By Jenna Starkey and Erin Goodwin

Real fulfillment comes only when we first tune into our inner direction and divine guidance… That helps unite heaven and earth - James Redfield

When I was in my 20s, I worked in PR… Oh how I hated it for me. Talk about mis-alignment with my values.

It felt like a continuous battle between my head and my heart. My head longed for stability and acceptance from my community; while my heart longed to be of service, to commit to my desires, and to be the me that existed in my own world (although at that time I wasn’t quite sure who that was yet). From there I cycled through jobs that were nearly everything I wanted but not quite right.

But in 2015, with the help and support of a coach, I decided to quit my my job to launch a coaching practice and pursue a career as a fulfillment coach. I was thrown into the deep end - I learned how to work for myself, how to manage and run a business from home, and how to hold space for clients in person and online. When the pandemic hit, my business moved entirely online.

I have experienced working from home and working in an office, and I have supported many clients as they transition to remote work.

What is Remote Work and What Work Can I Do Remotely?

As a life and career coach (read fulfillment coach), I am noticing more and more people exploring the possibility of working from home and what that actually means. If you have contemplated building a remote career in the last two years, know that you are not alone. At least 75% of my clients are interested in remote work and I’ve witnessed employers hearing them and making adjustments.

Remote work is any kind of work that allows employees to work from wherever they want, whether that be at home, in a coffee shop or in a co-working space. There are different kinds of remote work arrangements: some work-from-home employees need to be available and working at specific times, some remote employees are allowed to keep whatever hours they prefer as long as their work is finished on time, some employees come in to the office for a few days a week and some come in to the office for a few hours a day and work from home for the rest of the day.

In the last few years we have seen how adaptable and flexible we can be, especially when it comes to how and where we work. These days most jobs can be done remotely, with a few exceptions (think shop sales person or hospital doctors and nurses). Many companies offer options to work from home, and many employers are willing to negotiate remote working options.

The Pros and Cons of Remote Work

There is a lot to be said about the freedom and flexibility that remote work offers. Some clients of mine love skipping the morning commutes, dress codes and in-person meetings. Working remotely gives them the space to organise their days in ways that work for them, and it allows them a level of freedom that they wouldn’t have experienced if they worked in an office.

Working remotely allows you to work from where you feel most supported and gives you the time and space to organize your day in a way that works for you. Just because you can work remotely, doesn’t mean you have to.

Some people DO want to be in the office. Many millennials, in my experience about roughly 25%, feel more supported, connected and engaged by working in-person. Remote work may not give you that community feeling, if that’s what you’re after. Some employers are able to maintain touch points that keep their teams connected, but this might not feel the same for you as going into an office every day and connecting with your colleagues face to face.

Also, just because you have a remote job doesn't mean that everything will be more pleasant and relaxed. Sometimes clients of mine feel less connected to their work and more anxious about their team and prefer the in-person transparency. Be mindful that the remote work you choose has healthy check-ins and plans for connection and feedback (ask in interviews, etc), otherwise you might regret the decision down the road.

Remember, not all remote work is made equal. Chat to people who have good remote-working experiences and see if they resonate. Find organizations that have remote working practices that feel good to you. Ask yourself, are you someone who works better when you are connecting with colleagues in-person? Do you thrive off of in-person connection? Does being in an office with access to your colleagues make you feel safe? If you don’t think that remote work is for you, have no fear - there are still companies offering in-person work. At the very least you might be able to find or expense a co-working space or coffee shop that gives you that community feeling. There are many co-working spaces and coffee shops that are populated with work-from-home employees who form their own communities.

Ultimately the only person who knows what is best for you is you. Take some time to sit with yourself and be honest - does the thought of working remotely light you up or make you feel safe and supported? There is no wrong answer here. You are allowed to experiment and change, you are not obligated to do anything that doesn’t work for you.

How to Build a Remote Career

Whether you are looking for a new job, pursuing a new career, or already employed and wanting to negotiate more flexibility within your role, here are my tips for transitioning into a remote career.

• Have conversations with members of organizations you’d like to work for, your friends and family, your professional networks and your communities about which companies are handling remote work in a way that feels right for you. It's a lot easier to find jobs that offer remote work by talking to people instead of relying on google searches, job descriptions or company websites. Talk to people and see what you learn!

• Consider what your ideal work from home situation would be. Do you want to be fully remote? Would you like the option to go into an office? It is important to get clear on what you want, so you can communicate this when you are in the negotiation process.

• When you apply for a job don’t be afraid to ask the hiring manager about working remotely upfront; you both don’t want to waste your time. I have seen several clients get to the end of an interview process only to be disappointed when their work requires them to be in-person. Many job descriptions DO mention whether jobs are remote or hybrid - pay close attention to what they say, but know that many of them are negotiable.

• Most employers are open to negotiations given the current climate. Don't be afraid to ask questions and ask for what you need to show up as your best. After all, most employers want you to feel empowered to do your best work resentment free. If they don't want this for you, it might be a red flag. Consider waiting or looking for a better fit. Trust me, many organizations are paying attention to millennial’s needs and if an employer can't rise to the occasion and win you over, it's their loss. You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.

The beauty of the current working climate is that more employers than ever are willing to give you the freedom and flexibility you need to do and be your best. What you need is just as important as what your employer needs (if not more important) - prioritize your needs, whether that means working in an office or not. If you need support as you navigate creating a remote career, book a session with me. I offer free discovery calls to new and potential clients to see if we are a good fit, and I would love to support you in creating a career that lights you up.