You don’t get to wear pants every day in a remote job. That’s enough perk if you ask me. However, working from home isn’t always as easy as it appears. It takes some deliberateness and structure to excel in a remote job, especially as an African. I’ll be selfish if I don’t share with you the 7 work-from-home tips I’ve been able to dig out.
Enjoy the read!
7 TIPS YOU NEED TO EXCEL AS AN AFRICAN/NIGERIAN IN A REMOTE JOB
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Make Your Life A Calendar
As creepy as this sounds, it’s a vital tip to succeed in a remote space. Yes, working from home gives you more flexibility, but it doesn’t mean you should work only when you feel like it. You’ll need to schedule time for the various tasks on your calendar and plan your day around the things that must be completed in order.
Google Calendar is one tool you can use to plan your day. Use notifications to keep track of when your next activity will begin, and remember to schedule time for breaks, too. You definitely need those. Now it’s not going to be easy at first. You might realize that the one-hour block you set aside for sending emails extends to three, or that a 20-minute call develops into an hour. But don’t worry, just keep scheduling. It’ll take a little fumbling around before it becomes second nature. Don’t give up!
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Get You A Workspace
If you are going to build a successful remote career, you’ll need a clean, distraction-free workspace. This doesn’t have to be an office or a typical desk. Just find a place in your home where you can put your laptop, notepads, pencils, and maybe a coffee cup so you don’t have to set up every morning. Avoid setting up this space in your bedroom as much as possible. But if you are left with no choice, it’s fine. Just don’t work from your bed. It’s the quickest way to a hernia in the back, no jokes. You are free to google what a hernia is.
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Put On Your Pants
It works, I promise. Yes, yes, the coolest thing about working remotely is you don’t have to put on any pants. You can as well remain in your nightwear and I get that. How about we try something different? Put on some nice clothes tomorrow, do your hair, wear your cologne, and get to your workspace. See how productive you’ll get and thank me later.
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Connect With Your Coworkers
When you’re not bumping into your coworkers in a physical space, it takes more effort to build relationships with them. These relationships can be really helpful so it’s really worth the effort to connect. Participate in team conversations on Slack (or whatever messaging tool your organization uses). It also doesn’t have to be entirely about work. You can share your favorite meme, a picture of your dog or pet, or even a cheesy icebreaker. Even if you’re not face to face, INTERACT! Great friendships and relationships are waiting to be formed; all it takes is a little more effort.
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Don’t Fall In That 24/7 Trap
One trap you should be careful not to fall into is being available 24/7. With remote work, it’s easy for you to get up in the morning, open your laptop, and get to work on meeting your deadlines. And before you know, the day’s all gone. And just when you are about to retire for the night, you get a Slack notification! How exhausting.
But that doesn’t have to be you. That’s why, again I say, CALENDARIZE! Make a routine and stick to it. Establish limits with your coworkers. If you work for a company that doesn’t have a regular schedule, let them know what hours you’ll be online most often, and turn off your notifications during your off-hours. We don’t want you burning out, please.
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Ask For Feedback
When your job results don’t meet your boss’s standards, the benefit of not having anyone looking over your shoulder while you work can backfire. In a physical workspace, It’s easy to swing by your manager’s desk and ask your questions. But online, this requires an online message, phone call, or video chat.
Your boss will almost certainly schedule weekly or bi-monthly one-on-one sessions with you. That’s the perfect moment to check in and ask questions or solicit feedback. Feedbacks help you get better at what you are doing.
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Have A Backup Plan
This is Nigeria. What happens if NEPA is in its element? What happens if the internet fails? What if all you can think about is napping and staring at your bed? Life happens. And there are times when we just can’t get to work. Always be prepared for those times. Know where you can work outside your home or apartment, whether your power is down or you’re simply bored. Find a co-working place with open hours, or the library closest to you.
Your work shouldn’t suffer because something is up at your end.
BOTTOM LINE
That’s about it.
Got any more tips you’d love to share? Let’s know in the comment session!
Rooting for you to excel in your remote work.