One of the common reasons for people quitting the office for a remote job is avoiding the commute to and from work. No more waiting for a delayed train or stuck in traffic queues.

If you have worked in an office, you will have likely spent time staring out of the window, wishing to escape and be somewhere else. If these reasons to quit the office for a remote job sound attractive, then it’s time to think about your future.

More time to do the things you love

The daily commute can add 1 to 2 hours on to your working day, and by the time you arrive home from the office, you’re too exhausted to do anything, other than lay on the sofa, eat and watch TV.

When working remotely, you can put the commuting time to good use – spend time on your passions, exercise, have a leisurely breakfast, read, wake up naturally. All of these are ways to reduce work-related stress.

The goal is to find a remote job with an employer who is flexible with your working hours. Fully remote companies will realise the benefits of having a flexible work routine, so you have more time to do the things you love.

Being able to plan your work around your lifestyle is a game-changer.

Avoid office politics

Office politics is one of the biggest stress factors at work. You’re working with people who have different personalities. There are debates around the office being too warm, or cold depending on the time of the year.

Some colleagues will be sociable in the morning, while others are moody until lunchtime. Everyone reacts differently to certain work situations.

In many offices, you can spend hours of your working day stuck in meetings. Compare this with full remote companies who communicate using tools like Slack. Weekly update meetings are time-limited and in the comfort of your home.

Increased productivity

While there are noise distractions at home, in coffee shops and co-working spaces, these can be easily blocked out using noise-cancelling headphones. Most companies do not allow their employees to wear gear like this due to health and safety reasons.

So, any noisy distractions like work colleagues are difficult to block out, and the office environment affects productivity.

You’re working in an office where you are expected to sit down and work for 8 hours, with just a lunch break. Of course, performance is going to be affected. Working remotely allows you to create a work schedule that suits your daily routine, including regular breaks.

A survey conducted by Connect Solutions reported that those who work remotely, 77% stated they were more productive, and 30% stated they accomplished more in less time than when they worked in an office.

Health benefits

Having a work-life balance is a benefit of a remote job and fully remote companies realise the need to keep their workforce healthy and happy.

Rather than commuting, you have the option of exercising and taking regular breaks to help you keep moving. One of the biggest changes observed when you transition into a remote job, is you have more time in your day to get out for fresh air, to stretch your legs and exercise.

According to the Office of National Statistics, the number of people taking sick days has halved since 1993. Experts suggest the shifting work culture to remote working is one of the reasons for the decrease.

Let’s be honest, you go to work when you’re sick because of a fear of judgment from your boss, and this only makes the situation worse as colleagues also contract your illness, sending sick levels up.

Disadvantages of a remote job

There are certain disadvantages of a remote job, from the isolation of working alone, to feeling that you’re always switched-on for work. Some employers can take advantage of this.

You must have a reliable internet connection because if you are unable to work remotely then this will have an impact on you being able to carry out the duties and could result in you losing your job.

It will take you time to adjust to working from home and making sure that you have a good set-up and routine so you can work to a high standard.