10 Common Misconceptions People Have About Remote Work

More than 43 percent of today’s workforce comprises remote workers. Some employees prefer this arrangement, as it’s most convenient. There’s no need to suffer through traffic, you can work from home or anywhere you want, including coffee shops and restaurants.

Remote work offers much in terms of flexibility as you can work in the comforts of your own home. Still, you get to enjoy the benefits that freelancers don’t. Here’s a video that shows the benefits of working from home:

However, there are things most people get wrong about remote work. Here are 10 common misconceptions about remote work:

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Working Remotely vs. Freelancing

Working remotely might differ from working freelance. As a remote worker, you still have to answer to your managers at the office although you enjoy location flexibility. It’s like you are employed by a company but they allowed you to work from anywhere.

On the other hand, Freelancers work with clients on their own without having to belong to any company or report to management. They are their own management.

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Remote Work Offers Very Little Career Growth

Contrary to this notion, remote work does offer career growth for those who avail of this setup. You can still work hard and get promoted even though you work remotely.

Like your office counterparts, you can grow and engage in your company and enjoy the same opportunities. 

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Remote Workers Don’t Engage in Company Culture

This is way off base. As a remote worker, you may still engage in company culture even though you’re not always in the office. You don’t have to go to the office to engage with your office mates and bask in your company’s culture. There are social media and chat/call apps that let you do everything from online meetings to just catching up.

Moreso, allowing workers to work remotely can improve morale and boost performance for most people. Nifty extra, right?

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Working Remotely Doesn’t Provide Many Opportunities

This is the most common misconception that people have about remote work. The truth is, remote workers enjoy just about the same opportunities as their office counterparts. They can avail of the same benefits, get the same training and skills development just like in the office.

And speaking of opportunities, remote workers even have more time to get more opportunities because of the freedom and flexibility in their schedules. You can now do your passion projects, have more moments with your family, or just have more time for the things that matter most.

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Remote Work Brings With it Communication Issues

This is also one of the usual concepts about remote work. True, there’s no need to interact in person but there are ways to bridge that gap. You can always chat via Skype or send emails to stay in touch.

There’s no reason to isolate yourself from your office friends. There are so many tools that you can use to connect with your colleagues.

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Remote Workers Should be on Call 24/7

Remote workers should have the same timetable and calendar as their office peers. Why should they be on call 24/7? They aren’t doctors.

To avoid this scenario, it helps to set boundaries and plot a schedule that is both realistic and doable for both sides.

You can coordinate with your clients so that you both agree on the schedule that works for both of you. Just be honest and open with your client and you will surely find common ground.

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Remote Work Stunts Productivity

Remote work doesn’t stunt productivity. In fact, it may even improve, as workers have the option to adjust to the schedules and the projects at hand. There are fewer distractions and more opportunities for productivity to grow while working remotely.

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Working Remotely Affects Your Personality

This is a myth that ought to be debunked. Working remotely doesn’t affect your personality. In fact, you don’t need to engage with many people daily to grow as a person.

Some people think that freelancers are loners. This may be true for some but not all freelancers. Some of us go out and still manage to get a social life despite working from home. Plus, we get to spend a lot of time with our families.

Fulfillment is yours wherever you decide to work. It’s up to you to make an effort to grow and find your zone. Whether you’re working remotely or at the office, or even if you’re a freelancer, you will find work-life balance if you seek it.

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You Have All the Time in the World

Some people think that because you work freelance, you’ve got a lot of time to spare. This couldn’t be any further from the truth. Like your office staff counterparts, your time is spent working on projects.

Some friends think that they can just drop by anytime because you’ve got a lot of free time. As a freelancer, you manage your own time, which you spend working on passion projects.

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You’re Not Doing Anything

People think that, just because you work from home, you’re not busy and you’re just sitting pretty watching TV. This is a myth that needs to be addressed.

Sometimes, remote workers need to do more than their office counterparts. They’re just better at managing their time better. You are at home (or anywhere for that matter) WORKING. You are not on vacation doing nothing.

Conclusion

These misconceptions might be unfounded. But you know better now. Let’s clear these wrong beliefs and strive to be better freelancers or freelancers-to-be in the future.