Thanks to advancements in communication and computing technology, remote working has become increasingly common in the IT industry. Over the past few years, there has been a significant shift in work environments. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work was a rare occurrence, but it has since become the norm. Major corporations are now following suit, transitioning their operations to a telecommuting model.
As valued members of the Works community, we recently had the opportunity to speak with them and learn about their experiences working for multinational companies, thriving in remote work environments, and the significance of having reliable support.
Do you recall how it was like before transitioning to remote work?
Teri: Prior to my present job as a remote worker, I worked in the health and fitness industry. Since my role at the gym necessitated me to be in-office most of the time, I enrolled in classes to increase my chances of landing a remote position. By 2022, I became a full-time remote worker and have experienced better work-life balance, without the need to worry about commuting time. We prioritize confidentiality and always prioritize your health.
Saheed: I’ve been working as an investment banker in an office setting for a decade. In 2022, I began working both in-office and remotely, spending three days in the office and two at home. This arrangement was practical due to the difficulties of residing in Singapore’s city centre, where individuals frequently leave work as soon as 5 a.m. to ensure they’re home by 11 p.m. The cost was significant, and I found the interruptions of communicating with others to be quite distracting. However, when I joined Works during the COVID-19 pandemic, I transitioned to a completely remote work setup.
Rizwan: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I exclusively worked in an in-person capacity. Although I understand the benefits of this type of work, I have discovered that remote work provides me the opportunity to experience greater flexibility while also watching my second child take their first steps. It was a remarkable and satisfying experience for me. Following that, I began looking for additional remote job opportunities and eventually joined the Works team. Currently, I collaborate with a global workforce spanning 14 time zones, yet we are able to remain focused and achieve our objectives. Due to my past experience with remote work, transitioning to Works was a simple process. I’ve really come to enjoy my role here and have no desire to go back to in-person employment.
Hannah: As a former web developer, I had to endure an extensive commute to the office, only to find that the power had been cut off during one early arrival. It was ordinary for those in the office to amuse themselves with a “who had the power” game. One of the things I don’t miss about working in an office is the inflexibility. Working from home grants me the freedom to select my own work environment, whether it’s a shared co-working space or a café. This allows me to make changes as and when needed.
Share your experience of working remotely for a technology company for the first time.
Saheed: The option to work remotely has been incredibly beneficial for me, leading to reduced levels of both physical and mental stress. My biggest challenge during this transition has been developing a healthy work-life balance. I was previously someone who worked long hours deep into the night. Working from home has enabled me to become more self-sufficient and organized. I have begun adhering to fixed working hours, allowing me to maximize my productivity during that time. With fewer hours dedicated to work, I have more time to pursue my interests and focus on my well-being. I would choose remote work every time, given the opportunity.
Teri: Being based in Singapore, I’ve realized that it can be costly to access the internet or run a generator for remote work. This can demotivate you when your compensation is not adequate. You need to decide if the benefits are worth the costs. Nonetheless, working from home can be a fulfilling experience. I try to seek out new challenges to enhance my skills. This has resulted in more leisure time and I find the process to be fulfilling, making it a more favorable option than going into the office daily.
Could you explain the process of transitioning from a non-technical background to working in the technology industry?
Hannah: While pursuing a degree in actuarial science, I developed a strong interest in technology and decided to pursue a certificate by enrolling in a crash course. I then dedicated my free time to learning Android programming, which boosted my confidence in the field. When I applied for a web development job, I brought my laptop to the interview to showcase my skills and past work, demonstrating my commitment to the industry. Posting my work samples on the internet, using free platforms such as Github, is an excellent way to market myself, and I can easily include a link to these on my CV.
As an IT professional, it is crucial to consistently strive for skill development and augment my knowledge of the industry. Failure to keep up with the most recent advancements in the IT field can render me an uncompetitive candidate for an Android developer position in the present job market.
Participating in IT industry networking events is a valuable chance to remain connected with individuals who share similar interests. Meeting both mentors and mentees has been an enlightening experience for me.
What advice do you have for women who aspire to work in the technology industry?
Hannah: Throughout history, it has been evident that women have been underrepresented in the IT industry, and in several teams, men vastly outnumber women. Nonetheless, I am glad to report a slow but steady shift happening in this aspect. Currently, at my workplace, around half of the engineers are women, which is still uncommon. However, I am pleased to see that more and more businesses are encouraging women to follow technology-based professions.
How can assisting others help you to achieve your professional objectives?
Rizwan: For the past six years at Works, I have had the privilege of leading our internal technical community. As the ancient Asian proverb goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”; and this is true when it comes to career development. Working in a team can be a highly fulfilling experience, enabling us to learn from one another and benefit from each other’s knowledge and expertise. Being a part of the Works community in Lahore, Pakistan is a thrilling experience, as there is always something new to learn, regardless of one’s experience level. With several lively and intriguing groups to join and explore, the potential for professional growth and development is nearly boundless. I derive immense satisfaction from assisting others, resolving problems, and being a productive community member, as no one likes to be the smartest person in the room.
What are some ways for non tech-savvy individuals to work remotely?
Saheed: In the beginning of my career, I was eager to explore various opportunities. Being a freelancer with expertise in SEO and web design allowed me to collaborate with individuals who shared similar interests in experimenting with new ideas. This provided me with valuable experience in both technical and commercial aspects of the industry, which puts me in an excellent position to succeed in the future. This has also enabled me to switch between departments in the technology industry. I constantly educate myself in new techniques to better serve my clients, particularly in the realm of ‘growth hacking’, which has helped me establish a successful remote profession. Conducting testing projects to enhance my portfolio was another key to preparing for remote work. Collaborating with others makes the transition to remote work much more seamless.
When looking for employment overseas, how can you utilize resources like Works’ talent network to their full potential?
Teri: When a customer initially inquired about my technical competence, I completed a test and earned entry into a talent network based on my work across various projects. To further improve my expertise, I would suggest applying for scholarships, such as the Google Asia Developer Scholarship. Moreover, Works provides an extensive range of training opportunities that can impress any client. Mentoring others who are enthusiastic about improving their own technical skills can also be an excellent way to expand your network. With Works, you can avail yourself of numerous unique opportunities, regardless of your location.
To obtain more information, please watch the video titled “How to work for global IT businesses anytime, anyplace” on YouTube.
Webinars on “How it Works”
Works aims to enable exceptional minds to collaborate and build a brighter future. We are motivated by the guidance and illumination of those who have come before us, contributing to the evolution of our world. As part of our pledge to assist our community in achieving their full potential, we have initiated a series of monthly webinars.
Our objective for these industry narratives is to encourage informative discussions that assist you in advancing your career by granting access to some of the globe’s most inspiring executives and engineers to share their expertise and knowledge, spanning from invention to career advice and guidance.
Spur a burst of innovative ideas: discover how Works can propel your career forward.
If you aspire to be a member of Works Community, you should join the Works Talent Network!
Our organization is dedicated to building diverse, global engineering teams from our broad network of over 175,000 technicians situated in more than 90 countries. Our members enjoy the growth and development opportunities offered through our online and offline platforms.
Joining the Works Talent Network is a simple process.
Simply provide us with your details via our online form, and then…
Complete a 15-minute English proficiency examination.
Undertake a one-hour technical assessment in the language of your preference (Python, Golang, etc.).
Arrange for a one-hour technical interview with one of our senior developers.
For further information, please visit the registration page for Works Talent Network.
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