insight into focus. Firing employees face-to-face is a more humane approach than conducting terminations solely through impersonal digital means. People going through this difficult experience deserve emotional support and empathy.
Always have a backup plan: It's important to have a contingency plan in our careers. The movie underscores the importance of adaptability and being prepared for unexpected changes. We should continually evaluate our skills, explore new opportunities, and be ready to pivot if needed.
It’s impossible to digitalize everything: While technology has revolutionized many aspects of our lives, it cannot replace the depth and richness of human interactions. Social interactions, collaboration, and emotional connections are irreplaceable and play a significant role in both personal and professional success.
Implement values in your career goal: The movie encourages us to align our career goals with our personal values. Finding purpose and meaning in our work can lead to greater satisfaction and fulfillment. It's essential to pursue careers that resonate with our core values and contribute positively to society.
There is no job security: It's easy to become complacent and believe that job security is guaranteed, especially if we've been in the same job for a long time. However, the truth is that no job is entirely immune to change. Instead of wasting time in a job we don't love, we should prioritize doing what we're passionate about and continuously adapt to market dynamics.
The movie is really a nice watch and even has a bit of comedy and life lessons.
Remote Worker Segment
From Us to You: Spotlighting the hardships faced in remote work and securing remote jobs from anonymous remote workers.
In this week's Remote Worker Spotlight, we invite you to embark on a revealing journey where we shed light on the untold truths, challenges, and everyday realities of working from home from anonymous remote workers.
Join us as we delve into the experiences of remote workers, who courageously share their stories, hardships, and triumphs, providing invaluable insights into the remote work landscape. Discover the unfiltered realities that often go unnoticed, and gain practical advice on how to navigate the remote work terrain successfully.
Anonymous 1: “Work-life Balance isn’t easy as ABC”
I got my first remote job as a Cloud Engineer straight out of university in the United States. Prior to my remote job, I always thought working from home was easy because people made it look so glamorous. However, I quickly discovered the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Boundaries between my professional and personal life blurred, leaving me feeling like a loner as I lost touch with close friends and ruined my 3-year relationship with my ex-girlfriend. It didn’t stop there, the constant indoors and relentless work took its toll, leading to burnout and dwindling motivation even despite the good pay. I was going to take a break from work but I reached out to a colleague who had experienced similar difficulties and advised me on making a routine and religiously sticking to it. I created a routine for myself where my mornings became a sanctuary of mindfulness exercises, setting the tone for a focused and productive day. Also, I learned to cherish breaks, outings, and family activities, fostering connections and rejuvenation. Now, it has become a bit bearable.
Anonymous 2: “Journeying to Remote Job from an Onsite Role”
Hmm, remote work offers endless possibilities however it comes with unique challenges. The first hardship I experienced was during the application process, my lack of actual remote work experience raised doubts to interviewers. So, I had to apply for volunteer jobs to build my remote work experience and then leverage more on my soft skills. However, the hurdles did not end there. The interview stages presented a new set of obstacles. I found myself navigating unfamiliar virtual platforms, battling unstable internet connections, and combating nervousness amplified by the absence of face-to-face interactions. No one talks about the anxiety of virtual interviews but it’s real. The sense of unfamiliarity can leave you forgetting everything you had prepared for.
Anonymous 3: “Job Applications Marathon”
To be honest, my search for a remote job was filled with personal battles, resilience, and unwavering barriers. The barriers began with an overwhelming sea of job postings, making it difficult to find suitable remote opportunities. I would sit for countless hours sifting through listings, sites, and Linkedin jobs, tailoring resumes, and crafting compelling cover letters. And guess what? rejection emails still found their way to my inbox. The truth is you might be lucky to find your dream remote job after 1 or 2 job applications, however most times it might take over 100 applications but don’t give up. I got my first offer for a marketing role in a good company in London just last week after submitting numerous applications for 2 years.
Anonymous 4: “ Crossing International Payment Barriers”
As a Content Writer, I have struggled with getting my pay on time due to the constraints of international payments. Here in Nigeria, there are limited payment options for remote work, we can’t use PayPal or Stripe hence we have to use cross-border payment apps like Chipper Cash, Paynoeer, and others where the exchange rate isn’t so favorable. Also, I have encountered payment hurdles, particularly when applying for remote jobs with international companies. I had to navigate complex payment systems, exchange rates, and tax implications.
Anonymous 5: “The Struggle with Electricity and Data is Real”
Working remotely in Nigeria is really tough. There are frequent power outages and unreliable internet connectivity, making each workday an uphill battle. I once lost an offer due to my internet connection. I got through the final interview with the Founder (It was one of my favorite startups). Lo and behold, that was when MTN chose to show its true colors. The call kept glitching and when they tried to reschedule the call later in the day, the alternative internet connection I got started acting up. I was so frustrated and sad for weeks. I didn’t know whether to blame it on my village people or my lack of preparation. However, I have learned my lesson, now I employ multiple internet sources to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.
Anonymous 6: “Mental Health and the Loneliness of Remote Work”
Having worked remotely as a Design Lead in Germany for about two years, I faced the stark reality of mental health challenges and loneliness. Prior to the pandemic, our team operated in a hybrid model, allowing us to come to the office on preferred days for face-to-face interactions with colleagues. When that physical connection was severed, a profound sense of isolation and disconnection set in. It left me feeling lonely and disconnected from my co-workers. Recently, I have been trying co-working hubs and cafes to get away from home. I even found support in online communities and forums specifically designed for remote workers. This has helped in a way to alleviate my sense of isolation and provided a sense of belonging.
Resources to Help in Your Remote Career Journey
Our Slack community: this is a community built to connect with job seekers and digital nomads around the world. We have monthly free training, resources, and a helpline. Also, you get to make friends with other members. Link
Our job board: The Inclusively Remote job board is tailored to ensure everyone worldwide gets equal opportunities, especially Africans. We have jobs that are inclusive for Africans. Link
Our Social Media Handles: For daily tips on navigating your remote work career or tips to corporate success, check out our social media handles here Link
Introduction to Remote Work: Access our free ebook on remote work and how to get remote jobs, especially other platforms to check out. Link
The ABC of a Successful Remote Job Application: Access our free ebook on how to tailor your resume and apply to remote jobs. I have tailored a resume template you can use as well as cold mail messages in drafting your cover letter. Link
The Remote Salary Handbook: This is the first published guide on remote work. Having been a remote worker from Africa, I know the struggles of getting good pay, I have been paid less countless times. This ebook lays down tips as well as templates to ensure no one gets to be like me. It’s currently on sale and would go a long way in your career journey. Link
Written and Curated by:
Mary-Esther Anele (Your Career Cheerleader)