TRANSITIONING TO REMOTE WORK

Anna Edge

August 21, 2023

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It’s been about three weeks since I officially transitioned to working remotely as a full-time employee for The Current Agency. I have been with Current for a little over a year now, starting as an intern and then growing into a part-time and eventually full-time role at our Tallahassee office. After deciding to move to Orlando following my graduation from FSU, I was unsure of what this would mean for me and my future with the company. The idea of working from home has always intrigued me, but the familiarity of going into the office every day made me a bit hesitant to embrace the unknown. However, after careful consideration and discussions with Chirag and Savannah, I decided to take the leap and transition to full-time remote work. This shift was not only a change of scenery, but it also marked a transformation in my entire work dynamic.

One of the most notable changes is the shift in communication. The daily interactions in the office are now replaced by virtual meetings and direct messaging. Platforms like GroupMe, Wrike, and Google Meet became my new companions, connecting me with coworkers and clients. Though it took a bit of time to adjust to this digital communication, I found that it came with its advantages, allowing for efficient discussions and a more flexible approach to collaboration.

The greatest perk of working remotely is the newfound flexibility it brings into my life. No longer confined by set office hours and commutes, I’m able to design a schedule that best aligns with my day-to-day life. This flexibility not only helps my productivity but also enables a healthier work-life balance. I can take short breaks to stretch, go on a walk outside, or even get a quick workout in.

While remote work presents numerous advantages, it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is maintaining a clear boundary between work and my personal life. With my new “office” now just a desk in my bedroom, these lines can easily be blurred. To address this, I established a routine that includes dedicated work hours, breaks, and a clear "end of workday" to signify the transition from work mode to personal time.

Another challenge is the occasional feeling of isolation. Gone are the impromptu brainstorming sessions in Chirag’s office and in-person interactions that fueled my creativity. To counter this, I actively participate in local networking groups as well as have regular catch-up calls with the team to maintain that sense of camaraderie.

Transitioning to remote work has been an eye-opening journey. It has highlighted the importance of flexibility, boundaries, and effective communication. As I continue to navigate this new era of working from home, I’ve learned the importance of having an open mind, a willingness to adapt, and a commitment to maintaining meaningful connections with our team, regardless of the physical distance.