How To Transition From An Onsite Job To A Remote Job

Transitioning from onsite employment to working remotely requires careful planning and strategy. 

This article examines the reasons behind the transition of nearly one-fifth of the workforce to remote work and offers practical tips for a smooth onsite-to-remote transition.

Why Are People Transitioning From Onsite To Remote Jobs?

As noted above, employees contemplate leaving their onsite jobs to work remotely because of the benefits of the latter work model. Here are some of them: 

• Higher degree of autonomy: if you are an onsite employee, you’ll likely be used to working under one or more bosses, occasionally dishing out instructions as well as monitoring and supervising your work, and even scolding you when they are not happy with your effort. This is not the case with remote work, where you work independently without any supervision or somebody breathing down your neck.
• Flexible work schedule: unlike onsite work time schedules, which are usually fixed or rigid, remote work allows you the flexibility of adjusting your schedules and working when you think is best. However, remote work flexibility is always based on the project’s deadline, which is usually fixed (though sometimes extendable). 
• Better work-life balance: The ability to work remotely and flexibly from home or any other location enables individuals to better balance personal and professional responsibilities. This can help minimise stress and improve overall well-being.
• Cost savings: Many onsite workers have to commute between their homes and workplaces all week. They may also incur expenses on work time feeding, and clothing. Remote work can lead to significant savings on work transportation costs, meals, and attire, making it an economically attractive option for many.
• Broader opportunities: People are usually restricted by geographic proximity when applying for onsite work opportunities. This is because the longer the distance between the work site and their homes, the higher the transportation cost and inconvenience. In contrast, remote work breaks geographic barriers by allowing people to apply for and work in any part of the world from the comfort of their homes or any other location.
• Advancements in technology: Improvements in technology have given rise to a variety of communication and collaboration tools, making it easier and more profitable than ever to work effectively from remote locations. One effect of this is a reduction in the need to work in brick-and-mortar office spaces.
• Greater productivity: The distractions of onsite work can impact productivity negatively. Being free of the interruptions of bosses and other onsite work colleagues can enhance concentration or focus and hence lead to higher productivity.
• Diverse work environments: Remote workers have the freedom to become digital nomads by alternating their work environments as frequently as they can afford. For example, you can decide to work from your home, a friend’s home, a coffee shop, a public library, or a co-working space. These variations can enhance creativity, motivation, job satisfaction, and performance.

Best Ways To Transition From An OnSite Job To A Remote Job

If you are on the lookout for a remote job while working onsite, here are some strategies to ensure you transition smoothly: 

Leverage Online Courses And Certifications

Bolster your skill set by enrolling in online courses that focus on remote work (e.g., copywriting and SEO courses) and remote work tools (e.g., project management software). Such certifications can richly complement your academic qualifications and demonstrate your commitment to this new work style.

Update Your Resume And Online Profiles 

Your applications for remote positions should include customised resumes and cover letters that emphasise relevant skills (e.g., ability to work with minimal or no supervision, self-motivation, communication and collaboration abilities, time management, etc.) and any experience you have with remote work tools. If possible, also include any of your previous projects that demonstrate your ability to work independently. 

Make sure your LinkedIn and other online profiles visibly indicate your interest and/or experience in remote roles.

Consider Short-Term Freelance Projects Or Part-Time Remote Roles 

If you are not yet sure about the practical demands of full-time remote work, consider starting with short-term freelance projects or part-time remote positions. Either of them can help you build up some remote work experience and facilitate a better understanding of the dynamics of working outside an onsite office.

Network Actively

Networking can provide you with valuable job leads and insights into organisations that prioritise remote work. Link up with professionals already working remotely, including those who transitioned from onsite to remote positions. They can, among other tips, guide you on how to navigate your transition seamlessly.

Visit Remote Job Boards Regularly

Take advantage of specialised job boards like Remote4Africa for your job search. These platforms specifically cater to the needs of remote job seekers and usually feature vacancies from reputable companies.

Prepare Adequately For Remote Interviews 

Get familiar with common remote interview questions and practices. Ensure you have a quiet home office or workspace and a fast and reliable internet connection. You must also be comfortable using video conferencing and other communication and collaboration tools.

Always Stay Informed About Remote Work Trends  

Develop a habit of following job boards, blogs, social media pages, podcasts, webinars, and other sources that focus on remote work. Being constantly informed about industry trends will not only keep you updated but also enhance your understanding of what employers are looking for in remote candidates. 

Maintain this habit even when you eventually find work because it can provide you with information about better jobs than your current one, among other perks.

Note: The transitioning scenario discussed above supposes a case of searching for remote work while working onsite. Transitioning can also imply moving over to an already secured remote work from your onsite job. This second instance may involve: 

• notifying your onsite employer (and close colleagues) early enough of your imminent departure, 
• completing whatever pending tasks assigned to you, and 
• subsequently clearing your desk for your would-be replacement. 

Conclusion

Transitioning from an onsite job to a remote role can be a rewarding change that improves your professional and personal life. Transition can be discussed either from a remote job search or an already remotely employed perspective. Whatever the case, the tips provided in this article should help. Check out this post for additional information on onsite and remote work.