Has anyone ever told you that remote work isn’t “real” work? Sometimes, family, friends, your grandma, and other people who don’t have remote occupations struggle to understand that remote work is work and has ups and downs just like any other occupation, the only exception being that you aren’t tied down to a specific place.
While it’s definitely possible to ignore or evade this question when it comes up, I’ve found a few ways to address it to help others understand that remote work is an occupation just like any other. While these conversations can get heated (especially if the question was asked in a rude or disrespectful manner), with these tips, you’ll be able to answer your family or friends in an amicable and polite way.
Let’s get started!
Quick-Glance Summary
- Explain that remote jobs require time and energy just like other occupations
- Provide specific examples of what you do to help them understand your role
- Discuss and apply boundaries as needed when you are on the clock
- Never be afraid to discuss that remote work is real work with anyone
Explain that Using Your Brain Requires Time and Energy Just like any Other Occupation
Any occupation requires two things: time and energy. Whether the energy comes from manual work (like physical jobs) or mental work (like remote jobs) is irrelevant, it’s still work! And one is not “easier” than the other – mental work requires just as much labor as physical work, the difference is you are using your brain instead of your hands. For example, students who use their brains to study can definitely attest to the fact that mental work requires just as much work, if not more at times, than physical work. Explaining this concept to your family member or friend might help them gain a greater understanding of remote and online work.
Provide Examples of What You Do to Help Them Understand Your Remote Role
There have been countless times when I’ve told someone what I do for my remote job and their faces go completely blank. If the person you are talking to has no experience or concept of remote work and what it entails, it can be helpful to provide a few specific examples of what you do day-to-day (without violating any company policies or NDAs, of course).
For instance, if you are a social media strategist, explain how you come up with the strategies and the processes needed to execute them. Or if you are a project manager, explain how you use tools (probably Excel, Trello, Asana, etc.) to organize the projects and how you collaborate with teams to complete these projects.
Discuss and Apply Boundaries as Needed During Work Times
One common difficulty with remote work is explaining to family and friends that just because you are at home does not mean you are available and able to chat, do chores, drive them to the airport, etc.! You are unavailable when you are online and working, just like you would be with an in-office job. The only difference between an in-office and remote job is the location, the amount of time, energy, and focus required is the same! Discussing this concept and applying boundaries when needed during work times goes a long way towards helping your family or friends adjust their mindsets on remote work and helping you focus when you are on the clock.
Never Be Afraid to Discuss That Your Remote Occupation is “Real” Work with Anyone
Sometimes, we avoid discussing our remote occupations with others, especially if we know they might respond in a rude or disrespectful manner. While this tip is not suggesting entering a heated conversation with someone, it is encouraging you to voice your thoughts and explain to others how your remote occupation is real work just like any other. During this conversation, stay calm, be polite, and remember that most of the time, these conversations come up not from malice but from a lack of understanding on your family/friend’s part since they have no experience or way to fully understand remote work unless they have done it themselves.
Remote Work is “Real” Work. End of Story!
Using the points above, you’ll be able to explain how remote work is real work to family, friends, your grandparents, or whoever asks! I know this can be a difficult conversation, but I hope using the points above makes it a bit easier and smoother. If you have additional advice on this topic, feel free to comment below for myself and our community!
FAQs
Even though you work remotely, it’s important to set boundaries with friends and family so that they understand that you are not available just because you are at home.
Start by discussing the fact that even though you are at home, you are on the clock and unavailable just as you would be if you worked in-office. Explain that once you are off the clock, then your time is your own, but during work hours, you need to create an environment at home where you are able to focus and do the work you are paid for. If needed, provide examples of what you can and cannot do during work hours (For example: I can go to lunch during my lunch hour, I can’t drive you to the airport during work hours even though I’m home, I can take a quick break to grab the mail, I can’t participate in household chores when I’m on the clock, etc.). Remind your family of your boundaries as needed in a kind and considerate manner and ensure that you uphold them.
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