Are you really the telecommuting type?

Let’s face it everyone that has the desire to telecommute is not cut out to be a telecommuter. And while having the opportunity and the flexibility to work where you want, when and how you want working remotely is not a one size fits all situation. Sure, who wouldn’t jump at the chance to work from home, have full autonomy and be in complete control of their working schedule each and every day? But let’s be honest. Do you really have what it takes to be a successful telecommuter? Or would you be much better off staying in a traditional working environment? No one knows you better than you. So I suggest that you take a real good look in the mirror and ask yourself if you really have what it takes to telecommute. 

Although there are no real scientific studies that have been conducted to determine exactly which personalities would be more successful at telecommuting and which would not, (at least I am not familiar with any) by first conducting a self-check you will be able to determine very quickly whether you have the right working style to be a successful telecommuter or not. Once you have determined that you are a strong candidate for telecommuting then you can read my article, excuse me boss, can I telecommute? and learn how to approach your boss about the possibilities of working remotely.

Telecommuting is a very attractive working opportunity but if you do not have what it takes don’t set yourself up for failure by trying to work within an environment that does not suit your personal working style and habits.

1. Organization is an order. Being organized is a must. In fact you will need to bump it up a notch in the organizational department since you will not be working from just one location. If you are working from Starbucks on Monday, the Library on Tuesday and Dunkin Donuts on Wednesday it is very important that you have all of your documents and files in order and organized so that you will be able to access them in a moment’s notice.

2. Focus on discipline. There will be no one there to tell you what to do and how to do it. Therefore you will have to be disciplined enough to stay focused and not be tempted to run errands, do house chores or work in the yard. You should treat your remote working opportunity the same way that you would if you were in the office. This means getting up every morning and getting fully dressed just as if you were going into the office. Working in your pajamas all day will not give you the professional and productive state of being that you will need to be in to be at your very best.

3. Working solo. Being an independent worker is a primary characteristic that you must have in order to be a telecommuter. Sure you will have your times when you will need to check in with your team and your management staff. But you will basically be working on your own. There will be no one looking over your shoulder or micromanaging your progress. Therefore it will be solely up to you to be 100% productive while ensuring that you are meeting all of your position responsibilities and project deadlines.

4. Stay self-motivated by keeping it moving. Grab that cup of coffee, get an exercise routine going or meditate. Whatever it is that you will do to get you going you will need to do it each and every day so that you will keep it moving and keep yourself motivated. You will have to be self-motivated even when you are not feeling well or even when you are just so sleepy that you will feel like you need to put tooth picks in your eyes just to stay awake.

If you have determined that you have all of the characteristics listed above and you can live by those standards then telecommuting may be a rewarding opportunity for you take your career and your life to the next level. However if you know deep down inside that you do not see yourself upholding these particular set of work ethics do yourself a big favor, be true to yourself and stay in a working environment that is more suitable and beneficial for you.

Questions or comments? I would love to hear from you. Send me an email at nikki.trotter@emploiinc.com.