The Unexpected Gifts of Remote Work
In the age of rapid digitization, the conversation around remote work is rife with opinions. While the tussle between remote, hybrid, and in-person work models continues, I’d like to take a step back and share my own experience.
You see, for a considerable time in my professional life, the dazzling streets of NYC were my playground. The city's vibrancy, its people, the pulsating pace, and the electrifying culture captivated me. Yet, ensconced in the city’s embrace, I was blissfully unaware of a constraint: the limited scope of my interactions. My circle, while diverse in its own right, mostly revolved around fellow Northeastern USers.
Fast forward to today, and the canvas of my professional interactions has expanded dramatically. My team now spans three countries – the US (spread across five states), Colombia, and Canada. For someone who's always had a fascination for cultures and people (calling out to my fellow anthropology aficionados), this shift has been nothing short of an enlightening journey. It mirrors how I felt during my study abroad days in college.
Every day, I'm flooded with gratitude for having crossed paths with such remarkable individuals – colleagues I never would have met in a conventional workspace. I cherish the daily lessons, the peeks into their lives, and the vibrant tapestry of their cultures that they generously share with me. My mind and heart have expanded, my perspectives enriched, and my world feels a lot more connected and inclusive – all thanks to them.
So, here's my tribute to the unsung heroes of my journey: My awe-inspiring team, the visionary ethos of Very that cultivated this enriching ecosystem, and the technology that has made 'remote' seem so close and personal.
Embrace the nuances of remote work. Beyond the convenience and flexibility, it offers a chance to build bridges across geographies and to grow, both professionally and personally.