Remote work sounds like a dream until you realize nobody prepared you for the real challenges.
After 3+ years of working remotely (and making every mistake possible), here are the unspoken rules I wish I knew sooner:
1. Science-Backed Fix: Fake Commuting
Reality: No structure → No productivity → Guilt naps at 3 PM.
Fix: Dress like you’re going to the office (yes, sweatpants count).
2. Your Wi-Fi is Your Lifeline (Treat It Like One)
Pro Tip: Always have a mobile hotspot backup.
Story Time: My Wi-Fi died during a CEO demo. Never again.
3. Over communicate or Disappear
Remote = Out of sight, out of mind.
What works:
Daily emoji check-ins (✅ = on track, 🆘 = help needed)
“Hey, this is what I’m working on” Slack updates
4. The Silent Meeting Killer: “I’ll Just Send an Email”
Truth: Async slows things down.
Rule: If it’s more than 3 Slack messages, hop on a 5-minute call.
5. Time Zones Are Your Frenemy
Stop agreeing to 7 AM meetings “just once.”
Pro Move: Block your calendar with Focus Time (and actually use it).
6. Your Home Office is a Productivity Ghost Town
Secret Weapon: Work from a cafe or library once a week.
Why? Humans need background noise (yes, even introverts).
7. “Unplugging” is a Skill (And Nobody Teaches It)
Confession: I once replied to Slack while brushing my teeth.
Fix: Set hard stops (e.g., “After 6 PM, laptop stays closed”).
8. Remote Work ≠ Travel the World (At First)
Reality Check: Debugging at 3 AM in Bali isn’t fun.
Start small: Try a work-cation in a nearby city first.
9. You’ll Miss Office Gossip (Seriously)
Solution: Join virtual water cooler chats or create a #random Slack channel.
10. The Ultimate Hack: Pretend You’re in the Office
Structured start/end times
“Commute” ritual (like a 10-minute walk)
Actual lunch breaks away from screens
💡 Final Thought
Remote work isn’t just a location change—it’s a mindset shift.
Master these unspoken rules, and you’ll thrive.
Ignore them, and… well, good luck.
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