How and why did you start working remotely?

I had at least an hour and a half commute each way to and from work, which left me exhausted before I even started my workday and drained me by the time I got home fighting traffic. I live in a suburb of a bigger city so to find a company with great values, people, culture, and challenging work was tough to come by. Yet, I was able to find it all working from home with the right company that isn’t afraid to break the mold of a typical office environment.

What advice would you give someone considering a remote job?

Make sure it’s the right decision for you. Working remotely isn’t for everyone, and you need to ensure you have what it takes to be successful. You will need to be able to set boundaries, find ways to connect, and keep yourself focused. Also, make sure you understand virtual or remote versus flexible—they are two very different things, and you need to make sure you understand the expectations.

How did you convince your company to let you work remotely?

Our entire company is virtual!

What are the biggest benefits to working remotely?

I get more done and have less distractions. I’m able to use my commute time to get more done at work, at home, or volunteer in the school before work hours start.

How do you avoid becoming distracted when working remotely?

I have a dedicated office in our house with doors. When I’m in my office, I’m at work.

What is a remote work pain point, and how do you address it?

Sometimes the biggest pain is just the ability to get into one meeting room at the same time to see each other face-to-face to discuss something quickly. Or, to see non-verbal communication cues to “read the room.” We use Skype to get around these pain points, and it does well for the most part. I also try to overcommunicate working remotely to make up for the missed body language cues or facial expressions.

Do you use coworking spaces? What are the best ones?

Personally, I do not; however, our company offers a WeWork program to all employees who would like to cowork and/or get out of the house for a change of scenery.

What gear can't you work remotely without?

• 2 Monitors
• Excellent Chair
• Headset

What apps or websites can't you work remotely without?

Skype

Do you work from a home office? How is it organized?

Yes! I set up my home office just as I would in an office building. The best part is having two big monitors to get my work done more efficiently. My home office does house a couple of dog beds for my “coworkers,” who keep me company throughout the day.

How do you stay in touch with virtual teammates?

I feel more connected to my teammates working remotely than I did when we were all in an office. I make more of an effort to get to know them personally because I don’t see the pictures in their office, or overhear a conversation in the breakroom. We use Skype, and I talk on the phone many times throughout the day so I always feel like they are at my fingertips. We also follow each other on social media and try many get-to-know-you type icebreakers on our calls. We even go visit each other in different cities when we can!

Would you consider returning to a traditional office job, or are you remote for life?

I’m remote for life! I don’t think I could get as much done or thrive in a traditional office environment. I’m more productive at home, have more hours in my day (no driving!), and I have great work-life integration.

How has working remotely impacted your career plans?

I don’t know that working remotely impacted my career plans other than I found that I love working remotely. I love working for Goodway, and it’s a bonus that I am able to work from my home office doing something I enjoy that works for my family.

What's the best way to develop professional contacts while working remotely?

I don’t know the best way, but whenever I meet someone who works from home, I ask them what they do. It’s always nice to find other remote workers in the area and meet up for lunch occasionally.

How has working remotely impacted your family life?

I can attend after-hour functions and be on time! I don’t have to waste time sitting in traffic willing people to go faster to make my son’s baseball game or my daughter’s dance practice. I can spend more quality time with my family and feel less frazzled.

How do you stay physically active while working remotely?

I take walks, and I pace on calls!

How do you cope with feeling lonely while working remotely?

I have two dogs who keep me company during the day, and I talk my husband’s ear off when he comes home from work. I can also call my coworkers to just catch up, and/or meet a few for lunch.