My Key Lessons from 5 years of Remote Work

Five years ago, at the beginning of The Bad Thing^TM, I made what I thought was the temporary shift to working from home. Just a few weeks away in the safety of my own home, then back to the office.

It turned out to be more longer term than I thought, and a shift not just in working location, but also in how I manage time, communicate, and sustain productivity.

What I didn’t expect was how well remote work would suit me. In fact, I had always struggled in traditional office environments: the constant noise, interruptions, and pressure to appear “always on” made it difficult to focus and do my best work. The shift to remote work revealed a better way of working – for me, at least – and I’ve never looked back.

Now, with five years of remote experience behind me, I’ve learned a great deal about what it takes to thrive outside of a traditional office setting. Here are the key lessons I’ve picked up along the way.

1. Complacency is the Quiet Threat

In a remote setup, particularly in the first few weeks, it’s surprisingly easy to fall into comfortable routines – and not always in a good way. Without the energy and accountability of a shared office, it’s possible to coast and procrastinate. With your TV not too far away, or nobody to stop you playing computer games, it’s all too easy for your day to slip you by.

Remote work offers freedom, but it also demands intentionality. I now start the day (or on a great day, end the previous day) writing an achievable to-do list consisting of a few work tasks, and some household chores. I prefer one on paper, so that I can have the rewarding feeling of crossing each task off – I strike them through with a highlighter, so that I can see a sea of green/orange to more easily see what I have achieved.

This list helps to keep me focussed – these are the non-negotiables of my day.

2. Over-Communicate, Asynchronously and Thoughtfully

One of the biggest adjustments in remote work is the absence of real-time visibility. You’re not bumping into people or overhearing updates – so it’s crucial to communicate more than you think you need to.

Over-communication doesn’t mean bombarding everyone with messages; it means being intentional, clear, and proactive. Share context. Document decisions. Make sure people can pick things up without needing a meeting. That’s where asynchronous communication shines – giving people space to respond when it works for them.

And here’s a mindset shift that really helped me: assume everyone else is busy. Don’t chase instant replies. Instead, aim to write messages and updates that are complete enough to stand alone, and remove urgency. It’s a courtesy to your colleagues – and a key part of making remote work sustainable.

When in doubt, communicate clearly, asynchronously, and with respect for other people’s focus time.

3. Boundaries Matter Most, Especially When Things Get Busy

When work ramps up or life outside of it becomes stressful, boundaries are often the first thing to slip – and that’s exactly when you need them the most.

In busy periods, it’s tempting to stretch your day, respond to late messages, or sacrifice breaks in the name of getting things done. But in my experience, that’s a fast track to burnout. The irony is that when you need rest the most, it’s the easiest to deprioritise.

I’ve learned to double down on structure when things get intense: clear work hours, non-negotiable breaks, and proper shutdown rituals. These aren’t luxuries – they’re safeguards that help you stay effective without running yourself into the ground.

Remote work gives you the flexibility to bend your schedule – but during high-stress times, it’s discipline that keeps you balanced.

4. Embrace the Flexibility

One of the most powerful aspects of remote work is the flexibility it offers. In a traditional office, life often has to fit around rigid work hours. Remote work flips this on it’s head, allowing work to adapt to your needs.

I’ve been able to attend my daughters school events without taking an entire day off, schedule appointments without stress, and be home for deliveries. These small freedoms add up to a significant improvement in quality of life.

The ability to work from different locations has also been transformative. Some weeks, I’ve worked from my parents house on the other side of the country – allowing them to help me with childcare and not use up my annual leave. Other times, I’ve set up at a local shared office to give myself a fresh perspective.

As a parent, this flexibility is particularly valuable. When childcare plans fall through or a my daughter gets sick, remote work makes it possible to juggle professional responsibilities while being present for your family.

5. Wellbeing and Self-Care Is Crucial

When your commute is just from bedroom to home office, it’s alarmingly easy to realise you haven’t left the house in days. This indoor isolation can slowly chip away at your mental health and physical vitality.

While it is easier said than done, I am at my best when exercise is prominent in my schedule. Whether it’s a morning walk or some lunchtime yoga, I work and concentrate better when I work exercise into my day.

Working from different locations – whether it’s a coffee shop or a co-working space—provides essential variation. I aim to work outside my home at least once a week, not always successfully, which refreshes my perspective.

Connecting with other remote professionals has been invaluable. Finding others who understand the unique challenges of remote work provides both practical solutions and emotional support.

And yes, I abandoned the jogging bottoms years ago.

Conclusion

Five years into remote work, I’ve discovered that succeeding in this environment isn’t about recreating the office at home – it’s about embracing a fundamentally different approach to work.

What began as a temporary adjustment has evolved into a permanent shift in how I understand productivity and professional fulfillment. Remote work stripped away the performative aspects of office life and forced me to focus on what really matters: doing good work, communicating effectively, maintaining well-being, and integrating work seamlessly with life.