Are you wondering how to start working remotely at the end of 2024? Can you imagine? It’s Monday morning, and instead of rushing through traffic and battling for a parking spot, you are sipping your favorite coffee in your comfy home office.
Sounds pretty great, right? I thought so too when I first started dreaming about working remotely, but I had no clue where to begin!
That was three years ago, and wow, what a journey it’s been! From transforming my tiny apartment corner into a workspace to figuring out how to actually land remote jobs (trust me, there were some interesting mishaps along the way!), I’ve learned so much.
And you know what? The remote work world has exploded since then. These days, a whopping 13% of people work entirely from home, and even more are rocking that hybrid life. The best part? There’s still plenty of room for newbies like you!
Look, I get it. Starting anything new can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to changing how you work. Maybe you are wondering if you have the right skills, or if you can actually pull this off. I had all those same doubts! That’s exactly why I’m writing this guide – to share all the stuff I wish someone had told me when I was in your shoes.
Think of this as your friendly neighborhood guide to remote work – no fancy corporate speak, just real talk from someone who’s been there, made the mistakes and figured out what actually works.
I’ll explain how to become ready for remote work as a beginner in this article, and by the time you finish, you’ll know what you need to know to work remotely. Let’s get started now.
Are You Really Ready for Remote Work? Let’s Get Real!
You know what’s funny? When I first thought about working remotely, all I could think about was working from my couch in my lovely sweater. Was I in for a surprise? While remote work is amazing, it’s definitely not for everyone. Let me help you figure out if it’s right for you.
First up, let’s do a quick reality check. When I talk to people who rock at remote work, they all share some key traits.
Here’s what you should honestly ask yourself:
- Are you someone who can stay focused without your boss nearby? (No judgment – it’s not for everyone!)
- Do you have a space at home where you can actually get work done?
- Are you cool with troubleshooting tech issues on your own sometimes?
- Can you speak up when you need help, even in a virtual setting?
- Are you okay with fewer water cooler moments and face-to-face chats?
Don’t worry if you didn’t enthusiastically nod to all of these. The cool thing about remote work skills is that you can develop them over time. Trust me – I definitely wasn’t perfect at all of these when I started!
Creating Your Dream Home Office (Without Breaking the Bank!)
Okay, let me tell you about my first “home office” – it was literally my laptop balanced on a stack of books at my kitchen table! My back still hasn’t forgiven me for that one. But hey, we all start somewhere, right? Let me save you from my rookie mistakes.
The Must-Have Gear (For Real Though)
Here’s what you actually need to get started (and I promise, you won’t have to sell a kidney);
- A reliable computer – doesn’t have to be fancy, just stable
- Solid internet connection (and yes, get a backup plan – your phone’s hotspot works in a pinch!)
- A chair that won’t wreck your back (learned this one the hard way)
- Decent headphones with a mic (trust me, your coworkers don’t want to hear your neighbor’s dog)
- Good lighting (because nobody wants to look like they’re in witness protection during video calls)
Setting Up Your Workspace Like a Pro
Here’s the thing about your workspace – it doesn’t need to look Instagram-worthy, but it does need to help you get stuff done. I’ve tried working from my bed (terrible idea), the kitchen (too many snack breaks), and finally found my sweet spot in a quiet corner of my living room.
Pro tip: Try to find a spot with some natural light if you can. It’s amazing what some sunshine can do for your mood when you’re working from home!
Landing That First Remote Job (Without Losing Your Mind)
Let me tell you about my first remote job hunt – I spent weeks scrolling through sketchy job boards before finally figuring out where the good stuff was. Save yourself the headache and start with these proven spots.
Where to Actually Find Legit Remote Jobs
- LinkedIn (Use that “Remote” filter – it’s your new best friend)
- We Work Remotely (my personal favorite)
- FlexJobs (yes, it costs money, but it’s worth it to avoid scams)
- Remote.co (solid options, especially for beginners)
- Company career pages (don’t forget about these!)
Here’s a genius move I wish I’d known earlier: Set up job alerts with specific keywords. It saves you from refreshing job boards 50 times a day (not that I ever did that… 😉).
Making Your Application Stand Out from the Crowd
Now that I’ve been on both sides of the hiring process, I can tell you exactly what catches a recruiter’s eye.
- Show off any remote experience you have (even if it’s from volunteer work or side projects)
- Highlight your communication skills (because remote work = lots of writing)
- Pack your cover letter with examples of self-motivation
- Name-drop remote tools you’ve used (Slack, Zoom, Asana – you know the drill)
- Include specific examples of how you manage your time
Mastering Remote Communication (Because Nobody Can Read Your Mind!)
Oh, do I have some stories about communication mishaps? Like that time I thought “EOD” meant “end of decade” instead of “end of day” (okay, not really, but you get the point). Clear communication is everything in remote work.
Written Communication That Actually Works
Since most of your communication will be written, here is what I have learned works best during my time. You’ll be able to use this to your advantage, too.
- Break things down into bullet points when possible
- Get to the point quickly (but stay friendly!)
- Give context – assume nothing
- Use emojis strategically (they can help avoid misunderstandings)
- Always follow up if you don’t hear back
Nailing Virtual Meetings
Fun fact: I once had my cat jump on my keyboard and end an important client call. While I can’t help with pets, I can share some other meeting tips that will help you.
- Test your tech BEFORE important calls
- Keep your background professional(ish)
- Use headphones to avoid the dreaded echo
- Speak clearly and don’t rush
- Stay focused (Instagram can wait!)
Staying Productive When Netflix Is Calling Your Name
Let’s be honest – working from home can be a productivity challenge. That YouTube rabbit hole is just one click away! Here’s how I stay on track.
Creating a Routine That Actually Sticks
After trying about 50 different schedules, here’s what works for me and I believe it can also work for some of you.
- Morning: Quick workout and real breakfast (not just coffee!)
- 9 AM: Email check and daily planning
- 10 AM – 12 PM: Deep work (phone on silent!)
- Lunch: Actually step away from the computer
- Afternoon: Meetings and teamwork
- End of day: Plan tomorrow (future you will thank you)
How To Beat Those Work-from-Home Distractions
A major issue while working from home is distractions. They may arise from a variety of sources and can hinder your ability to concentrate and complete your work. A lot of things in your home surroundings have the potential to divert your focus from your tasks.
For example, the kids may be playing, the television may be on in the background, or even the laundry may be calling your name. A number of these little interruptions might make it challenging to focus on the tasks at hand.
So, this is how I beat them while working at home, you too can do the same.
- Set clear boundaries with family/roommates
- Invest in noise-canceling headphones
- Stick to regular hours
- Take proper breaks (scrolling social media doesn’t help)
- Use website blockers during focus time
- Do not drink alcohol while working.
- Switch off your TV and forget bingo for a moment.
Building Real Connections in a Virtual World
The loneliness that comes with working remotely is one of the biggest surprises that many individuals experience. When video chats and instant messages take the place of regular encounters with coworkers, a sense of loneliness may begin to seep in.
Although there is no denying the ease of working from home, there are moments when it feels a little disconnected. Nonetheless, even when working remotely, there are many effective ways to stay in touch and preserve a sense of unity with coworkers.
I’ve discovered some fantastic methods that help me keep those important connections alive with my team. Regular virtual meetings provide a platform for discussing work-related topics, but I’ve found that adding in some casual, non-work-related chats can really boost morale. Taking a few moments at the beginning or end of a meeting to catch up on personal stories, share experiences, or even chat about hobbies can create a stronger bond among team members.
Related post: 20 Best Remote Jobs for 2024
Another great way to stay connected is through virtual team-building activities. These can range from online games to trivia quizzes or even casual coffee breaks where everyone joins in with their favorite beverage. Engaging in these fun activities together can break down barriers and create a more relaxed environment, making it easier to interact and connect on a personal level.
It’s crucial to get in touch with each individual. It makes a big difference to send a little message to see how someone is doing or to inquire about their day. Deeper ties are fostered when you show your teammates that you care and are considering them.
Building and maintaining the genuine ties that make working together entertaining and rewarding may need a little more work to stay connected in a virtual world, but it is well worth the effort.
Keeping Work and Life Separate (When They Share an Address)
This is a very huge one! When your office is ten steps from your bed, work can take over your life if you are not careful enough.
Here is what helps me and you too will do the same.
- Set firm working hours (and stick to them!)
- Create end-of-day rituals (I close my laptop and take a walk)
- Keep work apps off your personal phone
- Take real breaks
- Plan non-work activities (yes, Netflix counts)
Growing Your Remote Career
Just because you are working in your slippers doesn’t mean your career should stand still! Here’s how I keep growing myself and you can also follow along.
Professional Development from Your Couch
Some of my favorite ways to level up.
- Take online courses (lots are free!)
- Join virtual professional groups
- Attend online conferences (often cheaper than in-person ones)
- Network on LinkedIn (it’s not just for job hunting)
- Share what you know (blog posts, social media, wherever!)
Let’s Wrap This Up!
We’ve talked about a lot! It may seem like a large leap to start working remotely, but keep in mind that everyone you see succeeding at it started precisely where you are. You can do the same! I went from being a total novice to assisting others in understanding this environment.
Go step by step. Perhaps this week, work on your résumé, and the following week, set up your home office. You’ll soon be sharing your own knowledge on working remotely!
When it comes to working remotely, there is no standard approach that works for everyone. Feel free to modify this advice to suit your needs, but use them as a starting point. The ability to design your own ideal environment is the joy of working remotely.
