Audiobook: Remote - Office Not Required (37 signals)
I've been listening the the above book this week. It describes how 37Signals has built a thriving business distributed throughout the world. The case for remote working arrangements is compelling - not only the ability to focus on work without distraction, and the opportunity to recruit the best talent in the world, not just in your locale. I'm lucky to get a remote day per week on my full time job, and this is pretty much always the most productive for creative work. I've also found that being physically at a location simply isn't required 90% of the time for my business. I've supported my workplace and clients in places as diverse as a woodland lodge in Cumbria or overlooking the Mediterranean in Spain, and if any thing, those focused bursts of work we're far more productive than being sat at a desk. The only issue I've found is ensuring what you're doing is being recognised, as most managers associate work with seeing your ass in the seat, rather than looking at what is actually delivered. In more traditional workplaces, having you available to deal with minutiae at the drop of a hat can appear to be more important than delivering substantive work. This is discussed in some depth in the book. The one thing I suggest for aspiring remote warriors is to invest in setting up a code repository and task tracker that's visible to your line manager or client. I use Assembla for my business and it works a treat. For those of us that can't always work at home, remember there's always the coffee shop or library. If you can limit your availability to your co-workers, and you've got a job that inspires you, your productivity will go through the roof! The only drawback I've found is the potential for overwork followed by burnout. It's essential to maintain a good work life balance and get some exercise. Read the book and give it a go - there's nothing to lose and everything to gain!
