This post was originally written by Lisa Thompson.
I’m coming home this week! And by “home,” I mean Firespring. I live in California, in the heart of Silicon Valley, but continue to work for this kick-ass company from a distance, which pretty much makes my life. (A bit dramatic, but I’m a writer, so I’m entitled.) I pop in the office around once every three months and each time it feels like I’m coming back to family.
I started with Firespring almost eight years ago, but moved west after about five. Luckily the company sent me off with a bon voyage and an arrangement for me to contribute from Cali. This is easily the best long distance relationship I’ve ever had.
Not gonna lie, I miss my coworkers, the free soda and the snarky (and I mean that in the best possible way) company culture. But I’m happy to be part of the team, albeit from 1,800 miles away. Telecommuting isn’t always easy, but it can be win-win for both parties if you do it right. Here’s my best advice if you ever get the chance.
STAY IN TOUCH
Nothing beats face-to-face interaction, which is why I travel back to Firespring often. But in the meantime, I email, text, chat, use Google Hangouts and phone calls to keep the lines of communication open. I try to stay as available as possible, nearly 24/7, not just 8–5.
APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY
Nobody held a gun to Firespring’s head and said, “Let Lisa work from California or else.” I get this opportunity because the company values what I bring to the table. As such, I make sure I bring it every day. It’s been three years since I moved west, and not a day goes by that I don’t wake up excited to get to work. I literally wake up, reach down for my laptop on the floor and get to work. In fact, I’m writing this in my pajamas right now. Do I appreciate that? Each and every day. (And I do get dressed eventually.)
CREATE A THING
This is not a must-have for telecommuting, but if you can make it happen, you’ll dig it. Since Firespring has some of my favorite people on the planet, I knew I’d want to see as many as possible when I came to town. So we created Lisapalooza. This is a Friday-night event that’s really just a good excuse for a party. We go to our favorite haunts. Drink beer and cocktails. Eat armadillo eggs at Buzzard Billy’s. And we catch up. This has happened almost every time I’ve traveled back to Lincoln. It keeps me updated and engaged with the company, and I get to laugh with my buddies. Win-win.
GET EVEN BETTER AT WHAT YOU DO
This applies whether you telecommute or not, but I firmly believe that if you work from a distance, you’d better show that you’re upping your game. I’m not the same writer that I was when I left three years ago. I’m better. And I’ve worked hard to get better. There’s a perception among some that telecommuting gives employees an opportunity to slough off. The best way to fight that? Be damn good at what you do. And then get better. If that’s your mindset, sloughing off will never be an option or a perception.