FT Remote work

[leighb]

I'm considering a job as a lesson developer for Desmos.  I have some reservations that I'm hoping you all could help me think about. Currently, I control my own schedule doing a variety of jobs within math education. I'm pretty content with my current situation. However, I really like the idea of learning something new and might like having one job instead of a few. 

• I've never had an "office job" and I'm worried about sitting all day doing one thing. Do you find it hard to focus? Is it hard on your body? Do you really sit on your computer for 8 hours a day?
• I'm use to an academic calendar, with periods of intensity, variety of work and breaks throughout the year. I have this idea that many people are doing the same thing day after day, year after year.
• It's remote. I'm currently teaching remotely but have relationships that were first established in person. Is social isolation an issue? How flexible is it?
• I'm worried about giving up my current situation that I have a lot of control over. But it might be worth it in order to grow
• I like that I could take this job with me if I travel or move so in giving up some flexibly I might gain another

I assume many of you work remotely. What's it like? Are my reservations well founded?

[chicagomeg]

I've only been working remote FT since COVID but had some thoughts that might be of use:

• I think this depends on your office culture. At my job, it's perfectly normal to work 6-7 hours during the day & sign back on in the evening, or tell my coworkers I'm taking a long walk in the middle of the gym. However, it's generally expected I'm available for meetings during our core hours so I'm at my desk more often than not between 9-5.
• Every job has busy periods & quiet periods. The amount of variation varies, probably also something worth asking about. I don't typically feel like I'm doing the same thing over & over as there are new projects, new growth opportunities, etc.
• In terms of the pros/cons of being fully remote, my perception is that it's actually easier with a company like this where it was intended from the beginning that everyone would be remote. That means you're on equal grounds and a company that intends to have well connected employees & a good collegial culture is forced to be thoughtful about how to make that happen. There are lonely days for me but I think it would be better if were our norm as a company rather than just a time period we need to "get through"

I think your 4th & 5th bullets are personal things that only you can weigh for yourself.