Remote content writing, just like any other remote work has its perks and challenges. On one hand, you have the flexibility to work from anywhere and manage your own schedule. On the other hand, it can be isolating and communication can be more difficult. It depends to a large extent on your own personality.
With the right tools and mindset, anyone can develop the skill of remote working and make it a rewarding experience, even if it doesn't come naturally.
Benefits of Remote Content Writing
It feels good to be in control of your time, regardless if you add your work in perspective or not. Going to the gym, picking up kids, having a coffee with a friend. All of this can be planned accordingly if the focus hours are in your control. The ability to work from anywhere also opens up opportunities to explore new places and cultures.
You can travel and still maintain your work schedule, making it a great way to see the world while still earning an income. Additionally, remote content writing allows for a more diverse and inclusive team, as geographical location is no longer a barrier to collaboration.
Besides the control over your time, remote working has another benefit: traveling and networking. You can attend conferences and meetups in different cities, expanding your professional network and knowledge. If you work with/in a larger team, you can still fill in the gap of social networking by traveling and meeting your co-workers in remote places. And often, these trips are covered by the clients.
Overall, remote content writing offers a unique and flexible work experience that can be highly rewarding for those who embrace it.
Challenges of Remote Content Writing
Potential for distractions at home
There are a few ways by which working from home can be distracting for you: living alone and trying to find a way to channel the energy you accumulate from your work (think talking to someone about something that happened or you did that moment), or living with others (family or roommates), in case people are inconsiderate or not able to control their behavior (like children), living together with you.
Distractions can be a bummer, so if you want to work effectively for 4 hours, consider going to a coworking space or a cozy cafe.
Difficulty in maintaining work-life balance
Work-life balance means different for different people. For some, it's taking care of the home while working, for others it's going for a Yoga session. Whatever it is, staying at home is much more comfortable rather than the -3° out there. The longer you stay on your working desk, the higher the probability that you keep on working. Which can definitely affect your work-life balance.
Lack of face-to-face interaction and communication
Working remotely can lead to feelings of isolation and difficulty in maintaining clear communication with colleagues. This can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications, as non-verbal cues are often lost in digital communication. Additionally, building rapport and trust with team members can be more challenging when you don't have the opportunity for face-to-face interaction.
Furthermore, remote content writing can also lead to a lack of feedback and support, as it can be more difficult to reach out for help or guidance when needed.
Potential for burnout
Without clear boundaries between work and personal life, it can be easy to overwork and experience burnout. Burnout can also be exacerbated by the pressure to constantly stay connected and responsive in a remote environment. Taking care of yourself is a must, a MUST, when working remotely, having a series of focused work sessions one after another.
Actionable Strategies for Success
And none of the things mentioned so far are new to the world of freelancers. There are a few ways that can help you get over the mentioned challenges. First is talking about them with other experienced remote workers, especially in the writing niche, and then trying to adapt your working environment separately from your living zone.
The challenge here is to create a buffer (by separating your work time or working space), that you can use to disconnect from the either. During the COVID pandemic, one of the most challenging aspects of the home office (not to be confused with remote work), was exactly that: the separation between work and private life was just a corridor away. To short. People got burned.
Establishing a dedicated workspace
Find what you need and organize it in a way that's tidy and easy to maintain. Your desk, your room, your space. Make it as minimal as possible so that you lower the friction between cleaning up and working. Make that space specific to your work only.
In time, your brain will accept the fact that when you're there, it's time to focus and work.
Creating a consistent daily routine
Making a ritual is one of the strongest characteristics of 9-5 (or the onsite work in general). You wake up, brush your teeth, wash your face, dress up, and go to work. It's a ritual. Make something similar when you work remotely.
Don't let those pajamas stick on you.
Utilizing communication tools effectively
Finally, try to make an effective use of the communication tools of preference. This can include setting up regular video calls, using chat apps, and finding ways to maintain regular communication. Sometimes it happens that some clients prefer to use tools that you will not like, and that is the time when you will need to show your flexibility and adaptability. Different clients have different preferences.
With these strategies in place, remote content writing can be a fulfilling and successful career choice.