Working remotely has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many companies embracing the flexibility and benefits that come with remote work. For some, like myself, remote work has been a part of our professional lives long before the pandemic forced many to adapt to working from home. In 2013, I was already working with remote teams, and by 2019, I made the decision to go fully remote and work for a company with no physical office.
One of the key tools that has been integral to my remote work experience is Google Hangouts. Since 2013, I have been using Google Hangout meetings to communicate with my remote teams and colleagues. This technology has allowed me to stay connected and collaborate effectively with coworkers who are located in different parts of the world. Even before the pandemic, virtual meetings were a regular part of my work routine, and I have found them to be a valuable tool for staying productive and connected while working remotely.
When I first transitioned to a fully remote job in 2019, many people around me assumed that I was freelancing. However, I quickly explained that the company I was working for had no physical offices and that everyone on the team was remote. This remote setup appealed to many employees, especially parents, who valued the flexibility that remote work offered. As a working mom, being able to have a flexible schedule that allowed me to be present for my children was a major factor in my decision to pursue remote work.
In 2018, when I became a mother for the first time, I moved into a hybrid schedule, working fully from home two days a week. This arrangement allowed me to balance work and motherhood, and when I was laid off in January 2019, I made the decision to only look for fully remote jobs. Being able to work from home has allowed me to be more present in my children’s lives and be there for important moments and milestones.
One of the biggest benefits of remote work for me has been the ability to work from anywhere. In 2021, my family and I made the decision to move from New York City to Portland, Maine, where we now live in a house with a backyard. Knowing that I have a job that I can take with me wherever I go has been incredibly liberating and has allowed us to create a better quality of life for our family.
As my children have grown, having a remote job has become even more valuable. I am able to be the breadwinner in our home while also being a present mom to our kids. Without a commute, I can spend more time with my children in the mornings and evenings, and I no longer have to worry about rushing home to relieve a nanny or missing out on important moments with my kids.
While remote work has its challenges, such as balancing work and family responsibilities, I am grateful for the opportunity to have a fulfilling career while also being able to prioritize my role as a parent. Remote work has allowed me to be a more present parent and has given me the flexibility to create a work-life balance that works for me and my family.
