Is It Possible to Work Remotely After Moving?

One of the hardest things about moving to a new city is leaving a job you love. Yes, there really are people who love their jobs! It’s especially tough if you’ve been with a company for a while and have established yourself as a valued employee. Starting over with a new company after you move can feel rather daunting.

Increase in Remote Workers
Many companies are switching to a less centrally-located working platform and having employees not just telecommute from their nearby home offices, but also work from anywhere in the country. So maybe you have another option besides leaving your job when you move. Why not explore the idea of working for your company remotely after the move?

Your Company’s Culture
If your company expects nothing less than constant face time, meaning you must have your B.I.C. (Butt In Chair) at the office, you may have to say goodbye to your job. However, if your company already has a percentage of telecommuters and people working remotely from different offices, you have a pretty persuasive argument to take to your boss. She may have to run it by her superior and/or HR, but it could work out for you.

Staying in Touch
If you’re able to do your job after moving, here are some tips to make the transition.

·    Pick up the phone occasionally – Sure, we communicate routinely through email, texting, etc., but odd nuances can develop when we don’t talk to co-workers. Remember that email that Fred sent? Let’s not go there.
·    Share your boo-boos – Own up to mistakes before they morph into something bigger through the fact that you’re remote. Virtual gossip grows faster. Hey, it’s a fact, look it up.
·    Make data accessible – Nothing is more frustrating than needing some data to complete a task, but someone in Hong Kong hasn’t sent it. If you all share your work product in a secure cloud format, you will have what you need.
·    Attend face-to-face meetings – If you’re able to attend any critical onsite meetings/conferences, make it a point to do it. Remind people you’re out there by doing some face time. It’s also nice to see the old neighborhood while there.

Share your remote working stories. Has it been successful for you or your co-workers?