REMOTE WORKING

What is remote work? Remote work is the practice of employees doing their jobs at other locations apart from the central office operated by their employees. A remote worker can be someone who works a few kilometres away from the office or someone who lives on the other side of the globe. As long as you don’t report to the main office, you may be considered a remote worker. Does remote work have any benefits?

Pros

• Work from home

One of the main benefits of being a remote worker is that you get to work from home. Actually, you get to work from anywhere that has an internet connection. Meaning if you have a phone with data, you can work on the go. This helps cut down on commuting time and any preparations when has to make to go the office. Employees can sleep more hours and hence be more productive. As long as one manages to avoid distractions, remote work can be just as productive if not more productive as working at the office

• Leverage foreign exchange

This applies to people working in countries that tend to have a weak currency on the foreign exchange market. For example, in Kenya, where the current exchange rate is one hundred and thirty-six Kenya Shillings to the US Dollar. Being employed in a country with a stronger currency will allow you to leverage it to increase your earnings.

• Greater flexibility

Remote work usually offers greater flexibility than traditional work. You get to choose your work setting and make it more conducive to your needs. You get to choose your working hours provided you submit your work on time.

Cons

• Strange work hours

One issue with getting a remote job that is overseas is that you may have two adjust your schedule due to the difference in time zones. If this is a full-time remote job, you may have to start your shift when your peers with jobs in the country are going to sleep. This may mean missing out on important social events. Moreover, your health may suffer if you don’t get enough sunlight during the day because you are catching up on sleep while the sun is out. Apply for jobs that will help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

• Lack of direct contact with other employees

Sometimes not being in direct contact with other employees may be a hindrance to your work. Face-to-face communication is usually the most effective. Moreover, being in one physical place with your fellow employees enables everyone to hold each other accountable. Also, the bonds fostered by being around your workmates help form a more cohesive unit of workers.

• Market Saturation

One issue with remote work is that the market gets saturated due to a large number of people all vying for the same job. This can be a serious issue since unlike with traditional jobs where you are competing with other qualified candidates in your local area for a job, remote work means competing on the global job market making the competition a lot stiffer. This may make it harder to find remote work unless you already have a good reputation. Newbies have stiff barriers to entry working against them.