Is Remote Work the Right Choice For You?

 If there’s one thing the COVID pandemic changed forever, it’s how we work. Practically overnight, millions of white-collar workers across the globe were sent home with their laptops, forced to transform kitchen tables into makeshift desks.

For many, especially introverts like myself, this shift felt like an unexpected silver lining. Without commutes, noisy open-plan offices, and rigid schedules, we discovered a sense of work-life balance and personal freedom we had never experienced before.

It’s no wonder so many people have fiercely resisted the push to return to the office full-time.

The Battle Over Returning to the Office

We’ve all seen the headlines: governments and employers demanding workers come back to their desks, often with little notice or flexibility. In the US, federal employees have faced orders to return to the office, even as mass layoffs sweep across the country, leaving workers with limited bargaining power.

Here in Australia, where I’m based, opposition leader Peter Dutton has announced that if his party wins the upcoming election, he’ll require all public service employees to work in the office five days a week. As someone who works for a state government department, I’ve already felt this creeping pressure. My employer hasn’t gone that far (yet), but the messaging is clear — they want us back in the office more often, and a full return could be looming.

For me — and countless others who’ve embraced a slower, more intentional way of life — the thought of permanently returning to the grind of commuting and office politics is daunting. That’s why I’m actively exploring a transition to permanent remote work as a freelancer.

If you’re dreaming of the same freedom, I’d love for you to follow my journey. Whether you want to become self-employed or simply negotiate more flexibility in your current role, there’s never been a better time to ask: Is remote work right for you?

Why Remote Work is Ideal for a Slow Living Lifestyle

If you value slowing down and living intentionally, remote work fits hand-in-glove with that lifestyle. Here are just a few reasons why:

1. Reduced Travel Time and Environmental Impact

Without a daily commute, you instantly reclaim hours of your life — hours you can spend with family, exercising, or simply enjoying your morning coffee. Plus, fewer cars on the road means lower emissions. Win-win.

2. More Time with Loved Ones

Instead of spending your evenings decompressing after a long day at the office, you can actually live your life — connecting with your partner, playing with your kids, or walking the dog.

3. Flexibility to Manage Life Admin

Pop a load of washing on between meetings. Be home when the plumber arrives. Cook a proper lunch. Remote work makes it easier to handle life’s everyday responsibilities without sacrificing your sanity.

4. Work on Your Own Terms

Some people thrive at 5am, others hit their stride after dinner. With remote work, you can often structure your day around your natural rhythms, boosting both productivity and well-being.

5. Space to Explore Passions and Side Hustles

Without exhausting commutes and mandatory office time, you have energy left for hobbies, creative projects, and even launching a side business.

6. A Less Frenetic Pace of Life

Ultimately, remote work allows you to create a life with fewer time pressures — a slower, calmer, and more intentional way of living that aligns beautifully with the Simply Slow Living ethos.

 Why Are Governments Pushing Us Back to the Office?

Despite all these benefits — and plenty of evidence that productivity hasn’t suffered — governments and some employers remain obsessed with physical attendance.

The reasons? They vary. Some leaders believe “real work” only happens when managers can physically see employees at their desks. Others have vested interests in propping up commercial real estate or city-centre economies.

Whatever the motive, the push disproportionately harms women, who still carry the bulk of domestic responsibilities. For many working mothers, the flexibility of remote work has been life-changing — losing it feels like a massive step backwards.

Dreaming of Location Independence? It’s More Possible Than You Think

If you’ve ever fantasised about setting your own hours, working from a cosy home office (or a sunny beach), or even becoming a digital nomad, remote work is your gateway to that dream. And thanks to technology, it’s more accessible than ever before — if you’re willing to put in the work.

How to Find Remote Work

1. Renegotiate Your Current Role

If you already have a job you enjoy, your first step might be renegotiating your contract to formalise remote or hybrid work options. Making this arrangement official removes uncertainty and gives you peace of mind.

2. Search Remote-Friendly Job Boards

Sites like SEEK, LinkedIn, and FlexJobs regularly post remote roles. Competition can be fierce, so make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are polished and highlight your remote work skills — things like time management, self-motivation, and tech-savviness.

3. Start a Home-Based Business

For those craving even more flexibility, a home-based business could be the answer. Options range from tutoring and pet-sitting to online product sales and creative ventures.

4. Embrace Freelancing

If you have skills in writing, graphic design, bookkeeping, virtual assistance, or countless other fields, freelancing offers freedom and variety. Even if you’re starting from scratch, you can build skills through online courses and free resources. The beginning is often tough, but persistence pays off — and demand for freelance talent is only growing.

My Own Journey to Remote Freedom

Personally, I have some experience with freelance writing and blogging, but becoming fully self-employed is a whole new challenge. I’m learning every day — and I’ll be sharing the ups and downs right here on Simply Slow Living. If you’re curious about freelancing, remote work, or building a slower lifestyle outside the 9-to-5, I’d love for you to follow along.

Oh, and if dystopian fiction is your thing, you can also check out my novel Omniscience, a thriller that’s feeling eerily relevant these days. You can grab a copy on Amazon.

Let’s embrace the future of work — on our own terms — and build slower, more intentional lives together.