Are you thinking about making the transition from a physical office and make the switch to working remotely?

Working from home sounds romantic and carefree. A few of the requirements for being successful at working from home are managing your own time, the ability to work independently, and be self-motivated.

If you enjoy working with people instead of alone, hate isolation, changing to a flexible schedule may not be right for you.

If you are looking to spend more time with your family, pursue hobbies while getting your work done, making the switch could be just what the doctor ordered.

Impact of Globalization on Employment

I can tell you from a research standpoint more and more companies are allowing their employees to work from home.

With the growth of globalization and companies located around the globe, the advancement of information and communication technology and integration of electronic networks, virtual teams can easily collaborate across time zones with one another 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

Some of the e-collaboration tools used in today’s work environment are email, chatrooms, virtual private networks to access shared files, and video conferencing.

Using applications like Skype, Google Docs, SharePoint, and One Drive allows employees to collaborate and edit team projects in real-time.

Flexibility, retention, and savings on paying for unused office space are good talking points to have with your boss about the option to work remotely.

Work From Home Benefits

Studies show, individuals who work from home are more productive and use less sick leave.

Be courageous and push yourself to have a conversation with your boss to discuss working from home options.

He/she will either be supportive of you and encourage you to pursue it or convince you it’s not possible.

The worst he/she will say is, “no” due to a lack of understanding of the financial or productivity benefits and gains. No worries.

Simply tell your boss that Nordic countries Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway have been allowing flexible work arrangements for decades and why Finland leads the world in flexible work.

Trust me, it’s worth a shot to ask.

Personal Freedom

What motivated me to make the switch was after listening to a couple of audible books on a road trip from Minnesota to Colorado.

If you have ever driven through Nebraska, I am sure you have learned the hard way cell reception is bad.

You better have some music ready for the nine-hour drive or enjoy listening to yourself breathe air.

After listening to a couple of audiobooks, researching and building up my confidence, the advantages of ‘personal freedom’ made me see that changing to a flexible schedule was doable and say yes to working remotely from home.

Sometimes I work more hours now than at my previous job, but I have the freedom to take off for a couple of hours for medical appointments and leave early.

It’s ok because I am living the dream, love my job, and enjoy how much more time I have to pursue personal interests.

A Different Kind of Working Culture

Before jumping into the deep end from a physical office to a virtual environment, I recommend reading or listening to a couple of books to help with the transition.

You won’t regret it. Over time you may be shocked by lower stress levels, increased energy, more time on your hands to spend with family, indulge in a daily routine of self-care, and working out. Oh and that daily long commute to work?

How does walking to your new office in your house in about seven seconds or biking to the nearest coffee shop to work remotely sound?

You won’t miss it but will be thrilled at the money you will be saving from not paying for gas, childcare, and parking.

Recommended Reading

1. Entreleadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches by Dave Ramsey

2. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss

3. The Third Option: Why a Woman Doesn’t Have to Choose Between a Career and Family, but Can Actually Have Both and Succeed by Shannon Miles

4. Remote: Office Not Required by Jason Fried

5. Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity by Hugh MacLeod

Say goodbye to the cubical farm and hello to personal freedom by making the switch to working from home today!