Remote work can be defined as a work arrangement in which an employee performs his or her job outside a physical office. Employees who work remotely may be situated in a different building or state from the rest of the company, or they may be working from home.

In order to work remotely, employees usually need to have some equipment at home, which could include a computer and phone. Many companies offer secure ways of logging in to databases or other important company databases. Remote work is often considered to be a subset of telecommuting, which is defined as work performed by employees outside of the office using an electronic device. Telecommuting, however, often involves more hybrid ways of working--such as someone being out of the office for a few days at a time.

But remote work is not necessarily about working from home (WFH) or being a digital nomad skipping across the globe. Remote work is about flexible work.

The power of the remote work movement is about creating flexibility in the way you work.

Remote work is a means to an end.

What Are Remote Jobs Like?

Remote jobs can be very different depending on the company you work for.

But overall, remote jobs provide flexibility. Flexibility to live in a location that makes the most sense for you and your family. Flexibility to leave work early and pick up your child from daycare. Flexibility to take a break at lunch and work out. Flexibility to start working at 5am if you want, while your coworker decides they'd rather work at 8pm at night.

There are challenges to remote work with lots of Zoom meetings and fear about who is actually working and who's not. It can also be very lonely, home is more distracting than you think, and collaboration takes extra effort. The vast majority of remote workers are freelancers, and so they may work from home in isolation. They have little to no connection to anyone else, and this can be a lonely experience. Remote jobs also come with their own set of unique challenges such as finding motivation and maintaining focus.

What Do I Need to Work Remotely? 

 There are a few key skills that allow you to work remotely. These include: self-motivation, self-discipline, and an ability to manage your own workload.

You’ll also need to be able to communicate effectively with your colleagues and clients, as well as be available by phone or internet. It may sound obvious, but you actually must have a computer and an internet connection in order to do your job!

Can You Work Remotely from Anywhere? 

 Technically, you can work remotely from anywhere with an internet connection and a computer, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best idea. Working remotely from home is a great option, but there are other options. Co-working spaces are an excellent alternative to working from home, as they provide the social interaction that is often missing from remote jobs. Many others pursue a "digital nomad" lifestyle and travel frequently. But even if you don't travel full-time, you can still work from other locations or while visiting family. Companies with remote-first mindsets make this easier.

Does Remote Mean Work from Home?   

 No, you can work remotely from anywhere. Home is the most common setting for remote work, as it’s convenient and comfortable. You may also work remotely from a co-working space, which is more social and professional than working from home. It’s also a great way to keep your job and personal life separate.

Why Is Remote Work Better for Companies? 

 Companies with remote workers will often save money on renting office space, which is a huge cost for many businesses. They are also able to hire and retain employees who can’t relocate for a job, whether it’s due to family commitments or because they don’t want to uproot their life. They also empower their employees to have a more flexible work lifestyle, allowing them to prioritize their life and family, in conjunction with work.

Do Remote Jobs Pay Less?

This depends on your location and the job you’re applying for. It also depends on the type of work you do. But there's also a shift happening to where the best talent will probably want to work more remotely, because of the flexibility. Over time, payment will begin to stabilize.

Do People Like Working Remotely? 

The vast majority of people enjoy working remotely. Many of these people have a remote job as their primary source of income, and so they spend a lot of time at home. For them, it’s a lifestyle. The remote work lifestyle is rewarding, as you can travel frequently and live in exotic locations without sacrificing your career.