Jori Hamilton 3m 862
The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
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Remote work is becoming more widely accepted by companies across the country. As a result, employees are free to work from almost anywhere. That’s really only one of the many benefits of remote working, but it’s a big one.
So big, in fact, that you might consider moving somewhere new if you’re allowed to work from home. Whether you want to be closer to family, experience a different area, or you just think it’s time for a change, moving can be an exciting experience.
But, it can also be a stressful one. One survey discovered that 6 in 10 people think it’s the most stressful life event you can go through. So, how can you move successfully and with as little stress as possible while working remotely?
Talk to Your Employer
Working remotely doesn’t necessarily mean you can just get up and leave any time you want. Well, technically it does, but your employer might not be so thrilled about it. So, before you make any major moving decision, be sure to talk to the business you work for. Keep in mind that they have a right to know you have a stable location where you’ll be able to do your job. While they don’t have the right to tell you how to set up your workspace, it’s better to stay on the same page and work together, rather than to cause discord.
So, be upfront about a permanent location change as early as possible. Your company may have to make some changes depending on where you work. They have to consider things like:
Taxes in that location
How benefits might be different
Labor law implications
You’ll have to figure those things out for yourself, too. For example, some states require that you pay income taxes based on the location of the employer instead of your location. Do your research ahead of time and don’t keep your employer in the dark. Making everything as transparent as possible will make the process easier for both of you.
It’s also a good idea to make sure your company understands your needs. You both have the same goal of productivity and success. Your business should back you up on your move. You might even want to ask for a company vehicle to help you with the move. Just be sure you understand the safety rules and precautions to take when you’re using it.
Find the Right Location
You might know you want to move, but do you know where you want to go? Before you decide to take your remote job on the road, consider scouting a few different locations. Think about what you really want, and which places will help you achieve a healthy work-life balance.
Do you consider yourself physically active? You might want to look for locations with hiking or bike trails. Do you have a family? Check out the local school districts or things you can do together.
If you have a few paid vacation days coming to you, it can be worth it to take a trip to a few desired locations. Seeing neighborhoods and cities with your own eyes can make a big difference. If you have a particular home in mind, make a point to check it out, as well. You can get a visualization for what your home office space might look like, and how other spaces can be utilized.
Take Care of Yourself
Again, moving can be stressful. Taking care of yourself throughout the process is crucial. Employers have a responsibility to engage remote employees in workplace wellness. This could include things like:
Offering free or discounted gym memberships
Providing online health resources
Establishing a healthy workplace community through apps or digital programs
Acknowledging wellness achievements of employees
Having an employer that cares about your wellbeing is hugely important. But, in the end, you have to take care of yourself, too. Self-care can make a big difference in your stress levels and your overall mental health. So, take care of yourself throughout the moving process by taking things slow and in small steps. If you spend your time working at a desk, take breaks and do some exercises at your workstation. When working on the move itself, stay as organized as possible and don’t be afraid to hire professional movers if the task seems too overwhelming for you.
It’s also okay to accept the fact that stress is part of the moving process. When you anticipate that you’ll have a lot to do and you’re willing to take it on, you can get ahead of that stress, rather than allowing it to take over.
Working remotely is exciting thanks to the ability it gives you to do your job anywhere. Moving is definitely a possibility, especially if you’ve been wanting a change of pace for a while. But, that doesn’t mean you should just pack up and go.
By following these simple but effective suggestions, you can make the moving process much easier on yourself, your family, your employer, and everyone else involved.
~ Jori Hamilton
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