Work From Home Benefits

Whether it’s a Monday-Friday 9-5 or a freelance gig with not-so-typical hours, there are many remote jobs out there (and even hybrid ones) that you may look into. Remote work may be extremely beneficial to many. 

Flexibility

The freedom to choose your own hours can be a game-changer when you’re looking to get rid of the more traditional office job. This can be great when times are uncertain, especially if you’re affected by the WGA strikes happening currently. For parents and caregivers, more flexibility can be beneficial when planning your day.

Reduced Commuting

Think of all the gas money you’ll save when you work from home! We all know just how draining commuting to work can be, and don’t even get us started on finding parking in busy neighborhoods! Save your time and shorten that commute from your bed to your home office.

Better Balance

Log off when you’re supposed to without the hassle of a commute? Where do we sign up? We’re all looking for balance, and sometimes working from home can truly give us a breather.

Work From Home Challenges

While you may think it’s all fun and games, there are a few factors to remember if you’re looking to work from home that may be challenging for you.

Isolation

While you may chat with coworkers online and during video calls, the loneliness is real when you’re working by yourself in your apartment. 

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To help reduce loneliness, consider joining in-person co-working spaces or virtual co-working groups (AKA body doubling sessions). If you’re keen on working remotely but perhaps not from your actual workspace’s office, a co-working space may be a great way to meet new people yet still get work done in an office setting. If you’re more into having someone there to help you get those tasks you don’t want to do actually checked off your list, try body doubling sessions!

Miscommunication

Whether you have email, Slack, video calls, phone calls, or texts, there can definitely be a communication gap without any in-person meetups. Remember to be very clear with your requests, and asking questions or for clarification is key!

Be sure you set regular check-ins with your direct supervisor and team to ensure everyone is on the same page and has everything they need to work better together, even while physically apart!

Routine or Lack Thereof

When you have to be at the office at a certain time, it’s easier to get your routine down and get out of the house. When you don’t exactly have to be at a physical office, it can be challenging to feel like you’ve really “left” home when you haven’t. Try maintaining a daily work schedule so you stick to a routine and ensure your productivity levels are on track.

Internet Issues

What do you do when your Wi-Fi cuts out and you’re in the middle of a big video conference call with executives? Yikes. We get the struggle. Sometimes you really can’t control it, but be sure you research your internet options in your home. Feel free to ask our property managers about the internet options in our Urban LA Living buildings.

How To Find Remote Jobs

There are certain websites like FlexJobs or Upwork where you can look for freelance jobs. Many job listings now also clarify if a job is remote, hybrid, or in-person, so be sure to look for that on career boards, a company’s career page, and on LinkedIn.

Create a Productive Workspace

If you have an extra room for an office, great! If not, no need to worry! You can work anywhere you have a table, or even on your couch! Wherever you choose to work, ensure you design this space so you’re being productive. This could mean a comfy chair, extra pillows for back support, a monitor, virtual backgrounds during video calls, and even plants and candles in the room.

Set Boundaries

If you live with roommates, loved ones, or pets, ensure you set boundaries when you work. Maybe this means putting a sign on a doorknob when you shouldn’t be disturbed, or ensuring pets are taken care of prior to a long conference call. This could also mean setting your phone in a different room if possible, or not answering the door if it rings. Whatever you need to do, ensure you lessen the amount of possible disruptions during work hours and meetings.

Manage Time

Whether it’s a timer on your phone, a physical timer, a digital timer, or a calendar reminder, be sure you stay organized. Time is precious, and you have a little more back in your day now that you’re not commuting to and from work anymore! 

Hot Tip: Don’t forget to schedule breaks and lunches! Sometimes it’s extremely easy to work the whole day and miss meals or not get up much from your screen. Your brain and body will thank you after a 20-minute walk in the sunshine. 

Are you ready to make remote work work for you? You’ll benefit from this trendy and transformative way of working and living, especially if you’re renting in one of the Urban LA Living apartment buildings. Start your journey into remote working and living with Urban LA Living today. Check out our available apartment rentals here.