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Advice / Succeeding at Work / Productivity

What Is Telecommuting? Pros, Cons, and Best Careers to Consider

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In recent years, the concept of telecommuting has moved from a niche work style to an integral part of the modern job market. With many professionals embracing the flexibility and freedom it offers, telecommuting has reshaped our understanding of work, productivity, and balance.

But what does it mean to telecommute, and is it the same as remote work? For those exploring new and flexible work styles, this article covers all aspects, from the “telecommuting” definition to tips on how to land a telecommuting job.

Telecommute: Meaning

What is “telecommute?” At its core, the definition of telecommuting refers to working from outside a traditional office setting, often from home or another remote location, while staying connected to an employer via technology.

The term “telecommute” was coined in the 1970s and describes the process of “commuting” electronically rather than physically. Typically, telecommuting enables employees to work, collaborate, communicate, and fulfill tasks without needing to be onsite, often with the help of tools like email, video conferencing, and cloud platforms.

Telecommuting vs flextime

Flextime generally refers to work arrangements that give employees more control over when they work, though they still meet expected deadlines and productivity goals.

Telecommuting is an example of flextime, as it allows for flexibility in both location (whether working from home or another remote location) and, in some cases, work hours.

Telecommuting vs remote work

Remote work refers to any work done away from a physical office, often from home, a co-working space, or even a different city. Telecommuting typically implies that employees are within commuting distance of the main office and may occasionally be required to visit for meetings or events.

Telecommuters often have a hybrid arrangement where they split time between the workplace and their home office, while remote work is usually entirely offsite.

Telecommuting vs outsourcing

Outsourcing and telecommuting are examples of workplace trends that emphasize flexibility and adaptability in modern work environments, and both are strategies companies use to reduce costs—but they serve different purposes and involve distinct approaches.

The main difference is that outsourcing often involves third-party vendors or contractors. When we describe someone as telecommuting, it’s typically in reference to in-house employees who simply work outside the traditional office.

Plus, outsourcing is often used for specific projects or functions that can be clearly defined. Telecommuting is flexible for a range of job types, particularly those that don’t require a physical presence to accomplish tasks.

Pros and cons of telecommuting

As with any work arrangement, there are both benefits of telecommuting and potential downsides. Understanding these can help you make informed choices about pursuing a telecommuting role.

Advantages of telecommuting

  • Flexible schedule: Telecommuting often provides more flexibility in working hours, which can lead to a better work-life balance.
  • Reduced commuting stress and cost: Working from home saves on commuting time, transportation costs, and even parking fees, allowing more time for personal activities.
  • Improved productivity: Many telecommuters find that they can focus better without the usual office distractions, boosting productivity.
  • Lower environmental impact: Fewer cars on the road reduce emissions and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Disadvantages of telecommuting

  • Isolation and loneliness: Telecommuting can be isolating for individuals who thrive on social interaction and teamwork.
  • Blurred work-life boundaries: Without a physical office, work and personal life boundaries can become unclear, potentially leading to burnout.
  • Potential for distraction at home: The home environment can come with distractions, such as family, pets, or chores, that make it challenging to stay focused.
  • Dependence on technology: Telecommuting relies heavily on technology, which means issues like poor internet connections or software malfunctions can disrupt work.
  • Limited access to onsite resources: Telecommuters may not have immediate access to office resources or face-to-face support, which could be challenging for certain tasks.

Some of the best careers for telecommuting

Many fields lend themselves to telecommuting, allowing professionals across industries to thrive remotely. The following is a list of some of the most popular telecommute jobs and careers.

Software development

Coders, developers, and software engineers can work effectively from anywhere with an internet connection, making this one of the most remote-friendly careers.

Writing and content creation

Writers, editors, and content creators often telecommute to produce articles, blogs, and marketing materials for companies globally.

Customer service

Many companies hire remote customer service representatives to handle inquiries, troubleshoot issues, and provide customer support.

Marketing and digital advertising

Marketing roles, such as social media management and digital marketing, are highly compatible with telecommuting, as they mainly require internet tools and platforms.

Accounting and finance

Bookkeeping, accounting, and other financial services can be done remotely, especially with modern software for managing finances and reports.

Graphic design

Designers frequently telecommute to work on projects, using tools like Adobe Creative Suite to communicate and collaborate with clients.

Project management

Project managers coordinate teams and ensure project milestones are met, often using project management software that supports remote collaboration.

Bonus tips for landing a telecommuting job

If you’re ready to start telecommuting, follow these tips to find a job and succeed in the role.

  • Build a telecommuting-friendly resume. A resume for telecommuting should highlight any experience with remote work or the skills that make you a good fit for a remote job. Emphasize communication, time management, and tech skills, as these are key for telecommuting roles.
  • Use the right job search platforms. While general job boards like LinkedIn can be useful, there are platforms where you can specifically filter for telecommuting and remote jobs, such as The Muse (hi!). These sites often feature telecommuting positions across various industries, helping you narrow your search.
  • Prepare for virtual interviews. For telecommuting roles, virtual interviews are standard. Ensure your interview setup is professional, with good lighting, a quiet background, and a reliable internet connection. Practice with video calls so you become comfortable with virtual interactions.
  • Show your tech-savviness. Employers want to know that telecommuting employees are comfortable with the technology required for remote work. Highlight your familiarity with collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams) and any relevant software during interviews.
  • Establish a professional home office setup. Having a dedicated workspace can improve productivity and create clear boundaries between work and home life. A comfortable chair, desk, and high-speed internet are essential for telecommuting success. Additionally, some companies may offer stipends for setting up a home office.

Pro tip for those already employed: If you're considering a telecommuting agreement with your current employer, do your research before starting the conversation. Review your company’s policies to see if telecommuting is already an option or if there are any precedents you can reference.