Welcome to the world of working remotely!
A magical land where every email is answered while lounging in a hammock, and Zoom meetings are conducted in pyjamas (but only from the waist down). Or at least, that's what you thought when you signed up, right?
Let’s take a look at the harsh (and hilarious I hope) realities of working from home or from anywhere because I took my business overseas this month (I do at least once a year).
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1. Expectation: You’ll Work in Exotic Locations
“Why work from home when I could work from Bali?” you dream. Your office will be a beach, and your desk will be a sun lounger. You'll sip coconuts while closing deals with clients. Literally LDG has had 3 weeks in Bali in the last 6….
Reality:
Bali is HOT!!!! So last week the best “spot” in my Villa for the optimal balance between electricity and Wifi was in the living space, open to the elements. So my laptop was being wiped from sweat in 10 minute intervals to get payroll done.
Reality:
You’re working at 10:30 p.m. because you spent the afternoon trying to stop your Wi-Fi from doing the cha-cha. Somehow, the boundaries between “work” and “life” melted, and now your ‘breaks’ are filled with laundry, dishes, and wondering why there are so many socks missing. (Seriously, where do they go?)
Reality:
You're in a constant battle between looking professional on camera and making sure no one sees the pile of unwashed laundry in the background. You’ve become an expert in “Zoom Face” – the one where you nod repeatedly while your brain scrambles to remember what the meeting is even about. And let’s not talk about the time you accidentally turned on a potato filter for a client meeting. (Yeah, you were a potato for 10 whole minutes before anyone said anything.)
Reality:
The distractions are still there, they just look different. Like when your cat decides your keyboard is the perfect spot for an afternoon nap, or the Amazon delivery guy rings the bell just as you hit “share screen.” And don’t forget about the unending siren call of Netflix. “Just one episode,” you say. But we all know where that leads…
Reality:
You’ve eaten cereal for three meals today. And yes, that includes lunch. The kitchen is right there, but somehow, you still end up eating cold pizza while answering emails. Who has time for smoothie bowls when your client wants that report, like, yesterday?
Reality:
Your computer crashed three times today, and you still don’t understand why your Calendar saved a meeting in France’s time zone. Every time a new tool is introduced, it feels like you’re learning to pilot a spaceship. And no, you didn’t mean to send that private message in the group chat (we’ve all been there).
Reality:
Your dog barks at every single thing that moves, including that leaf blowing across the street. And your cat’s entire purpose in life seems to be to walk across your keyboard during important meetings. In fact, your clients know your pets by name, and sometimes it feels like they’re the real stars of the Zoom calls.
Still, at the end of the day, it's worth it. You’ve got flexibility, control over your environment, and hey, if things get too rough, there’s always the mute button.
Reality:
Bali is HOT!!!! So last week the best “spot” in my Villa for the optimal balance between electricity and Wifi was in the living space, open to the elements. So my laptop was being wiped from sweat in 10 minute intervals to get payroll done.
2. Expectation: Freedom to Make Your Own Schedule
The remote life means flexibility! Work will fit in around your morning yoga, mid-day naps, and that pottery class you’ve been meaning to take.Reality:
You’re working at 10:30 p.m. because you spent the afternoon trying to stop your Wi-Fi from doing the cha-cha. Somehow, the boundaries between “work” and “life” melted, and now your ‘breaks’ are filled with laundry, dishes, and wondering why there are so many socks missing. (Seriously, where do they go?)
3. Expectation: Your Zoom Game Will Be Strong
You’ll be a virtual meeting ninja. Look at you, hosting back-to-back Zooms, dropping PowerPoint slides like they’re hot, all while looking effortlessly chic.Reality:
You're in a constant battle between looking professional on camera and making sure no one sees the pile of unwashed laundry in the background. You’ve become an expert in “Zoom Face” – the one where you nod repeatedly while your brain scrambles to remember what the meeting is even about. And let’s not talk about the time you accidentally turned on a potato filter for a client meeting. (Yeah, you were a potato for 10 whole minutes before anyone said anything.)
4. Expectation: No More Office Distractions!
Without your chatty co-workers around, you’ll get so much done! It’ll just be you, your thoughts, and all the productivity.Reality:
The distractions are still there, they just look different. Like when your cat decides your keyboard is the perfect spot for an afternoon nap, or the Amazon delivery guy rings the bell just as you hit “share screen.” And don’t forget about the unending siren call of Netflix. “Just one episode,” you say. But we all know where that leads…
5. Expectation: You’ll Eat Healthy
No more takeout or cafeteria food! With a full kitchen at your disposal, you'll whip up healthy lunches, snack on fruits, and drink green smoothies.Reality:
You’ve eaten cereal for three meals today. And yes, that includes lunch. The kitchen is right there, but somehow, you still end up eating cold pizza while answering emails. Who has time for smoothie bowls when your client wants that report, like, yesterday?
6. Expectation: You’ll Be a Tech Wizard
Now that you’re remote, you’ll master all the tools: Slack, Trello, Zoom, Asana. You’ll be the digital guru of the virtual office.Reality:
Your computer crashed three times today, and you still don’t understand why your Calendar saved a meeting in France’s time zone. Every time a new tool is introduced, it feels like you’re learning to pilot a spaceship. And no, you didn’t mean to send that private message in the group chat (we’ve all been there).
7. Expectation: Your Pets Will Be Chill
"Finally, I can work alongside my dog or cat all day! They’ll be calm, peaceful companions, happy to sit next to me while I type away."Reality:
Your dog barks at every single thing that moves, including that leaf blowing across the street. And your cat’s entire purpose in life seems to be to walk across your keyboard during important meetings. In fact, your clients know your pets by name, and sometimes it feels like they’re the real stars of the Zoom calls.
The Bottom Line
Working remotely has its perks (no commute, anyone?), but the realities are a little less glamorous than we all imagined. Sure, you might be wearing sweatpants right now, but you’re also navigating a digital minefield of technical difficulties, home distractions, and an alarming amount of snack consumption.Still, at the end of the day, it's worth it. You’ve got flexibility, control over your environment, and hey, if things get too rough, there’s always the mute button.
