Should You Work Remote as a Designer?
A Designers’ Guide to Remote Work
Workers are seeking a better work-life balance and an option to work on a more flexible schedule rather than the standard 9–5. Designers need to do a lot of collaboration with their co-workers, and communication is essential to get the results. So is it possible to work remotely?
The answer is, “Absolutely, yes.” Technology is ever-advancing, and today there are so many tools to help remote workers communicate, share information, and collaborate, that the results aren’t much different than as if they are working desk to desk.
What is Remote Work?
The answer is as simple as the question. You work out of the office, anywhere you choose. You have control over where you work from, and in most cases, when you work. As long as you deliver the assigned work by the deadline, you can do it anywhere.
Currently, 3/4 of companies worldwide have already adopted flexible work policies. This is because by giving their employees the freedom to control the location and time when they work, companies can expect them to be more happy and productive. It’s a well-known fact that happy employees better work more consistently.
Common Questions About Remote Work
Many people are skeptical, and that’s understandable.
Why?
Because you are basically your own boss. As a remote designer, you set your pace, you create your space, and you have control. Listen to the music as loud as you want, or turn off the lights to get a better perspective. It doesn’t matter; you have control.
Doesn’t it get lonely?
A recent survey revealed that 19% of remote workers struggle with loneliness. This could be a real issue if you don’t do something about it. Everything comes down to scheduling and organizing your time. Make time to go out, meet with friends, have dinner with family, enjoy a sport or hobby in a group, etc. It is lonely only if you let it be.
What about distractions?
One of the most common questions is if it’s even possible to get work done with all the distractions at home. The key is to create a working space that inspires you to work, don’t mix your living and working space, and stick to your schedule. In fact, 30% of telecommuters accomplish a lot more in less time.
How to Find Work?
You have two options. One is to speak with your current company about its flexible work policy. It turns out that 10% of employees don’t even know if their company has such a policy. Chances are, you may already have a remote job, but you just don’t know it yet.
The other option is to search. Every day more companies are switching to being either partially or fully remote. If you don’t want to be tied down with a company, you can also look for freelance designer jobs.
Currently, there are many freelance job sites that have new jobs posted regularly. It will take time and experimentation to make proper proposals on freelance marketplaces, but it will pay off.
How to Make it Work?
Ok, there are several rules you have to stick by to stay sane while working as a designer remotely. Yes, it’s nice to believe that we can all take it out to the beach, kick back, and get paid for relaxing, but working remotely requires a lot of effort.
- Have a designated work area. Never work from your bed, on the couch, or the dinner table. Have an area that is only for work.
- Set a routine and schedule. Yes, it would be nice to sleep in and watch movies all day, but you have to work. Having a routine set with a specific schedule for eating lunch and snacks will keep you on track and motivated to work.
- Don’t forget to eat. It’s easy when you are at the office and know when your lunch break is. At home, you will often forget that you need to eat. Make sure to set a specific time to eat lunch while you work.
- Leave the house. You need to get some sun, some physical activity, and see people. Make sure you put time aside every day to be outside. Whether it’s just to go to the store, walk the dog, or just a walk in the park.
- Beat loneliness by being social. Yes, some people prefer working remotely because they don’t like being around people. For the rest of us, scheduling time with friends and family is a significant part of staying sane as a designer working remote.
- Change positions often. An investment in an adjustable desk that turns into a standing desk is crucial. If you don’t have one, you need to get creative and change the way you sit and work. Whether it’s sitting on a ball, bean bag, even the floor in your work area, find a way to shift your position from time to time.
There are many tools and blogs out there to make communication and work for designers easier. The Product Disrupt Blog is one such option that provides the latest resources for designers to help them grow in their field.
