How to Work Remotely from Anywhere: The Ultimate Guide

The ideal work setting is no longer a stuffy office cubicle (but honestly, when was it ever?). 

With a workforce forever changed by the impact of the 2020 pandemic, today’s desk warriors are after something new: work flexibility that fits their lifestyles – not the other way around. Hear, hear! 

Whether you are just joining the ranks of the remote-first movement, considering a job switch to find a more remote-friendly role, or simply looking to switch up your home office and learn how to work remotely from anywhere, this guide will give you everything you need to get started, gain confidence, and ultimately, figure out exactly how to work remotely from anywhere.

Let’s dive in!

RELATED: How to Find a Remote Job – Everything You Need to Know

First, What Is Remote Work?

Remote work is all about flexibility and freedom. It is a work arrangement that enables workers to telecommute outside of a traditional office setting, whether that’s at home, at a coffee shop, or across the globe. Remote work has boomed in popularity and demand in recent years as work culture evolves post-COVID-19, and as technologies improve companies’ abilities to get things done in virtual settings. 

There’s a common misconception that remote work is easier than being in an office setting, and while there are certainly tons of advantages, it isn’t all a walk in the park!

Working remotely requires discipline and a high level of self-direction and organization.  If you’re able to be self-motivated and accountable without being tethered to an office, you’ll thrive. On the flip side, if you find comfort in structure and in being surrounded by peers, working remotely might be a bit more challenging, but you can still create new systems that work for you. 

Unlike office cubicle culture, remote work isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are a lot of different types of remote work you can try on for size depending on your industry, career, and lifestyle goals.

Let’s break the most common remote work styles down below. 

Different Kinds of Remote Work

1. Telecommuter / Remote Worker: Telecommuters often work from home or a location close to home, such as a coffee shop or coworking space. As of 2023, around 12.7% of full-time employees in the US work remotely full-time. 
2. Hybrid Worker: The hybrid worker is someone who divides their time between physically being in the office and working remotely. Hybrid schedules tend to be flexible and may or may not have a structured cadence of in-office versus remote days. As of 2023, around 28.2% of full-time employees operate on a hybrid schedule! 
3. Digital Nomad: Digital nomads are remote workers who typically travel and work from different locations on a constant, ongoing basis. They use technology and internet connectivity to perform their tasks, often from coffee shops, public libraries, co-working spaces, hotels, or short-term leases. For more info, check out my full guide to becoming a digital nomad next.*
4. Workationer: Workations are a relatively new style of travel that involves taking your work on the road with you. While true vacations may be about unplugging and exploring, a workation is about changing up your surroundings and experiencing new things without using your vacation days. Workations can be an ideal way of ‘sampling’ remote work even if you have an office job, as it allows you to work remotely for a shorter period of time, like a week or a month (which is often easier to get approved than a full-time remote work arrangement). For more info, check out my full guide to workations next.*

Personally, I am a remote worker myself and bounce between being a digital nomad (where I travel for a few months at a time) and a workationer (where I might spend a week or two somewhere new and combine my trip with a couple PTO days). I am proof that remote work is ultra-adaptable and incredibly rewarding if you find the ways to make it work best for you and your life! 

RELATED: What is a Digital Nomad vs a Remote Worker?

How to Find a Remote Job

If you are hoping to make your current job remote, or increase the flexibility you already have in your role, scroll past this section and dive right into my tips for working remotely from different environments.

However, if you’re looking to switch jobs so you can work remotely, this section’s just for you. There are tons of resources to help you find your next great remote-friendly role.

Here are some top places to look for remote jobs:

• Remote Job Boards: Websites like We Work Remotely, Remote.co, and FlexJobs are dedicated to remote job listings.
• General Job Boards: Platforms such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor have filters for remote job opportunities.
• Gig Job Boards: Many gig jobs can be done remotely. Websites like PeoplePerHour, Fiverr, SolidGigs, and UpWork are dedicated to connecting people with gig job listings. 
• Company Career Pages: Check the career sections of companies you’re interested in, as many now offer remote positions.
• Networking: Leverage professional networks and social media to discover remote job openings through connections and industry groups.

Of course, applying to a remote job is a bit different from applying to an in-person role. For tips on how to update your resume, how to nail the interview, and more, make sure you queue up my full guide on how to find a remote job next.

How to Ask Your Boss to Work Remotely

If you have an in-person job you love but aren’t sure whether remote work is an option, you really will never know unless you ask!

Some companies, and bosses, may be reluctant to let go of office culture, but with the way remote work has boomed in the last decade or so, it’s impossible to ignore the possibilities that come with increased location flexibility. 

Here are some tips to help you prepare: 

• Check Your Company’s Policies: Does your company already have a remote work policy? If yes, your ask will be easier. If not, you may be a guinea pig for your team, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
• Do Your Research: How do remote-first companies and employees thrive in roles similar to yours? What would need to change about your role in order for you to be remote? What would stay the same, or improve?
• Prepare a Thoughtful Email: Prepare an email or request a 1-on-1 outlining your ask. Show that you’ve done your homework and lead with the value for the company and your team. If you think there may be any hesitation, consider offering a trial period or a short workation to test your remote work transition out first and prove that your responsibilities won’t be negatively impacted.
• Be Patient and Flexible: It may take some time for your request to be fully considered or approved. Be patient and open to testing different solutions that work for both you and your team.

For more tips and sample email templates you can steal, check out my full guide on how to ask your boss to work remotely next.

Managing a Team While Working Remotely

If you manage a team, you will have to make extra considerations and plan for their continued success as you begin to work remotely.

Consider any possible obstacles and bottlenecks your new work setup might cause and put together a transition strategy or policy change that ensures your collaboration and communication will remain seamless moving forward. 

Here are a few tips to ensure your team’s continued success once you start working remotely:

• Establish Clear and Consistent Communication: Utilize digital tools such as Zoom, Slack, or Microsoft Teams to facilitate regular check-ins and discussions.
• Create SOPS (standard operating procedures): Ensure that everyone in the team clearly understands their roles and responsibilities in this new arrangement. Outline expectations regarding everything from communication cadences to workflows, to performance standards. Regularly review these expectations and open up a feedback loop so your team can feel comfortable voicing what’s working and what isn’t.
• Maintain Relationships: Working remotely means missing the ‘water cooler chat’ of past in-office days. It’s important to keep casual conversation and relationship-building a priority in meetings and 1:1s. Make sure to also plan offsites and get-togethers regularly as well so you can get face time as a team!
• Trust Your Team: Micromanaging can be counterproductive in a remote work setup. Instead, trust your team to accomplish tasks independently and provide support as necessary.

How to Work Remotely from Anywhere: Tips for Navigating Different Remote Work Environments 

From working from a beach in Belize to simply taking your job to your favorite coffee shop down the street, there are many unique nuances to working from different locations that you’ll want to keep in mind.

Your work setup can make or break your success as a remote worker, so preparing properly is critical, especially in your first few weeks or months when making a good impression is your biggest priority! 

Tips for Working from Home

Working from home is exactly as it sounds, and it is the foundation of the telecommuting movement. Whether you have your own dedicated office space at home, or you’re sharing a workspace with your spouse, working from home can be a great way to add flexibility into your life (and work in sweatpants while you’re at it).

Here are some things to consider when you work from home:

1. Invest in Essential Remote Working Tools: Ensure you have all the necessary tools for working remotely. This could include a reliable laptop and smartphone, noise-canceling headphones, portable chargers, adaptors, and even a mobile hotspot for those instances where Wi-Fi might be unreliable.
2. Create a Dedicated Workspace: Set aside a specific area in your home for work – ideally one with minimal distractions and good lighting. This will help you stay focused during work hours. If possible, avoid working from your bed or couch (I know, I know), as it can lead to poor posture and, potentially, less productivity.
3. Establish a Routine: One of the biggest challenges of working from home is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. To help combat this, create a daily routine that mimics a traditional office setting. Set regular working hours and take breaks for meals, exercise, and other daily activities. If it helps you unplug, pick an activity or ritual that symbolizes the end of your workday. For me, it’s going on a walk at the beginning of the evening!
4. Ensure You Have Strong WiFi: A stable internet connection is crucial for remote work, especially if your job involves video conferencing. Invest in a reliable modem and router, and consider upgrading your internet speed if necessary.
5. Manage Your Background Noise: Working from home means that you won’t always be able to control your environment. From a knock on the door to your partner making coffee in the kitchen, life will be happening all around you. Most people will understand this and it’s totally okay. But, if you’re someone that gets easily distracted by noise, you may want to invest in some good noise-cancelling headphones to help keep you focused.

Tips for Working from a Coffee Shop or Public Space 

There’s something romantic about working from a coffee shop. You’re in a cozy space buzzing with life, surrounded by creative conversations, first dates, other working professionals, and the sweet smell of espresso brewing. It can be energizing, but it can also be a bit overwhelming.

To make the most of working from a coffee shop or public space, consider the following:

1. Do Your Research: Do they have good WiFi and a comfortable workspace for taking calls? Are they remote work-friendly? Have they been reviewed online by other remote workers?
2. Invest in Noise-Cancelling Tools: Consider buying a good pair of noise-canceling headphones or use an audio tool to remove background noise when you’re on calls, like Krisp.
3. Choose a Quiet Spot: Find a more secluded area of the coffee shop or public space where you can work without distractions. If possible, position yourself with your back to a wall to control your background in case of any virtual meetings you might have.
4. Have a Backup Plan: If your preferred location is too crowded or loud, consider backup options or alternative workspaces nearby.
5. Alternatives to Coffee Shops: Coffee shops aren’t the only public spaces you can work from when you need a break from your house. Consider working from libraries, community centers, university campuses, breweries, and other alternatives that offer public WiFi in your neighborhood.

Tips for Working Remotely From a Coworking Space

Remote work establishments like coworking spaces are specifically designed for professionals who want a dedicated, reliable workspace outside their homes.

They typically offer amenities such as high-speed internet, ergonomic furniture, meeting rooms, and networking opportunities.

Choosing a remote work establishment like a coworking space, or even membership clubs like SoHo House, can facilitate a more conducive work experience, particularly for tasks that require greater concentration and professionalism.

To make the most of working remotely from a coworking space, consider these tips:

• Shop Around for the Perfect Environment: Before committing to a specific coworking space, consider getting a day pass to a couple different establishments. This allows you to experience their atmospheres, facilities, and amenities firsthand, helping you identify which environment best suits your work style and preferences.
• Figure Out Your Coworking Priorities: Determine what aspects are most important to you. Do you prefer a vibrant remote work community with plenty of networking events, or is affordability and proximity your main concern? Do you need a space that offers locations in multiple cities or countries for easy access while traveling? Or do you just need a place down the street from your house? For me, my biggest priority is finding a coworking space with hours that are compatible with my work schedule.
• Evaluate Amenities: Look closely at the amenities offered by potential coworking spaces. Essential features include high-speed internet, meeting rooms, printing and scanning options, comfortable furniture, and hours that fit your work schedule. Nice-to-have amenities could include things like wellness perks, networking events, coffee, food, and culture.
• Consider Pricing: Remote work should support your lifestyle, not drain your finances. Investigate the pricing structures of various spaces, including monthly memberships, day passes, or any hidden fees. Select an option that fits your budget while still providing the necessary resources for productive work. Some remote companies may offer employees a stipend, discount, or reimbursement for coworking memberships too!

For more tips, check out my full guide on how to find a coworking space next.

Tips for Working Remotely While Traveling

Working remotely while traveling can be a rewardingly freeing experience. It can allow you to see and spend more time in new places and take control of your schedule.

Whether you’re aspiring to be a digital nomad who works remotely while traveling full-time, or to simply take a workation from time to time, mastering the art of working remotely in changing environments will be key.

To become adept at working remotely while traveling, consider these tips:

• Start Small: You don’t have to jump straight into long-term nomadic living. Begin with a short getaway to test your adaptability to a new environment. Add a couple days to an upcoming business trip or weekend getaway and see how that feels with your work schedule. As you start to learn what aspects of your job are compatible with remote work while traveling, and which need adjusting, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of your possibilities and limitations. For example, I need to be on calls frequently throughout the business day in my home city of Los Angeles, which would make working remotely from Asia challenging (though not impossible!).
• Consider Home Responsibilities: Take note of the things in your home that will need attention while you’re away, such as plants, mail, and pets. Begin planning how you can manage these responsibilities during longer trips. You might need to arrange for a friend or a professional service to care for things or pick up your mail for you, depending on how long you’ll be gone.
• Choose a Location with Reliable Internet: This can be a challenge to predict, but do your research as much as possible ahead of time when it comes to WiFi. Have other people worked remotely from the place you’re traveling to? Are there coworking spaces or coffee shops known to be work-friendly? Does your hotel or rental home have good reviews for internet connectivity?
• Prepare for Different Time Zones: If you’re traveling to a location in a different time zone, adjust your schedule accordingly to meet your work commitments. This could mean working at different hours so you’re consistent with your regular working hours, or working asynchronously if that’s okay with your employer.
• Always Have a Backup Plan: Working remotely while traveling involves being adaptable to changing environments, and with that comes learning to plan ahead for when things don’t go your way. Coffee shop you went to doesn’t have WiFi? Carry a personal hotspot or find another place to work from next. Power outage right before a Zoom call? Make sure your coworker knows ahead of time so they can cover for you on the call.

How to Be Successful While Working Remotely

Now that you know how to navigate different environments while working remotely, the last step is to make sure you are doing it well! Anyone can crack open a laptop from a cafe in Europe, but maintaining a job or career effectively while working remotely is a different story. Finding a rhythm and routine that works well for you and your job while working remotely is critical to ensuring you’ll be able to retain your work-life flexibility for the long-haul (if that’s what you want to do, of course!).

Because of this, I’ll leave you with some final tips on how to be successful while working remotely that I’ve learned, and that have helped me immensely, along the way.

Maintaining Professionalism & Work Relationships 

Without face-to-face interactions, communication and collaboration can be challenging. Remote work requires a different approach to maintaining professionalism and fostering relationships compared to traditional office settings.

It’s easy to focus only on your individual tasks and operate in a silo, but you’ll want to also make sure that you maintain regular virtual 1-on-1s and conversations with the people you work with. Doing so helps you remain connected to the rest of your team (especially if you’re the only one that is remote), and adds a layer of accountability for yourself.

Proximity Bias in the Workplace (And What You Can Do About It)

It’s an unfortunate fact that on average, remote workers are less likely to get promoted and viewed less favorably by managers in the US, especially in hybrid or in-person office environments. This is known as ‘proximity bias,’ and while it is lessening as remote work becomes more culturally accepted, it is still something you might experience in your work environment. When I first started working remotely while traveling, I had multiple run-ins with managers about whether or not I was doing my job (I was), and whether or not I was abusing their hybrid policies (I wasn’t).

To be successful at remote work, you may need to overcompensate for your physical absence by making your presence felt in other ways, especially when you’re just starting out. Use video conferencing tools, show up on-camera, host regular 1-on-1s, and over-communicate on your projects. When you have a workplace win, be loud about it – celebrate yourself and your team whenever appropriate so the company is reminded of the value you bring to the table.

Last but not least, when you are home, make it a point to see your colleagues, whether in the office, for coffee dates, or at company events. This can help massively to combat proximity bias.

Being Honest about Your Goals and Ambitions

When I first started dipping my toe into remote work while traveling, I felt the need to hide what I was doing from my colleagues. I worried that others would start to second-guess my work, and value me less, simply because I was signing on from a different city.

And sure, at the beginning, some of my colleagues did feel that way. A few were even quick to tell me just how distracting my absences were, and reprimand me for using what was ultimately a well-established corporate policy.

What I have learned over the years is that 1. most of those people who were quick to pass judgment on me were actually just projecting, and they were quite toxic (fortunately, they are no longer my coworkers); and 2. if you have the right company culture and team surrounding you, honesty shouldn’t feel scary.

Today, my colleagues know that I work remotely and travel because not only do I run a travel website, but because doing so fills my cup. I’ve done the work to make it clear that my performance doesn’t suffer when I travel, and in fact, most of the time, I thrive. I’ve learned that honesty and sincerity, balancing my own goals with a fierce commitment to doing good work no matter where I am, can be celebrated in our crazy, cutthroat corporate culture.

If you’re reading this and still unsure, it could be worth asking yourself whether you are already lacking support and emotional stability in your workplace.

Supporting Other Remote Workers

On the flip side, supporting your colleagues who also work remotely is equally crucial to being successful.

I owe so much of my success working remotely to my peers and work friends. I know who to call on for help when my WiFi goes down (and, I no longer feel guilty about it!), I know who to ask to cover me when I want to take time off, and I know who to reach out to to fill me in if I’ve missed any water cooler chat or company updates along the way. These exact people also know that they can reach out to me for the same.

If everyone is more supportive of the evolution of remote work, everyone will benefit.

Trying New Things

Remote work is not only about increased flexibility. It’s also about changing your scenery and leaving your comfort zone.

With the time you save from commuting, consider trying new hobbies or changing up your environments from time to time to keep things interesting. When you travel while working remotely, use the time zone to your advantage and surround your workday with activities and exploration.

It can be so easy to glue yourself to your laptop 24/7 when remote, and in fact, many people (myself included) find that you actually work more when you aren’t fixed to in-office hours. So let this be my reminder to you that remote work should be about finding balance and enriching your life with things you couldn’t do before. Whether it’s as simple as spending more time with your kids or your friends, or as major as traveling the world, your remote schedule can be a game-changer for adding new things to your life that fill your cup.

Finding Community

If you’re like me and plan to use your remote schedule to travel, finding a like-minded community can substantially impact your experience and success. This is especially helpful if you tend to feel a bit lonely as a remote worker!

I frequently engage with expat or nomad Facebook groups, research different communities, and seek out group trips or workation hubs to help me meet new people and get advice for wherever it is I’m planning to work from.

Organizations such as Nomad List provide valuable resources for connecting with other digital nomads and discovering the best destinations for remote work. Group trips by companies like Noma Collective and Remote Year are designed specifically for digital nomads, offering a blend of travel experience and a tight-knit community. Coliving apartment brands like Outsite and coworking hostels like Selina offer both accommodation and reliable remote work environments to give you peace of mind. These are just a few of the many ways to build community when you begin to work remotely!

The world of remote work is rapidly expanding, and being able to work remotely from anywhere is an exciting adventure. If you have any other questions about how to work remotely,  let me know in the comments below.

Read This Next:

• How to Ask Your Boss To Let You Work Remotely
• What is a Digital Nomad vs a Remote Worker? Pros, Cons, and Choosing What’s Right for You
• Remote Work Travel Programs Reviewed: My Noma Collective Experience
• How to Nail the Virtual Interview: Tips for the Modern Job Seeker
• How to Find a Coworking Space You’ll Love
• How to Find a Remote Job: Everything You Need to Know
• How (and Why) to Include Travel on Your Resume
• The Top Employee Benefits to Look Out for If You Love to Travel
• Essential Remote Work Tools for Successful Work Anywhere
• 18 Careers That Allow You To Work Remote

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