Many people want to work remotely and enjoy the perks of flexibility. Getting the remote job is not the issue, keeping it is.

Someone narrated how a mentee of hers faced ‘firing squad’, as she put it. By losing a US remote job as quickly as they got it. And it was all due to the ‘anyhowness’ they thought they could get away with. They were quickly reminded that New York is not Lagos.

Adequate tools, connectivity and power supply are expected as bare minimum. Connectivity and internet speed tests are done, but that’s not even what gets people fired.

It’s thinking they can give excuses for not delivering the expected work output. For time based remote roles it’s thinking they could quickly rush to the market during contracted hours.

Or not be visible or available online when contacted.

Or thinking it wouldve undestood that they had no light or network the whole day.

Remote work has its perks no doubt, but more importantly it comes with a unique set of competency requirements.

Before you think remote, answer some important questions;

1. Are you set up to work remotely? Do you have the tools and workspace in terms of laptop, communication software, internet connectivity and power supply. If you don’t have it, can you buy it from someone else e.g a co working space or a cafe.

2. Do you have a distraction free place to work and the right ergonomic arrangement which ensures adequate noise levels, good furniture set up, temperature? Research shows that these factors affect work effectiveness. Distractions in the form of noise, sharing spaces with people such as family members and overly cold or hot temperatures and room lighting affect productivity.

3. Are you discipline, self motivated? Can you get yourself to deliver without the nudge from a manager. Meet meeting obligations,agree and meet deadlines.

4. Are you a good communicator? Remote work needs enhanced communication skills. If you struggled in the office, you need to be even more intentional working remotely. You need to build trust and relationships and that comes through communication. Knowing the best communication channel to use is a judgement call. Should you call or send a message or email and how frequently? Many remote first organisations will have policies around conduct. Can you abide by professional expectations or are you still thinking about free styling?

Remote work is still work, designed differently. The benefits are awesome but if you misuse it, you can lose it.

Are you remote work ready?

Think again before you leap.

Your thoughts?