For many modern professionals, working from home is a luxury that is sought after, and, these days, usually afforded only by companies that truly appreciate how life actually unfolds from day to day for their employees. Many employers get stuck in the mindset that when employees aren’t in the office, they aren’t as productive. But with instant communication, streamlined technology, and removing time-consuming obstacles like long commute times, remote workers are proving that working outside of traditional offices enable them to be more productive, efficient, and happy. With the rising trend in work-from-home jobs, it’s important to know whether or not that kind of environment is right for you.
If you’re considering making a change in your current job situation, or maybe you’ve already decided that working remotely is right for you, there are some things to consider before diving in head-first.
Distractions
Distractions come in many forms, from a chatty co-worker, a constantly pinging phone, or impromptu meetings. And no matter where you work, there will always be distractions to deal with. Plenty of remote employees find that the home office is equally as distracting as the actual office, it’s just that the distractions take on a different form – laundry, running errands, cooking, cleaning, we could go on and on. It’s important to ask yourself if you have the discipline and self-control to not fall victim to these distractions when working from home. If the distractions win out in the end, that won’t bode well for your productivity and advancement. Striking the right balance between work and home/life responsibilities, is what successful remote workers say is the key to working from home.
Career Mobility
Career advancement is important to the well-being and motivation of employees. Being recognized for hard work, innovation, contributions, and achievement is a must in keeping morale high and encouraging loyalty. Finding the right firm that allows for advancement regardless of whether or not you are getting “face time” in the office is something to consider. “The “out of sight, out of mind” mentality and using that as a reason to hinder career advancement is an outdated way of thinking. Most employers who are progressive enough to offer job flexibility also have the vision to take these variables into account when it comes time to consider job performance. This shift towards a remote workforce is opening up opportunities for employees to redefine how and when they want to work. Don’t settle for anything less than what is right for you. You can add value regardless of where your office is located.
Working Where You Thrive
Where do you enjoy working? Is a traditional law firm environment a help or a hindrance to your productivity? Do you get more done in a corporate setting or do you find the peace and quiet of working from home more appealing? Working remotely can be a dream come true, but only if the environment is one in which you will thrive. There are pros and cons to both environments, and you will need to weigh what is most important to you when making this decision. Working at a traditional law firm can offer you more in-person socialization, but it also may come with strict limitations regarding how much time you are allowed to use for doctor’s appointments, staying home with sick children, not to mention vacations. Working remotely will definitely offer you more freedom, flexibility and control of your own schedule, but you have to be able to “deliver the goods” and be just as productive as you were before.
Ask Yourself Why and Explore Your Options
Ask yourself why you are considering making the switch to working remotely. Is there something that is making you unhappy in your law firm? Are you not fulfilled in some way with your current job? Are you reaching your career goals at the rate you want? Do you like the people you work with? Or is it that you just need more flexibility and control in your life? Regardless of the reason, will working from home resolve the issue(s) for you?
Consider What You’re Gaining
Life is too short NOT to be fulfilled in your job. And, with technology constantly evolving, it has changed the landscape of how and where people can work. There are more working options than ever before, but only you can determine what you are looking for and what is most important to you. Finding a law firm that allows you to work where you thrive, do what you love, and have the flexibility and control to work on your terms is vital to your happiness, well-being, motivation and success.
As you evaluate your options, research Practus LLP, a visionary law firm that is out to change the way attorneys practice law. Practus provides innovative technology and infrastructure that supports remote work from anywhere in the world, allowing their attorneys to pursue their passions for work and their lives outside of work. Practus embraces the idea that there is a better, smarter, more efficient way to work, that benefits both client and attorney.
“We have experienced, hard-working, successful lawyers,” says John Lively, Managing Partner. “And we believe that giving them the freedom and control they need to practice law the way they want, and to live the life they want, is a win-win for our lawyers and our clients. Our clients receive responsive, smart, efficient legal counsel, and our lawyers lead happy, fulfilling lives. It’s a balance that’s reflected in our name. The “us” is a purposeful reminder of the relationship between our lawyers and clients, and between our lawyers and their life outside their legal work.”
Find out how Practus can help you re-balance your work-life scale. Is this the type of work culture you’re looking for? Contact us at info@practus.com to learn more about the Practus business model.
