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Leng E. |
July 22, 2024
I graduated in 2020, ready to embark on a new chapter of my life, but the onset of the pandemic drastically altered those plans. I vividly recall the confusion and uncertainty I felt. Unemployed and confined to my room, I grappled with questions about my future and how to start anew amid the international crisis.
Many businesses faced closures and massive layoffs, and some of my favorite stores shut their doors for good, leaving behind heartfelt messages like “Thank you. We’ve had a great run!” The pandemic’s impact on businesses has been devastating, reshaping the economic landscape in profound ways.
During the pandemic, numerous companies were compelled to transition to remote work because of nationwide lockdowns, which made commuting difficult because of limited public transportation and the health risks associated with COVID-19. Consequently, many felt obliged to work from home, accelerating the adoption of remote work practices across various industries.
Because of these changes, attitudes and habits have shifted, changing our way of life. Experts believe that we won’t return to the old “normal” but will instead adapt to a “new normal.”
But what does it really take to thrive in this new world of remote work?
I realized that to thrive in this new world, I must accept the concept of the “new normal” in the current situation, which underscores one key reality: the only constant is change.
While I learned to adapt to changes, I began researching skills that would be valuable for work-from-home jobs. I explored various niches like virtual assistance, social media management, editing, and data entry. Realizing the importance of specializing in one area, I focused my efforts on developing my editing skills in Photoshop and Canva. This decision marked the beginning of my freelancing journey.
As time went on, I began to feel a desire to explore new opportunities, particularly in the corporate world. Understanding the inherent instability of freelancing, I actively sought out work-from-home positions. My search led me to discover Lexcode, whose values resonated with mine, offering a remote setup that appealed to me, given the circumstances at the time.
Since joining Lexcode, my life has significantly improved, thanks to the stability of my job. Knowing I have a reliable position has brought me peace of mind and allowed me to focus on both my professional growth and personal well-being. This sense of security has been invaluable, especially during these uncertain times. Imagine the convenience of flexible schedules, which eliminated the hassle of traveling to work every day, cutting hours of wasted time on the road! I can also be more productive with the time I have and be able to eat healthier meals just by walking down the street and getting fresh food daily or preparing lunch while working—and that’s great.
While remote work provides flexibility and control, it also brings challenges to maintaining work-life balance as the line between work and personal life blurs. I’d like to share some of the tips I picked up and the challenges I faced while working with Lexcode as well as my personal experiences, which helped me maintain a healthy work-life balance and create a productive, stress-free work environment.
Staying Connected
Lexcode really prioritized keeping us all connected during the pandemic. Right from my first month, I learned about their awesome tradition of monthly team lunches with a budget, allowing us to strengthen our bond. When the lockdown occurred, Lexcode seamlessly transitioned these lunches to a virtual format. These were a blast—different teams taking turns hosting online games that brought us all together in a fun way despite the distance. In our meetings, there was always a friendly nudge to turn on our cameras. It wasn’t just about keeping it professional; seeing everyone’s faces made a real difference in feeling connected.
As a new member of the LINK team, I found these virtual hangouts and activities to be game-changers. They gave me a chance to get to know my teammates outside of work tasks, fostering a sense of camaraderie that made me feel truly integrated into the team. Lexcode’s efforts to keep us connected didn’t just make remote work manageable; they made it enjoyable and fulfilling, even during challenging times.
Practicing Self-Care
Working from home has its perks, but it can also get lonely, especially since most of my friends live 20 kilometers away. Being cooped up at home all the time can feel isolating, but luckily, my Korean colleagues encourage us not to work overtime. Though, I admit, there are times when working overtime is unavoidable.
To fend off the isolation and burnout, I’ve mastered the art of weekend escapades. Whether it’s catching up with friends over drinks or hitting the cinema (with the bonus of getting reimbursed for my movie tickets, thanks to a sweet company perk) I make sure my weekends are packed with fun and relaxation. Whether it’s catching up with friends over drinks or hitting the cinema (with the bonus of getting reimbursed for my movie tickets, thanks to a sweet company perk), I make sure my weekends are packed with fun and relaxation. In addition, I discovered a workout routine that keeps me energized and focused. From free online workout videos to Lexcode’s cool 500-peso incentive for exercising, staying fit has never been more rewarding.
So, while working from home has its challenges, I’ve found ways to keep things lively and balanced.
Managing Distractions
Working from home definitely has its fair share of challenges. I got family members popping in at unexpected moments, outside noises, and the allure of social media and online entertainment. It’s like a circus sometimes.
As a remote worker, I’ve learned to establish clear boundaries to keep my professional and personal lives on separate tracks. When my office door closes, it’s a signal to everyone that I’m in work mode and shouldn’t be disturbed—unless it’s an emergency, of course. And let’s talk about those meetings. Ever tried to concentrate with background noise? That’s why I invested in noise-canceling headphones. They’re my secret weapon for drowning out distractions and staying focused during important calls.
Sure, working from home has its moments of chaos, but with a bit of strategy and the right tools, you can make it just as reliable an experience as office work. It’s all about establishing balance and making the most out of every challenge.
Remote work has opened the door for us to a whole new way of working, a world of freedom and flexibility. But to truly conquer this exciting frontier, you’ll need to be your most adaptable, focused, and change-embracing self. Remote work isn’t just about where you work—it’s about how you work, adapt, and grow in the face of constant change.
Those of us who have experienced the opportunity to work remotely have come to appreciate its true value and benefits, far beyond the cliché of wearing “business on top and pajamas on the bottom.”
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