When remote work became more and more common, a good number of people rejoiced. Finally, they could ditch the daily commute, skip the office dress code, and create a workday that fit their rhythm.
For those who thrive on flexibility and independence, remote work was a game-changer.
If you’re one of those people who embraced this shift wholeheartedly, your preference says more about you than you think.
Remote work isn’t just a setup; it’s a lifestyle that attracts certain personality traits and habits. People who prefer working from home often bring a unique approach to their day, blending work and life in ways that suit them best.
Here are seven behaviors that remote work fans tend to share—see if you recognize yourself in any of them!
1) You’re a self-starter
In the traditional office setup, there’s often a manager or supervisor to keep you on track, but when you’re working remotely, that’s not the case.
This often means finding your own ways to stay focused, comfortable, and productive without the structure of a traditional office.
You’re the one who sets your schedule, decides on your breaks, and determines when it’s time to clock out. It’s not as easy as it sounds – there’s no one to tell you what needs to be done and when.
And yet, you find yourself thriving in this environment. You love being in control of your own workday and setting your own pace. You have this uncanny ability to motivate yourself, to get started on that task without any external push.
It’s not just about discipline; it’s about having that intrinsic drive to get things done, even when no one is watching.
This ability to self-start, to be your own boss in a way – that’s a unique behavior of those who prefer working remotely. And it’s a powerful one at that.
2) You value autonomy above all
Following on from being a self-starter, there’s another aspect of remote work that I truly appreciate – the autonomy it affords.
I remember this one time when I was working on a complex project. It was all about finding creative solutions for an intricate problem, and honestly, I was excited about it.
But in the office, interruptions were the order of the day: impromptu meetings, colleagues dropping by for a chat, even the constant hum of activity around me. It was difficult to concentrate and give my best to the task at hand.
When I transitioned to remote work, I discovered a newfound freedom. The ability to control my working environment, eliminate distractions, to choose when and how I work – made all the difference in my productivity and job satisfaction.
If you’re like me and value autonomy above all, remote work is probably your ideal setup.
3) You’re most productive in solitude
There’s this quote by Pablo Picasso that goes, “Without great solitude, no serious work is possible.”
When I first came across these words, they resonated with me deeply. The need for solitude isn’t about being an introvert or shying away from people. It’s about creating an environment conducive to deep, focused work.
Working remotely, I found that solitude. And it wasn’t lonely or isolating – it was empowering. It gave me the space to think, to create, and to produce my best work without any disturbances.
In my experience, those who prefer to work remotely often share this affinity for solitude. We understand its value and how it can enhance our productivity and creativity.
We know that sometimes, the best ideas come when we’re alone with our thoughts, free from the hustle and bustle of a busy office.
And it’s not just me saying that. Studies have indeed shown that remote workers are often more productive than those who work in traditional office settings.
4) You treasure work-life balance
With all this talk about productivity, it’s easy to assume that preferring remote work means you’re all about work and nothing else. But that’s not the case.
In fact, one of the behaviors I’ve noticed in folks who prefer remote work, including myself, is a deep appreciation for work-life balance.
Remote work isn’t just about getting more done or having control over your schedule. It’s also about having the time and space for the other important aspects of life – family, hobbies, rest, and personal growth.
Without a commute eating up hours of our day, we gain extra time to spend on things that matter. We can have breakfast with our families, take a quick exercise break in between tasks, or even read a few pages of a book during lunchtime.
We understand that work is an important part of life, but it’s not everything. And by working remotely, we found a way to integrate work into our lives rather than letting it consume us.
5) You’re comfortable with technology
Working remotely, there’s no IT department down the hall to call when things go awry. You have to be comfortable navigating through tech issues, be it a faulty internet connection or a software glitch.
I’ve found myself learning about different tools and technologies out of necessity. From video conferencing tools to project management software, I’ve had to adapt and learn on the fly.
And honestly, I’ve relished the challenge. It’s satisfying to overcome these obstacles and continue to deliver quality work.
Moreover, with the rise of digital nomads and remote work trends, being tech-savvy isn’t just a bonus; it’s becoming a necessity.
So, if you find yourself comfortable dealing with technology, troubleshooting small issues, and learning new tools, that’s another sign you’re well suited for remote work.
You’ve clearly embraced the digital world and harnessed its power to enhance your productivity and efficiency.
This brings me to the next point…
6) You’re adaptable
In the world of remote work, things change swiftly. Projects evolve, deadlines shift, new tools are introduced, and it’s up to you to keep up with the pace.
Remote work often requires you to adapt on the fly, whether that means learning a new platform, adjusting to a different time zone, or reworking your schedule to meet a last-minute deadline.
And it’s not just about dealing with changes in work; it’s also about adapting to your personal environment.
Sometimes it’s hard to find a quiet place to work when your house is full of distractions. Sometimes you’ll need to adjust your schedule to take care of a sick child…you’ve got to be able to adapt.
This flexibility is a clear sign that you’re a great fit for remote work.
7) You’re a master of communication
We all know that effective communication is a must in the workplace. But in a remote work setup, it’s even more crucial.
Without the luxury of face-to-face interactions, every email, message, or video call becomes a key tool in conveying information and maintaining relationships with colleagues and clients.
But it’s not just about getting the job done. It’s also about fostering relationships, and creating a sense of team spirit even when we’re all miles apart. It’s about making an effort to connect on a personal level, to keep the human element alive in the virtual world of work.
So if you find yourself:
- Paying extra attention to your emails
- Making sure your messages are clear and understood
- Taking the time to connect with your colleagues even if it’s just a quick chat
…then you’re in your element. Studies show that loneliness is one of the biggest struggles remote workers have, but your ability to communicate clearly and thoughtfully bridges that gap.
Final thoughts
Working remotely brings out a unique set of skills and habits, and embracing these can make all the difference.
From adaptability to clear communication, these behaviors help you thrive in a virtual environment, making remote work rewarding and productive.
By recognizing and refining these habits, you’re setting yourself up for success—not just in getting the job done, but in creating a balanced, fulfilling remote work experience.
Keep building on these strengths, and you’ll continue to make remote work work for you.
