What does it mean to be a Remote Worker?

So, what does it mean to be a Remote Worker?

You may already have heard of remote work (also known as a lone worker), but what does that actually mean? 

In this particular case, we will be looking at remote work as being work carried out by someone who is not an employee, but rather someone who is self-employed.  Other names for a Remote Worker include Freelancer, Contractor, Lone Worker, Virtual Assistant, or VA.  

Where can I work from?

A remote worker generally means you don’t have to commute to an office but rather you work from a home office or in a coworking space or café. This gives you the opportunity of working from anywhere you have internet access and a laptop.

With the ability to travel a Remote Worker could also consider joining a coworking collective elsewhere in the world. Theoretically, remote work allows people to work independently, but other factors come into play such as whether clients are based in a specific time zone, or you need access to specialized equipment to complete your work.

Why be a Remote Worker?

The most common reason people look to work remotely is flexibility and the opportunity to work for themselves. They can set their own schedules and general business hours and work from anywhere in the world. Remote work offers a better work-life balance for parents and people working part-time or those who need a second source of income.

During the COVID 19 pandemic, many people around the world took on a variant of working from home. Quite a few of those people have realized that this is an exciting new way to work, and some are even willing to take that next step and work for themselves!

Remote working offers a variety of benefits, including:

  • Increased productivity
  • Earn your own income
  • Flexible hours
  • Flexibility to travel
  • Work for a variety of clients
  • Choose the work you undertake
  • No office commute
  • No office politics
  • Better work/life balance

For several years being a Remote Worker and working for clients from a distance was misunderstood.  People felt that certain work could only be completed within an office setting. However, as remote work gains momentum and the opportunities for distance working become more available then more businesses will embrace this new style of working practice.

Have a look at the guide on how to set up your remote office.