During my childhood, I remember my father getting ready with us in the morning so he could take us to school before heading off to work. We wouldn't see him again until much later in the evening. This routine was familiar to many families until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted it.
In the past, office jobs held a special status. Everyone desired to have one because as at then leaving home in the morning and returning in the evening was seen as being gainfully employed. Conversely, staying indoors all day simply meant one was unemployed.
Prior to COVID-19, many people did not fully recognize the advantages of working remotely. When the pandemic happened, businesses were forced to shift to remote work out of necessity. After COVID-19, many offices returned to their physical locations. Some adopted the Work From Home model, allowing employees to work from home for some days in the week while they come into the office for the rest. Some companies however, embraced fully remote work having recognized its numerous advantages.
Remote jobs offer the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world. This allows for more quality time with family and fewer distractions. Time spent on commuting can be allocated to work and this would result in increased productivity and a better work-life balance.
Remote jobs have led to significant savings for both workers and companies. Remote workers save on transportation costs and fuel for their vehicles. Companies who have their staff working remotely benefit from reduced expenses on office spaces, as large estates are no longer necessary. People working remotely, work in clothing they find comfortable like pajamas saving money in a constant upgrade of office wear.
Remote jobs have simplified the process of recruiting workers from anywhere and companies no longer have to worry about relocation expenses. This expansion of the job market has reduced the unemployment pool, as more people can secure remote jobs that meet their financial needs, regardless of their location.
Financial stress can indeed lead to poor mood and decreased productivity. Given the increasing cost of living and inflation here and there, having multiple sources of income has become very necessary. The flexibility of remote work allows individuals to pursue multiple remote jobs. This not only offers financial security but also a sense of satisfaction in managing one's finances effectively.
Women have always found it challenging, balancing careers with childcare especially for nursing mothers. One of the challenges nursing mother face is having to work long hours in the office, neglecting their children. Some families can afford to hire a nanny to take care of the kids but it's noteworthy to state that even the best nanny can't replace a mother's presence. Thankfully, with the rise of remote jobs, women now have the opportunity to work while actively caring for their children.
I am a beneficiary of remote work thanks to writing platforms like hive. I can conveniently write and earn from the corners of my house. The crypto sphere has created a world of endless possibilities for the youths and a lot of youths are working so hard to earn through honest means online. The social media platform has also made it convenient to stay employed with lots of people utilising their social media accounts like YouTube , Instagram, twitter and even WhatsApp status to make a living.
Remote work is the future, especially among millennial-friendly companies. Accessing remote jobs is quite challenging in countries like Nigeria, where cybercrime rates are high. Many employers exclude Nigeria from their list of eligible countries for remote employment due to security concerns.
Nevertheless, I hope that as remote work continues to be more acceptable globally, more opportunities will open up for individuals in Nigeria and other countries in similar situations.
This is my response to the March inleo prompt. It's not too late to join in.