Life as a First-Time Remote Worker

 “ You need to set up a workstation and get a wifi,” my friend says, peering into his computer, as he rubs his forehead, occasionally passing comments about my announcement of transitioning to remote work, indefinitely.  This is every Nigerian corporate boy or girl’s dream. I’ve spent the last few minutes researching the hippest cafes to work from. I collapse into a chair, closing my eyes for a brief second; the fear of “change” eroding the joy of the moment.

At first, the concept of working remotely appeared to be a breeze. No more daily commutes, lounging in pajamas all day, and cozying up on the couch or chair while working quietly from home seemed simple. Let me be honest with you, I wasn’t exactly thrilled or as excited as a child on their first day of school. If you’ve spent time with me, you’ll know three things: First, I relish waking up and having a place to be. Second, I love dressing up, channeling my inner Jessica Pearson from Suits. I’m arguably one of the best-dressed women you’ll ever meet— and that’s on period! And lastly, I enjoy the occasional chit-chat with my 30BG team at work. So, losing all these aspects felt like a change I wasn’t prepared for.

Just in case my boss reads this, I am not complaining about it. This is one of the most wholesome experiences I’ve had this year, and I am grateful for it. Back to my story... Well, it’s been two months now, and working from home is still a lot like going into the traditional physical office for me, except I get to look ugly in peace, work more effectively at my peak times, and live like a digital nomad (a life I love).

During my first three weeks, I experimented to find what worked best for me. Establishing a routine that would enhance my focus was crucial. When your workplace and personal life share the same space, the line between working from home and living at work becomes blurred. Till today, I start each day as if I am going to travel to an office. I’m most productive in the morning, so I wake up early, make my bed, do my morning routine, dress up for work, and start my day.

Another challenge was creating a productive workspace. I tried working from cafes, friends’ houses, and even my bed. Ideally, I try to find a quiet, clean space with natural light. This could be anywhere I’ve come to realize. I once spent an entire week without leaving my building, so I made a rule to step out at least twice a week. It can get lonely, and as an introvert, while I miss the familiarity of office interactions, I realize that working from home can lead to complete detachment from human interaction. It’s important not to fall into that trap.

Interestingly, the biggest lesson I am learning from this experience is you must be able to self-manage.

You’re more susceptible to distractions and that’s why you need to be a strict self-manager as a first-time remote worker. When you’re sitting at your desk, you have to mentally pretend that you’re in an actual office, and not in your home office. I find this mindset shift important for maintaining productivity and professionalism.

For instance, I avoid working on my bed to keep it a space for relaxation, except on days I want to rot.

So far, it’s been a journey of self-discovery and adaptation. I am learning the value of discipline, flexibility, and finding joy in the small things. While I do miss the office’s hustle and bustle, I’ve come to appreciate the perks of remote work, especially the freedom to function in my own space.