Remote working – love it or hate it?

So many business owners start their business for the flexibility and freedom. However, the reality of remote work can mean long, lonely, isolated days.

I want to share with you how you can survive AND thrive working remotely, for yourself.

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Benefits of remote working

Before we dive in to strategies for success, let’s look at the advantages of remote working (because there are plenty!)

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• It can save money – no costly commutes, excessive lunches out or renting of an office space
• Saves time – less time on commuting means more time for you
• Flexibility and freedom – you get to work from your chosen environment and your own schedule

Companies around the world have discovered that working from home can boost productivity and happiness. It’s why so many businesses have adopted hybrid office working since the pandemic.

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How to survive

To simply survive working remotely when you work for yourself, you need to have a few essential logistics covered.

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• Your workspace

At the very least, you need a strong internet connection, a functioning computer and a dedicated workspace free from distractions. Without these, working remotely wouldn’t be possible. 

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• A way to communicate

Use tools like Slack, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams for team and client meetings, updates, and quick check-ins. Clear communication is key to a successful remote working.

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How to thrive

That’s the basics of surviving working for yourself remotely, but we don’t just want to survive, we want to thrive. To do this, we need to go beyond the logisitcs and to also consider our mental health, productivity and so much more.

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• Create a routine that works for you

Routines are important, especially when you work for yourself and have no-one controlling your time. Experiment with different schedules to find what suits you best. Make sure your morning routine sets you up for a productive day (not just waking up and opening your laptop) and that you have a clear work schedule and shut down time.

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• Take frequent breaks

Avoid the burnout trap by taking regular breaks. Set specific times to step away from your screen, even if it’s just for a few minutes. A short break can boost productivity and is beneficial to our long-term health.

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• Move your body, get outside

It can be difficult to leave the house when you’re so used to being home all day – it gets even harder when we have a big workload or tight deadlines. But, getting fresh air is so important for your physical and emotional health, so try to make time for it daily.

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• Remove distractions

Distractions impact your productivity. Find your distractions and find ways to manage (or remove) them. Whether it’s setting boundaries with family members or using website blockers, controlling distractions is essential.

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• Manage your workload strategically

Utilise task management tools like Asana, Trello, or Clickup to organise your workload. Without it your to-do list can get overwhelming and confusing. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can boost productivity and reduce confusion.

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• Reach out to your community

We don’t want to finish up the working day and realise we’ve not spoken to anyone all day. If you’re self employed without a team, it’s so important that we actively make connections and have a community we can rely on – whether this is online or in person.

Joining a co-working group is my personal favourite because you meet so many amazing people, all in the same boat as you.
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• Go easy on yourself

Finally, be gentle with yourself. Take time to reflect on the fact that you’re working for yourself and making it happen. It’s normal to have times of frustration or low motivation, it’s about riding those waves and giving yourself some grace.

Working remotely has its challenges, but there are things you can do to set yourself up for success. Remember to embrace the journey, be patient with yourself, and strive not just to survive but to thrive in the world of self-employment. I hope these tips were just what you needed as we head into the New Year!

If you want to find out more about working with us at The Executives Suite, contact us here.