Full-Time Remote Work: Insights from Our Team

Picture this: no commute, favorite mug in hand, home's comfort all around. What seemed like a fleeting pandemic solution has transformed into a new professional landscape—redefining productivity, connection, and work-life balance for today's workforce.

Meet May and Ave, two of Apex’s full-time remote employees. They share their unfiltered stories, from challenges faced to strategies that work. Whether you're a remote work veteran or considering the switch, their insights offer a firsthand look at the rewards and challenges of this evolving work style.

I started working remotely three years ago. As a new mom, balancing work and family responsibilities was my top priority, and remote work offered a flexibility I couldn’t pass up. I’d heard a lot about remote work since the pandemic, so I took the leap—and today, I’m glad I did!

For me, the biggest benefit of remote work has been its positive impact on my health and well-being. We’re less likely to take sick days since we can manage our health from home. Plus, skipping the commute saves time and money, which means more quality time with my family.

Thanks to remote work, I’ve had more time to travel, explore nature, and embrace new adventures.

Of course, remote work has its challenges too. Like many remote workers, I deal with occasional power outages, unreliable internet, and unexpected technical issues. Each disruption throws off my workflow a bit, so I’ve had to stay flexible and adjust on the go.

Another challenge is staying connected with the team. Remote work can feel isolating at times. Without those in-person interactions, there are fewer opportunities for spontaneous conversations or quick check-ins, which can make the workday feel a bit more detached.

To address these challenges, I prioritize staying connected with my team through virtual meetings, online team bonding activities, and occasional face-to-face interactions. These efforts help bridge the sense of isolation and foster a stronger connection with colleagues.

When I feel overwhelmed by work and responsibilities at home, I carve out time for self-care and family activities. Whether it’s a trip to the mall, a food adventure, or a quick family getaway, these moments help me recharge and maintain balance.

I remember thinking, before the pandemic, that I said I could never work remotely full-time. Sure, I’d bring my laptop home and wrap up tasks after hours, but the idea of working entirely from home felt like a completely different challenge. Then, just a year before the pandemic hit, an opportunity for remote work came up, and I decided to give it a try. Looking back, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise—I’ve now been working remotely for five years.

I’m sure you’ve heard some funny misconceptions about remote work, like people imagining us typing away from bed, surrounded by snacks. Some even think we’re working poolside in sunglasses. As tempting as that sounds, the reality of remote work is far more than those clichés. It requires a high level of responsibility, integrity, and discipline—qualities that may not make for catchy memes but are essential for making remote work successful.

The biggest benefit I've experienced from working remotely is the ability to be more present in the moment. I can set aside time for chores, enjoy leisure activities, and prioritize my health—without constantly thinking about work.

Since working remotely, I've had the chance to tap into my creativity, enjoy more reading, and explore the great outdoors through travel and hiking.

Working remotely comes with its share of challenges—background noise, the TV, games, and countless other distractions. Maintaining a clear boundary between personal and professional life isn’t always easy.

Another challenge is not having a dedicated workspace. It’s something that many remote workers face, and it can make it difficult to stay focused and feel truly “at work” when home life is all around you.

And yes, I completely resonate with the feeling of isolation. In my previous role, I was surrounded by events and constant face-to-face interactions, so it’s been challenging to adjust to working alone after being part of a large team. But, as we often do, we try to adapt and learn. It's all about finding new ways to connect and keep that sense of teamwork alive, even from a distance.

One of the first things I learned is the importance of creating a dedicated workspace. Start small but functional—a sturdy table with enough space, a comfortable chair, and ideally, dual monitors. This setup helps you feel like you're in “work mode” rather than just grabbing a laptop and working wherever there's an empty spot, which can lead to interruptions from other members of the household.

Since working from home can sometimes lead to long stretches without going outside, there's also the risk of falling into a sedentary routine. To counter this, I set aside two hours each day to go for a jog or hike, which gives me a mental reset and keeps me energized for the work ahead.

Having the right tools is also essential. Thanks to technology, I can manage work efficiently even across time zones. I use a time converter and world clock to help me schedule meetings, and an online workspace to organize projects and collaborate with my team.

The most important strategy I’ve embraced is prioritizing an 8-hour sleep and being mindful of my food intake. With the kitchen just a few steps away, it’s easy to overindulge, but I’ve made it a habit to focus on healthy meals and snacks. At the same time, I strike a balance by going out with friends and enjoying a delicious meal.

Now that many of us have experienced working from home, it’s clear that the shift to remote work has made maintaining a work-life balance more challenging than we once imagined. It demands a combination of self-discipline, time management, and clear boundaries—along with strong support from employers.

I hope some of these strategies will help you find your own balance and make remote work a rewarding experience. What’s your secret to staying productive while working remotely? Share your thoughts in the comments below!