Do you think you have what it takes to succeed in a remote job? Are you ready to jump at the next remote opportunity? Before diving in, let's take a moment to understand the ins and outs so you can be fully prepared.
Remote work has become a hot topic, especially in the tech industry, but it's often surrounded by misconceptions that can make developers hesitant to make the switch. Are you considering remote developer jobs but are held back by common concerns? Let’s debunk these myths and uncover the truth about remote work for developers. Understanding these myths is crucial as it can open up new opportunities and help you make informed decisions about your career.
If you're tired of your micromanaging boss and just want to be your happy introverted self without having to make small talk by the water cooler, you're not alone. However, thanks to social media and fake tech influencers, remote work is often portrayed incorrectly.
Let's separate fact from fiction and explore what remote work really means for developers. This knowledge can be a game-changer, opening up doors to flexibility, better work-life balance, and more control over your professional journey. So, if you’ve ever wondered whether remote developer jobs are right for you, read on as we tackle the biggest myths and provide a clear picture of what remote work can offer.
Myth 1: It’s impossible to get promoted while working remotely
When Zoom, the company that propelled and made possible the remote work revolution during the pandemic, asks its employees to return to the office, you can’t help but wonder—is it really possible to get promoted while working remotely?
The short answer is yes.
A SHRM study revealed that the perceived lack of promotion opportunities was attributed to the employees' lack of visibility: “Remote workers may experience a lack of visibility and connectivity, which can impact their chances of receiving promotions.”
In short, the things that count and help you get promoted while working on-site can be translated into the remote setting as well. You need to deliver results, be visible, and double down on networking within the company.
Here are some tips:
1. Establish consistent communication: Regularly update your team and managers about the status of your projects and assignments to demonstrate productivity and value. Think of it as showcasing your work to maintain a presence even from a distance.
2. Stay top of mind by over-communicating: Ensure visibility by avoiding the "out of sight, out of mind" trap. Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with your manager and participate actively in team meetings. A simple check-in message can sometimes make a significant difference.
3. Uphold company values: Even in a remote setting, align yourself with the organization's culture. Through your work and interactions, show that you are committed to the company's mission and values. This demonstrates your loyalty and understanding of the company's goals.
4. Master the art of "managing up": Create value for your boss and the company by anticipating your manager's needs and delivering on them. This means being proactive, solving problems before they arise, and providing solutions that make your manager's job easier.
5. Choose the right company: Most importantly, it is crucial to choose a company that has remote work in its DNA. At Proxify, remote work is the default, creating an even playing field for all workers and avoiding favoritism of on-site employees. Understanding where a company stands on work flexibility before accepting an offer can set you up for long-term success.
In essence, getting promoted remotely is not just a possibility but a tangible reality with the right strategies. It’s about adapting traditional career advancement methods to fit a digital workspace.
For those who doubt the viability of remote work promotions, the proof lies in the proactive steps you take to remain visible, valuable, and aligned with your company's goals. The remote work landscape is evolving, and so should your approach to career growth within it.
If you want a more extensive guide on getting more visibility, here it is.
Myth 2: Remote work is not productive
We've all seen the jokes and memes on social media that poke fun at remote workers, and it's easy to get the impression that working from home is a free-for-all. Coupled with some studies suggesting slightly lower productivity among remote developers, it's no wonder people question the effectiveness of working from home. But here's the thing: "productivity" is not always an objective metric. Are we talking lines of code? Mean change lead time? The number of hours you logged or tasks completed?
Some studies measure perceived productivity by asking participants, while others use employee tracking software, leading to contradictory results. For instance, one study showed employees working from home are 10% less productive, yet hybrid work had no effect on productivity. Another study found that 23% of participants felt happier and more productive working from home.
The truth is undeniable: better work-life balance, lower stress levels, avoiding commute time, and being able to prioritize tasks all contribute to productivity. And the numbers don’t lie: according to the Stack Overflow annual developer survey, 80% of engineers work either hybrid or completely remote. Like it or not, remote work is here to stay, and the focus should be on improving productivity rather than demonizing WFH entirely.
How can remote developers improve productivity?
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Manage your workflow: This is crucial for maintaining a productive at-home work environment. Use project management tools like Monday.com, Asana, or Trello to keep track of tasks and deadlines.
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Communicate effectively: One downside of virtual software engineering jobs is the lack of in-person interaction. Regular check-ins with your supervisor and team via email or Zoom can bridge this gap.
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Keep work hours and leisure time separate: Maintaining a clear boundary between work and personal time is essential for staying productive.
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Limit your phone time: Social media can be a major distraction. To stay focused, limit phone use and turn off notifications. Our comprehensive guide is full of tips and tricks to help you stay productive.
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Stand up and stretch: Sitting all day can be harmful to your health. Set a timer to remind yourself to stand up and move around every 30 minutes. This guide provides more inspiration and different exercises.
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Maintain your schedule: Consistency is key when working remotely. Stick to a set schedule to stay productive and reduce anxiety.
By adopting these practices, remote developers can maximize their productivity and enjoy the numerous benefits that come with working from home.
Myth 3: You can’t build a personal brand while working remotely
Let's set the record straight: personal branding isn't just for companies; it's for individuals too. Whether you’re actively working on it or not, you already have a personal brand—it's all about how you present yourself and how others perceive you.
There's a common belief that being physically present in the office is crucial for building your reputation and advancing your career. While this might have been true in the past, it's an outdated notion, especially for remote software engineers.
Building your personal brand from home
There are countless creative and enriching ways to build your personal brand while working from home. If you’re unsure where to start, we’ve got plenty of resources on our website. Check out our comprehensive guide on personal branding for developers: Guide to personal branding for software engineers and learn all the secrets from our experts.
Start a personal blog: Writing a blog is an excellent way to practice written communication and deepen your knowledge in your field. It can also enrich your personal website and attract more opportunities. Get started with our guide, Build a strong personal brand with a software developer blog.
Leverage social media: Use platforms like LinkedIn, GitHub, and X to showcase your expertise, share your projects, and connect with other professionals in your field.
Contribute to open source projects: This not only demonstrates your skills but also shows your commitment to the community and continuous learning.
Engage in online communities: Participate in forums, webinars, and virtual meetups. Sharing your knowledge and learning from others can significantly boost your visibility and reputation.
Proxify's support for personal branding
At Proxify, we offer numerous personal branding opportunities for the developers in our network. Once you join us, you'll receive career coaching with honest feedback from our experts, and you'll have the chance to contribute to our blog by sharing your knowledge and experiences.
Interested? Start your application now: Apply to Proxify
Building a personal brand while working remotely is possible and essential for your career growth. By leveraging the right tools and opportunities, you can enhance your professional image and open up new doors in the tech industry.
Myth 4: Remote work is isolating
Sure, working remotely means you'll miss out on office gossip by the water cooler (if that's not your thing), but it also means you might not see your colleagues in person. It's normal to feel lonely from time to time as a remote developer. However, studies suggest that even open office spaces can make 70% of people feel more lonely and less likely to engage in face-to-face interactions source. So, blaming remote work exclusively for loneliness might be a bit of a misrepresentation.
Finding a connection in a remote setting
Join online communities: Engage in developer forums, Slack groups, or Discord servers. These platforms can provide a sense of community and connection, even if you're miles apart.
Regular virtual meetings: Schedule regular check-ins with your team. Video calls can help maintain a sense of camaraderie and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Participate in virtual social events: Many companies host virtual happy hours, game nights, or coffee chats. These events can help you bond with your colleagues in a relaxed setting.
Seek support within your organization: For example, at Proxify, developers have access to constant support from coaches, developer engagement managers, and a vibrant network of fellow developers. You're unlikely to feel lonely at any point because you can reach out for support whenever needed.
Proxify's approach
At Proxify, we understand the importance of staying connected while working remotely. Our network provides various ways to ensure you never feel isolated:
Dedicated support: From career coaches to developer engagement managers, there’s always someone to guide and assist you.
Community engagement: Regular virtual events, and a Slack community where you can interact with fellow developers.
Continuous learning: Access to resources and opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects.
Myth 5: You can work from ANYWHERE
While the idea of working from anywhere sounds appealing, the reality is often more complicated.
Bureaucracy and taxes
Many companies require you to be located in a specific country or state during your employment due to various reasons such as company insurance policies, taxation, and legal requirements. It’s essential to clarify these details during your job search to avoid any surprises.
Timezones
We've all heard stories of someone working nights for a US company while lounging on a beach in Thailand. But is it really as effortless as it seems?
Most who have tried it will tell you it’s not for everyone. Working when everyone else is having fun (hello FOMO) can make you feel left out and reduce the benefits of flexible remote work. Additionally, our circadian rhythms, which dictate when we feel awake and when we need sleep, can significantly impact our productivity. You might think you’re a night owl, but make sure that’s genuinely the case and not just based on a few late-night video game sessions.
Committing to late hours against your natural sleep patterns can lead to burnout, fatigue, and a loss of the work-life balance you sought through remote work.
Myth 6: You can work whenever you want
While the notion of working whenever you want is appealing, the reality often involves more structure.
Flexible, but not freeform
Many companies offer a degree of flexibility in work hours, but they still expect you to be available during core business hours. This ensures smooth communication and collaboration with team members.
Presence during regular hours
Even with flexible schedules, a common requirement is to stay online and be accessible during the times when most of your coworkers are online. This often translates into working a standard 9-5 schedule, more or less.
Striking a balance
It's essential to understand that while remote work can offer more flexibility, it doesn't mean complete freedom from structured hours. Clarifying these expectations with your employer can help you manage your time effectively and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Myth 7: Remote work leads to job insecurity
In the past, the remote world often carried the stigma of job insecurity. However, the modern era of work is changing that narrative.
Changing landscape of job security
In today's environment of frequent layoffs, traditional job security is no longer guaranteed. Many developers have realized that even in-office roles can be subject to unexpected changes.
Benefits of joining a professional network
Joining a remote network like Proxify offers a buffer against job insecurity. You can explore remote job opportunities, part-time gigs, or even just stay registered in the network to keep an eye on available positions. This flexibility can provide an additional layer of security, ensuring you're not caught off guard by sudden layoffs.
Proactive career management
By accessing remote work networks, you can take control of your career path. It allows you to diversify your job options and be better prepared for any unexpected shifts in the job market. This proactive approach is a great way to secure yourself against the uncertainties of traditional employment models.
Conclusion
Remote work is not just a trend but a viable and effective way to achieve professional success, especially for developers. The myths surrounding remote work, such as limited productivity, isolation, and job insecurity, often stem from outdated perceptions and a lack of understanding. By debunking these myths, remote work offers numerous benefits, including better work-life balance, increased productivity, and a chance to build a solid personal brand.
At Proxify, we understand remote developer jobs' unique challenges and opportunities. Our network provides the support, resources, and flexibility you need to thrive in a remote setting. Whether you're looking to avoid office politics, work from anywhere, or secure your career against market uncertainties, joining Proxify can help you achieve your goals. Embrace the remote work revolution and unlock your full potential as a developer.
Apply now to start your journey with us.