Three years ago, if you asked most workers whether they would enjoy working from home, in their pajamas, the answer would likely have been a resounding, "YES!"
Today, some workers struggle to embrace this new work style fully. Whether it's completely virtual work, hybrid (part time in the office and the rest of the time remote) or full time back in person at work, things have changed. As you exited the military, did you consider what it would be like to work, collaborate and grow your career if your job requires you to work from home?
A Gallup report showed that 45% of employees in the U.S. continue to work from home -- either full or part time. That same study found that 90% of current remote workers desire to continue working virtually. For veterans who are used to working around their teams and being on the field, this can present a challenge.
Whether you set out to work remotely, or it's required as part of your post-military job, to succeed while working from home, remember these tips:
1. Work When at Work.
It's tempting to want to throw in a load of laundry, schedule your kids' playdates or shop online for a new couch while you're technically at work, but someone is paying you for time and work. Resist the temptation to handle home projects and tasks when at work unless you're on a break.
Similarly, when at home, it's understandable you'd want to be comfortable in how you dress. Just don't go too far. Maintaining basic grooming habits and dressing appropriately for your job and industry are important. You may find yourself on video meetings with clients, your boss or your peers. Dressing appropriately helps you stay focused and present for your work.
2. Be Authentic but Don't Overshare.
The social isolation many experienced during the pandemic lockdown created a strong longing for human connection. Everyone needed outlets to know they weren't alone, and others felt similar emotions.
Some professionals, however, went too far and shared with co-workers and teams their innermost thoughts, fears and challenges, making it hard to rewind those narratives as work got back to "normal." It's important that you're genuine, relatable and empathetic with your peers, but resist sharing overly personal information that you may later wish you hadn't shared.
3. Balance Work and Home Life.
Working from home can offer you the flexibility to handle more personal things without being overheard by a coworker in the next cubicle. You can schedule doctor's appointments, arrange travel and care for loved ones. These are some of the advantages noted for remote work.
Balance means leaving work behind when the day's over. While it might feel more comfortable to handle your work from the kitchen table (surrounded by family and pets), if you'll be repeatedly interrupted or distracted, find another spot. Look for a space where you can concentrate and where; when you are done working, you can close a door on your work to be fully present with your loved ones.
Regardless of your work in the military, the idea of remote work takes getting used to. You might crave human interaction and collaboration and find virtual work too isolating. Or you may find you work better without the commute and the distractions of being in an office. Learning whether remote or hybrid work suits you often comes by trying it out.
The author of "Success After Service: How to Take Control of Your Job Search and Career After Military Duty" (2020) and "Your Next Mission: A personal branding guide for the military-to-civilian transition" (2014), Lida Citroën is a keynote speaker and presenter, executive coach, popular TEDx speaker and instructor of multiple courses on LinkedIn Learning. She regularly presents workshops on personal branding, executive presence, leadership communication and reputation risk management.
A contributing writer for Military.com, Lida is a passionate supporter of the military, volunteering her time to help veterans transition to civilian careers and assist employers who seek to hire military talent. She regularly speaks at conferences, corporate meetings and events focused on military transition.
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