Remote work isn’t just a perk — it’s a bridge to the life you want, if you use it intentionally.
I remember working remotely from Bulgaria for a few months — close to my parents-in-law, surrounded by mountains, fresh air, and quiet mornings. The pace of life, the nature, the simplicity of it all… it made me more productive than I’d ever been in London. Ideas flowed, energy levels were high, and I felt genuinely alive while still building my career in tech.
A little earlier, I had a similar experience in Ukraine. Before the war, remote work allowed me to spend months with my family and friends — something that wouldn’t have been possible if I were tied to an office in the UK. Those everyday moments were priceless.
Tech has been doing remote work long before COVID made it mainstream. Software engineering was one of the first industries experimenting with flexible remote work. I feel lucky to be in this field — it opened doors I wouldn’t have had anywhere else.
Now, many companies are pushing people back to the office — almost full-time, or at least three days a week. Some people love it. Some hate it. The important thing is to know your priorities: freedom, family, career growth, creativity… what matters most to you?
“Freedom without boundaries is chaos. Boundaries without freedom is restriction. Remote work is both, if you use it intentionally.”
Remote work isn’t just skipping the commute or working in pyjamas. It’s about time, presence, and being somewhere that matters. Bulgaria taught me that the environment matters. Being close to family, immersed in nature, and away from city distractions supercharged my focus and creativity. Ukraine gave me moments with loved ones that I’ll never forget.
But remote work isn’t automatically easy. You’re fully responsible for your schedule, output, and boundaries. There were days when I barely stopped working because no office signalled the “end of the day,” and other days when I had to force myself to stay focused because life around me was too comfortable.
Key takeaway: Freedom only works when it’s managed intentionally.
It can also be lonely. During COVID — feels like a lifetime ago — when everything went fully remote, I realised how much I relied on casual office interactions. Even as someone who loves independence, I missed spontaneous conversations, mentorship moments, and team energy.
Tip: Build connection intentionally — co-working days, coffee chats, online communities, or accountability buddies.
I feel lucky to be in an industry that embraced remote work early. It allowed me to spend those precious months in Bulgaria and Ukraine, boosted my creativity, and opened doors I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
But it also comes with trade-offs: isolation, blurred boundaries, and the need to maintain visibility for career growth.
Now, with companies pushing for office return, some people are happy, some are frustrated. The truth is: you have to decide your priorities. Freedom? Family? Career? Creativity? Remote work is a tool — and how you use it shapes your life.
What’s your experience with remote work — freeing, challenging, or a mix of both? Drop a comment — I read and reply to every one.
If you want the full story, including lessons I didn’t fit here, check out my video:
👉 Why 73% of Software Engineers Feel Trapped by Remote Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7CwVp2iylc
/Anna 💜
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