It might only be November, but the festive season is fast approaching and then we have a shiny New Year to look forward to.
You might not be the world’s biggest fan of New Year’s resolutions, but this is the ideal time to start thinking about any changes you might want to make. For instance, how do you feel about your job? Do you sit at work watching the clock slowly ticking past, willing it to move that little bit faster? That’s a sure-fire sign you need to make a few changes here and there!
In that case, why not make this the ideal time to do a quick life evaluation? Everyone hates January anyway, why not turn that on its head?
Have you ever thought about remote working?
Think about it, the chance to work from anywhere you like, the hours you want to work, and nobody to tell you what to do on a daily basis. Idyllic in so many ways, right?
It’s important to realise that remote working still has its downsides but for anyone looking for a break from routine, and with the necessary skills to make it work, it could actually be the best way to move past your boredom.
So, how to go about it?
How to Start Working Remotely
There are a few ways you can work remotely. Firstly, you can work for yourself completely, basically becoming a freelancer. You could work for your current company, simply by putting a case forward to support a flexible working arrangement. Finally, you can look online for remote working opportunities and choose one particular company to work for, completely remotely.
The best option depends entirely upon your circumstances and the skills you have. If you have an in demand skill, such as writing, proofreading, translating, graphic design, etc, then you could build up your own freelancing business. All you need in that case is a laptop, online connection, and a list of reliable clients. It takes time to build up a business in this way, but with a little perserverence you can get there in the end.
It’s a good idea to look at building up your list of contacts before deciding to quit your job and head off remotely on your own. This cuts down on the risk and ensures that you have enough work to tide you over; remember, even the best businesses go through lean times occasionally!
If you choose to ask your current employer if you can go remotely in your existing job, or a similar role, you will need to build up a strong case. This means putting in a flexible working request and showing your employer why your request is a good idea, why it is going to work, and how the business will benefit and run smootly. The more information and suggestions you can put forwards, the more chance you have of a successful outcome. Do remember however, your employer is under no obligation to accept your request, but they do have to seriously consider it and give you reasons if they refuse it.
However you decide to work remotely in the end, be sure to weigh up the pros and cons before making a bold move. If, after consideration, you choose to go for it, remote working could turn out to be the best New Year’s resolution you ever make!
