When I started my first job at 22, I was thrilled to have the option to work from home one day a week and have Fridays off. During my remote days, I would complete mundane tasks while watching TV, such as scheduling social media posts and organizing emails. Occasionally, I would spend the day writing press releases or blog articles. Although rare, I also attended virtual meetings on Fridays from the spare bedroom of my apartment.
Working remotely became the norm for most of us during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it didn't feel much different for me. However, I experienced a setback when I missed out on two promotions because I no longer had the same level of visibility as my superiors at the coordinator/manager level. I also wasn't attending as many meetings, which meant less face-to-face interaction with decision-makers. It wasn't until I advocated for myself that I landed a promotion.
Despite these challenges, remote work provided flexibility and allowed me to design a workspace that suited me. I loved being able to switch up my work environment and work from home, coffee shops, or even my mom's kitchen. Working remotely also allowed me to train my new dog, pursue my MBA virtually, and have more personal time.
Eventually, the three-hour round-trip commute to work once a week, while I had a newborn daughter, was unsustainable. I left my job at the university and began working in a hybrid setup at a PR agency in Indianapolis. However, when a full-remote job opportunity arose, I couldn't resist. Now, I work as a corporate marketing manager at ServicePower, and I love the remote culture that includes virtual coffee chats and periodic in-person meetings.
Working remotely has made it easier for me to balance family, work, and household responsibilities. I'm grateful that I don't have to worry about sitting in an office all day or commuting long distances. Instead, I get to spend more time with my daughter and have more control over my schedule. Overall, working remotely has made it easier to manage the challenges that come with "adulting."