Fully Remote

What It’s Really Like Working Fully Remote (The Good, the Weird & What I Didn’t Expect)

Yo digital nomads! Let’s kick it off by breaking down what Fully Remote actually means in the real world of hustle and coffee-fueled Zoom calls. Right outta the gate remote work ain’t just logging in from your bed. It’s a legit setup where you ditch the office entirely, dialing in from your spot of choice beachfront in Bali, café in Lisbon, or your cozy studio in Jakarta. It’s about freedom, flexibility, and figuring out how to stay productive when pants aren’t mandatory.

Industry legends like Matt Mullenweg from Automattic (think WordPress) have built empires without a single HQ, proving remote-first companies can scale like crazy. Brands like Zapier, Shopify, and Toptal run globally with fully distributed teams, tapping talent from Africa, Asia, and South America like it’s nothing. It’s not just a work style it’s a global movement backed by tools, trust, and tight workflows.

Wanna know if this setup’s your kind of grind? Hit up our deep dive on Remote Work and check if going full-remote is your gateway to better balance, wider career options, and a lifestyle that actually fits. Spoiler: commuting’s canceled 🚫🚗.

💡 So… What Exactly Does "Fully Remote" Mean?

Working fully remote means you’re not required to go into a physical office—ever. You do your job from home, a coffee shop, a co-working space, or even a camper van if that’s your vibe.

You don’t just work from home. You belong to a team that’s distributed by design.

Here’s how I define it:

• 🌎 I can work from anywhere with Wi-Fi.

• 🕒 I usually have flexible hours (though not always).

• 🧑‍💻 Meetings happen virtually, and my team could be in different time zones.

It’s freedom… but it’s also discipline.

🌟 The Perks I Didn’t Realize I’d Love

I knew I’d like working in my PJs. But I didn’t expect these things to make me fall in love with being fully remote:

1. My mornings are mine.

No commute = no traffic = more peace. I start my day with coffee, stretching, and zero rush.

2. I’ve got control over my environment.

Want silence? I get silence. Need lo-fi beats or lavender candles? Done.

3. I can travel without using PTO.

Okay, this one’s huge. I’ve worked from a beach café in Bali and a rainy cabin in Oregon and still hit my deadlines.

4. No office politics.

I didn’t realize how much small talk drained me until I didn’t have to do it every day.

😅 The Challenges No One Warned Me About

I wish someone had pulled me aside and said, “Hey, it’s awesome… but here’s what might trip you up.”

1. Loneliness is real.

Truth be told, I didn’t expect to miss office chatter. But some days? It’s quiet. Too quiet.

2. Boundaries blur fast.

The kitchen is three steps away. So is the bed. So is my laptop at 10 p.m. 😬

3. You’re your own IT department.

Wi-Fi glitches. Laptop updates. Zoom echo. You will Google how to fix things.

4. Not all teams "get" remote.

Some companies say “remote” but still expect 9-to-5 responsiveness or daily video calls. That’s not truly remote it’s just office work in disguise.

🧩 What Helped Me Thrive in a Fully Remote Job

Over time, I found little systems that made remote work sustainable.

Here’s what worked for me:

• 🔁 Set routines — I fake a “commute” by walking around the block before logging on.

• 🎧 Noise-canceling headphones — Game-changer. Seriously.

• 🪴 Create a “work zone” — Even a tiny desk makes a difference.

• ⏰ Schedule breaks like meetings — Otherwise, I forget to eat lunch.

And yeah, I had to learn to log off. Harder than it sounds.

🧠 What Surprised Me About Being Fully Remote

• I’m more productive at home. I didn’t expect this, but fewer distractions = deeper focus.

• I work longer hours unless I actively stop myself. It’s a double-edged sword.

• Some of my best coworkers? I’ve never met them in person. Wild, right?

🔄 Remote vs. Hybrid: Why I Chose Fully Remote

I tried hybrid for a bit going into the office 2–3 days a week. It felt like the worst of both worlds: still commuting, still having to look presentable, but without the full benefits of office culture or remote flexibility.

Now? I choose fully remote. Every time.

Why?

• More autonomy

• More energy

• More space to think

📣 Thinking About Going Fully Remote? Here’s My Advice

If you’re considering the switch, here’s what I’d tell you like a friend over coffee:

1. Know your work style. If you crave structure, set it for yourself.

2. Pick the right remote company. Look for async communication, flexible hours, and a remote-first mindset.

3. Don’t ignore your mental health. Get sunlight. Move. Call a friend.

4. Invest in your setup. It’s your new office now. Treat it like one.

And if you're already working remotely and feeling off balance it’s okay. You’re allowed to recalibrate. I do it all the time.

💬 My Takeaway: Remote Life Is What You Make It

Working fully remote isn’t perfect. It’s not a vacation. But for me, it’s been a chance to work how I live not live how I work.

Some days are cozy and productive. Others? A bit scattered. But honestly, I wouldn’t trade it.

If freedom, focus, and flexibility matter to you… I really think you should try this.

✨ TLDR – Fully Remote, Fully Real

What is “fully remote”?
It means working completely outside a traditional office—usually from home, but also from anywhere.

Pros:

• Flexible schedule

• No commute

• Control over your environment

Cons:

• Can feel isolating

• Requires self-discipline

• Tech problems = your problem

Tips to succeed:

1. ✅ Create structure
2. ✅ Set up a real workspace
3. ✅ Join communities (Slack, Discord, coworking groups)
4. ✅ Communicate clearly with your team

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💻 Whether you’re chasing remote freedom or figuring out if it’s right for you I hope this gave you a real peek behind the scenes. Got questions? Hit me up. I’m just a Zoom call away. 😉