Congratulations class of 2013. If I recall correctly right now many of you are feeling a sense of pride (rightly so) and relief to finally be done with the endless reading and writing of research papers. In addition, if I recall correctly, some of you are already starting to think (perhaps even panic) about where to find that first post-graduation job. If this is the case allow me to direct your attention to a new article over at onlinedegrees.org.
Missing the Water Cooler: A Recent Grad’s Guide to Navigating Telecommuting provides readers with valuable information on the ins and outs of telecommuting jobs. This comprehensive guide takes an honest look at the pros and cons (for both employee and employer) of working remotely.
Telecommuting can be a money saver for both the employer and the worker.
The major reason companies support telecommuting is the comparatively low overhead cost. Businesses would collectively save $2.3 billion a year in real estate, electricity, absenteeism, and turnover costs, according to Kate Lister, co-author of Undress for Success: The Naked Truth About Making Money at Home. But for all the talk of how much this benefits employers, the telecommuting option places workers at a fiscal advantage as well.
Those who work remotely can see major savings, around $11,000 a year according to the article, by not having to spend as much on transportation, having to buy lunch out, or having to purchase and maintain business attire. Of course there are other more personal perks to telecommuting. Working remotely often enables employees to have more flexibility in their work schedule which is particularly beneficial to those with family responsibilities.
The article goes on to provide information on how to overcome common problems faced by some remote workers such as distraction and isolation.
Telecommuting employees, regardless of whether or not they work an entry-level job, can do a few things to ensure they remain focused and manage their time responsibly. Setting up a personalized system of rewards for completing specific tasks, reaching certain milestones, or accomplishing professional goals is a great strategy for building motivation. Aligning said milestones and goals with those set by the company makes it much, much easier to meet them.
The article also offers up a list of must have resources for those working from home.
The specifics of what a telecommuting job will specifically require varies from company to company. However, growing familiar with the most common accoutrements can help the aspirant job-hunters out there. Take the time to get to know the ins and outs of the hardware and software that makes telecommuting possible. It may mean a valuable edge when submitting resumes and cover letters to potential employers.
The article is well worth a read for anyone looking for an alternative to a nine-five office job. You can read the entire article here.
