Finding peace in the remote workplace

Try to see the bigger picture and focus on what’s in your control

• Try to spread your tentacles on most departments in your workspace. Stop and think about where your influence reaches then see what’s in your control.

Don’t take things personally. It’s just a job.

• There will always be inevitable conflicts in the remote workspace: Passive-aggressive emails, annoyingly repetitive tasks, difficult co-workers, etc. Try not to be affected by it. It’s just a job, focus on your lane, and collaborate when needed. Try to keep everyone’s opinion of you positive, but don’t be the “company people-pleaser”. Don’t get carried away.

Work on what is needed urgently and call it a day.

• At the start of the day (the moment you take your coffee fix) try to reflect and list down what you can do within the day. I work for a growing startup, but I don’t take all the pending jobs in one day. Try to learn to compartmentalize. Break down what you can do within the day. Don’t “overclock” your brain. The worst thing about losing one’s life is losing one’s mind.

Communication is the best skill to improve

• Inevitably, there will always be miscommunication in your workplace at some point. A few jobs getting messed up, a co-worker pissed at you, a beating from your boss (figuratively). Yes, that happens. Try to get on the same boat as much as you can, It’s okay to look like an idiot asking the same question again and again until you get it rather than jeopardizing the task at hand.

Learn how to take a break

• You are human. You are not a machine that works like clockwork. You can work hard to an extent and submit what is needed for the company. But keep in mind, at some point you need to stop and recharge. Ironically, like a machine, you need to stop working and recharge your brain and body. A fresh and serene mind can produce a much more productive employee.

Keep in mind the balance between work & life

• Do not work on the given day off. Taken from the previous slide, always remember to recharge and take a break. The two days allocated for you, cherish it. Spend time with your family: your spouse, your kids, your friends, and anyone who is important to you. Add a little dopamine to your brain (not with illegal substances…preferably).

If stress levels are at a peak, stop. Take a nap

• I suffer from a type of mental disorder. I have an anxiety disorder which sometimes affects my work and how I interact with co-workers. Do not be ashamed to ask for a short break or a bit of time off. Your mind is the most valuable tool in your trade. If your stress levels are too high, take a moment. Recalibrate. Taking a nap or whatever puts your mind at peace.

It’s just working. Don’t let it overwhelm your life.

• Time is fleeting, you’re getting older. We are mortals. Your work may be one of the important aspects of your life (like how are you going to feed your family?) but it’s not the center of your universe. If worse comes to worst, quit. If it comes to a boiling point where management sucks, co-workers are dicks, pay is shit, then quit. It’s not the end of the world. Somewhere out there, somebody probably wants your skillset.