Do you feel that you’ve been running on autopilot at work lately? You’re not alone! It’s easy to get complacent in a role that makes you feel comfortable, after all.

Compensation, benefits, amenities—any or all of these can stop you from looking beyond your current position so you start putting down roots instead. It won’t be until later that you realise that you’re stuck in a dead-end job.

Changing gears late in your career is going to be like pulling teeth though. By then, you won’t have as much time or energy to hone new skills or to restart at the bottom rung on a different path.

If you’re the type who doesn’t want to bother, you will have little choice but to sit in front of a computer doing the same old thing day after day. Forcing yourself to continue working may get some results but will also put at lot of stress on your mind and body.

Imagine how frustrating, boring, and tiresome that’s going to be in the years to come. It won’t be a surprise if you begin to experience signs of depression which will eventually manifest physically.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Rather than worry about what you’re going to do if you feel stagnant in your remote job, it’s smarter to stop from reaching that point altogether.

We’ve compiled a list of simple yet effective measures that’ll aid you in your efforts.

Stay updated on the trends

You’d be surprised how many things can happen in six or even three months. What used to be the most effective SEO strategy may no longer work thanks to the latest algorithm update, for instance.

This makes it important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in your field. Not only will this help you compete with other virtual employees but also you will be able to keep your brain busy.

Build up your network

Just because you work from home, doesn’t mean you have to live like a hermit. Check out online events where you can socialize with people who share similar interests or are in the same industry.

Expose yourself to a diverse group where you can discuss challenges and issues in the workplace. You might meet someone who will refer you to your next big client too.

Learn to unplug regularly

Taking a break is obvious and redundant advice but effective all the same. However, make sure that you take a quality break. Roaming around the house worrying about your project is no good. You have to clear your mind of the work clutter.

Cook a meal, play a casual game, or anything that gets your mind off those emails. A few minutes of meditation would be great because it reduces stress and improves focus.

Have a goal in mind

Consider rising up the remote work ladder, if it’s something that’s open to you. Keep updated records of your achievements and share them regularly with your boss so you’ll be in better standing to receive a promotion.

Instead of earning top employee status, maybe you want to establish your own firm in the future. Learn as much as you can about running a business then.

Grow your personal brand

Companies aren’t the only entities that can have brands; you can have one too as a remote professional.

Create content and contribute to websites or channels in your industry, among other thought leadership activities. Spend at least 30 minutes a day on your digital persona by posting on your Facebook page or publishing a tweet.

It’s possible to expand your skill set with podcasts through this.

Practice team play

You’ll always be part of a team, even if there’s only you and your client. That’s why it’s important to maintain good relationships with everyone you work with; this boosts your ability to collaborate.

Employers prefer workers who are able to cooperate with others anyway. Be genuine in your intentions and others will reciprocate. Besides, it’s easier to achieve success when people work together.

Find a suitable mentor

Having a teacher gives you access to constructive advice and feedback on aspects where you may be falling behind. Your mentor doesn’t necessarily have to be in the same organisation as you, although we recommend that they be at a higher position.

Gain a new perspective towards how you can tackle tasks or interact with your colleagues from a person with seniority in the field.

How Remote Workmate Can Help You

We at Remote Workmate continuously provide support to all of our virtual assistants through our Customer Success Managers, timely and relevant articles such as this one, and our ongoing efforts to connect our VAs with reputable employers so they won’t have to on their own.

All of this and more you can gain should you decide to work with RWM when you’re looking for a work-from-home job.

Whether you are transitioning from an office role or have been working remotely for years, we can assure you that we’re more than capable of meeting your needs as an offshore staffing agency.

Feel free to browse through our website to learn more about the work we do, and how you can be a part of it.