Working from home not only offers you flexiblity but you can have your dog nearby too
When Amazon CEO Andy Jassy told the 1.4 million Amazon
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LinkedIn reported that 98% of workers want to work remotely at least some of the time. That said, Hybrid is becoming the winning formula in a company’s eyes. Lately, more of my career counseling clients are finding that only hybrid or in-office roles are being advertised. So where does that leave those who only want remote work?
Dilemma for people who only want to work remotely
Clara, a Marketing Product Manager, loves the work flexibility she got when we all went home for the pandemic. She left California because the housing market was out of site, saying she would never be a homeowner. No problem when you could work remotely. Clara and her husband relocated to Las Vegas and bought a lovely home. Life was perfect, she had a job she loved and lived in a city she could afford. Fast forward to a month ago when she called asking for career counseling advice after her employer told Clara she had to be onsite three days a week.
In recent months, I’ve worked with several clients who only want to work remotely. The biggest resistance against the return-to-work order comes from managers, directors, and even the VP ranks, who steadfastly refuse to return to an office. Some realize they may lose their jobs because of that decision. For most people, the work-from-anywhere option allows them the flexibility to get a better-paying job that is not local. Their typical reason for remote is that the family will not move. The downside of that choice is that there are often limited work opportunities where you currently live.
Some people have fewer options than others. They may be early in their career or need to manage the team onsite. After so many layoffs, it is easier for the employer to find someone else to do your job onsite if you refuse.
The key to getting remote work is effectively selling yourself so the employer agrees.
The best ways to keep or find a remote job
- Try to negotiate with the employer.
Situation: You have a remote job now
If you have been doing a good job, start by talking to your current employer and see if you can get approval to remain working remotely. Stress the success you have had working from home and that you have been productive and quickly responded to problems, questions, emails, etc. Show your adaptability and how you can accommodate employees in other time zones or a different part of the world. Offer to come onsite for an all-hands meeting or special work events.
Situation: Want a new remote job
Insisting on remote work immediately with the recruiter who initially contacts you will likely get you passed over. But what is working for some of my career counseling clients is waiting until the employer has made the job offer. That is when you have the most negotiation power. Since you are the top choice, ask about the option to work remotely and outline how you have made that work in your current or last job. If the answer is an adamant “no,” try this strategy. Offer to come into the office once a month for a week, usually 3-4 days. Note that this job falls into a hybrid situation to be aligned with the company policy. Once a month seems to be getting the OK for some key workers. It’s worth a try.
Both situations:
If the job requires a lot of travel, such as a sales or executive role, living anywhere near a big airport or where you can drive to the assignments or clients can often get a yes too.
Here are some more strategies to use
- Closely review the job descriptions. If the employer clearly states the job is onsite, they are unlikely to be persuaded. But if the position says Hybrid or has no details, then apply.
- Network. Talk to colleagues, friends, and acquaintances about their organizations. If they have a liberal remote work policy, concentrate your search on those companies. Since flexibility is a crucial perk many employees want, check out that company’s competitors, and you may find similar work options.
- Consider a startup, consulting, or freelance job. Many startups allow remote work because their employees are nationwide since finding top talent is critical for them. Many consulting jobs have you working from your home office, especially when you are an independent consultant. Often, consultants need to travel to a client’s location, so being close to an airport can be essential. Talk to your current or past employers and colleagues to secure some contracts options more quickly. Freelancers have the most flexible options. They can work locally or accommodate employers in other locations. A few websites freelancers should check out are upwork, freelancer and flexjobs.
