Switching jobs is hard enough. But switching jobs to work at home could become a minefield of unexpected setbacks. Finding your “why” to pursue remote work can help you navigate it.
I have often said to myself and to those close to me that last year was the worst year of my life. My family suffered a series of setbacks- some medical diagnoses that, though important to find and treat were very difficult to wrap my head around and took us about a year (maybe a little more) to get things dialed in therapeutically.
Much of last year I recall having a distinct desire and need to look to work from home. Given the new headwinds we were facing, having a little more presence at home to see the kids off to school, help with doctors appointments, or be home when then kids get home from school really seemed like a necessity.
Couple that with feeling in a rut with my previous workplace of 20 years- I was looking for something different.
The Transition To Remote Work
It took over a year, but I finally scored a remote work job in my current field doing basically the same role I had before. These jobs were few and far between, and I knew if I didn’t take it- I would likely not have another opportunity.
I was scared of making the change.
What if it’s the wrong move?
What if I hate it?
What if my wife cannot stand me being some so much?
What if I miss my office colleagues?
All of these things one must consider when taking on a role like this. Do some soul searching. Talk it out. Talk it out again.
And most importantly- find your why.
Finding Your “Why” To Work Remotely
Why are you taking this job?
Why are you working from home?
For me, my why was mostly for my kids.
Yes, a new job sounded nice- but I could survive in my old job. But my kids are only this age once. 5 more years, and one of them will be off to pursuing his adult life, whatever that may be. The other one not far behind.
Now is the time when I can be here for them- before they head off to school, and when they come home. They won’t always want that. In fact, soon they probably won’t.
So do this now, do it for them.
That was my “why”. And someday maybe my “why” will change. But for today that helps me do my job in my back office.
Just me and my dog.
And she is a pretty good office mate.
Leave a Reply