Remote work has become increasingly popular, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic forced many companies to adopt it as the norm. However, while many people dream of the flexibility and freedom that comes with remote work, the reality can be quite different.

As a junior Javascript developer who has been working remotely for a Hungarian company while living in Denmark, I have experienced the dark side of remote work. Important note, that I was the only one in the team, who worked from home.

Expectations vs. Reality
Like many people, I had always dreamed of working from home. I imagined working in my pajamas, sipping coffee from my favorite mug, and taking breaks to relax in a library or a cozy cafe. However, the reality of working remotely was quite different. I found myself spending 24/7 at home, doing everything from work to household chores, playing with my child, and watching movies with my husband. While I love our home, not being able to work from other places was hard. I tried working from a cafe or library, but the uncomfortable chairs and unreliable internet connection made it less than ideal.

Loneliness
One of the biggest challenges I faced with remote work was loneliness. While I appreciated the peace and quiet of working from home, I found myself missing the collegues and social interaction that comes with working in an office. My breaks were spent alone, and even though I tried to connect with colleagues through messaging apps, it was not the same as face-to-face interaction.

Lack of Routine and Burnout
Another major challenge was the lack of routine. Working from home meant that my workday was not clearly defined. While I had a morning routine with my family, my workday was spent sitting in front of a computer without any breaks or chit-chat. I found myself mentally exhausted and almost burned out from the constant focus on work without any meaningful breaks. Even when I tried using the Pomodoro technique, I found myself either postponing breaks or doing household chores instead of relaxing.

Conclusion
Working remotely can be a great option for many people, but it is not without its challenges. While the flexibility and freedom are certainly attractive, the lack of routine, social interaction, and burnout can take a toll on mental health. As a remote worker, it is important to find ways to stay connected with colleagues, create a routine, and take meaningful breaks to avoid burnout.

Unfortunately, I struggled to establish a routine and take breaks, which led to mental exhaustion and burnout. As a result, I realized that a hybrid work model, where I can work from the office on some days and from home on others, would be a better fit for me personally. This would allow me to have the benefits of remote work while also providing opportunities for social interaction and structure in my workday.

What is your experience with remote work? Have you experienced any challenges with it, and how have you overcome them?