I have been remote working as a Software Engineer since 2023, and have never held a fully in-person full time role. Consequently I have developed as a professional in a very different setting to my peers and even my parents, and I find it very interesting to think about how Work From Home (WFH) culture has shaped my daily life, especially when speaking with others.
Firstly, let’s define “remote working”, as Hybrid working also comes under this category. By definition, Remote working allows employees to work outside a traditional office, utilizing technology to connect from home or co-working spaces. Typically, it is said to lead to improved work-life balance, no commuting, and increased flexibility – to which I can attest – and is most prevalent in industries such as IT, sales and marketing.
Personally, I work 100% from home, with the occasional drop-in to the office, handily located in my city, for seasonal events and a fun foray into central London. For me the effects of remote working manifest themselves in 3 main ways.
- Uber flexibility
From the school run to doctors appointments, it’s easier to fit in errands when you’re within range of the laundry basket. Having control over my time, environment and space gives me the freedom to eliminate any and all distractions that could impact my productivity. I’m not just talking about being able to choose the music coming from the walls. Whether I’m cosied up at my desk with a blanket, or working from an aesthetic cafe, the flexibility of remote work means that my days are rarely boring, and can always be customised to how I feel when I wake up. My commute lasts only a few moments as I navigate to my desk with a cup of tea, and is certainly more comfortable than squeezing into a train for an hour at a time.
- A more selective social life
Many people aren’t superfans of the more isolated lifestyle of remote workers, and as an extrovert myself, I did wonder how I would feel about this in the long run. In my experience, I have found that instead of retreating into myself like a hermit, I have actually started to choose my social interactions more selectively. I get to decide how social I am feeling and what energy I have the capacity to accommodate – an ability that has seeped into my personal life in several ways. No, Rebecca, I don’t feel like just “grabbing a coffee”. I will set aside time for your birthday party though. I pick and choose my battles.
- Motivation, Discipline and Progress
Much to most people’s dismay, remote work doesn’t just mean you can wake up at whatever time you want and open up your laptop. It only really works if you have the self-discipline to operate around an organised and structured schedule. This is something I had to consciously develop. It requires a degree of responsibility to stay disciplined enough to contribute effectively to a full time role and also keep yourself balanced in body, spirit and mind when you have the comfort and amenities of your own home all around you. I find that a good routine, and a solid look at your own personality, strengths and weaknesses, will help you stay honest with yourself and the people who rely on you.
At Canonical where I work now, many policies are in place to combat some of the above points. For one, we meet up across Europe twice a year to collaborate on project with the rest of our team, in week-long periods called Sprints. I’ve discussed them before so head to my page to find out more!
In select countries, we also have offices that host seasonal, release and generic parties and events and getting involved in those is always fun! Some events that come to my mind from the London office are the Christmas parties and events for Pancake Day, the Wimbledon tournament, and St Patrick’s day!
Online, we stay in touch with one another through guilds, team channels and even a social working group, orchestrating online activities in an informal manner. That’s just a slice of #LifeAtCanonical.
That’s my review of working remotely, what’s yours? Tell me what your thoughts of remote or hybrid working are in the comments section, and whether you prefer this new style of work, or the more traditional, completely in-office style? I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
Until next time,
Nkeiruka Whenu
Software Engineer @ Canonical.
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