The pros and cons of remote work: Is it right for your career?

Jul 17, 2023

Pros of remote work

Perhaps the most significant advantage of remote work is the flexibility it provides. You have the freedom to work from anywhere, whether it's your local coffee shop, a shared workspace, or in the comfort of your pjs at home.

This type of flexibility makes it far easier to balance both your work and personal responsibilities like picking up the kids from school or popping off to the shops for the week’s groceries. And let’s be honest, not having to sit in rush hour traffic is always a win.

Many remote workers have found they are far more productive, saying they can focus far more easily and get more work done in less time. No more distractions from the local office gossip or colleagues popping over for a casual chat. And another perk is that you can set your own schedule and take breaks when they’re really needed.

Cons of remote work

When chatting with remote workers, the biggest disadvantage is forming relationships and staying connected with colleagues. It just isn’t the same over a Zoom or Teams meeting! The social aspect of working in an office has many advantages as you are able to get to know your colleagues on a personal level, and that can make all the difference.

So if you are a people person and thrive on face-to-face interactions, remote working may not be for you as without it, you can land up feeingl isolated and disconnected from the rest of the team.

Another drawback of being a remote worker is the lack of structure, there is no set schedule, and sometimes it is difficult establishing a work routine. And for those of you who are workaholics, the boundaries between work and play are easily blurred, and before you know it, it’s 8 pm, and you have forgotten to feed the kids, the dog, and your partner is snoozing on the couch.

It’s down to your style!

The decision to WFH boils down to your individual work style and preferences. Flexibility and independence are always great perks, but they do come at the expense of building relationships, connecting with others, and having that predefined workday structure.

If you are considering working from home, we recommend sitting down with your employer and discussing both of your expectations and making sure you establish clear guidelines for communication. Remember, just because you are working from home doesn’t mean you are available 24/7!