A few years ago, if someone had told me that I’d be working online full-time, I probably would have laughed. Like many people, I thought “real work” required an office, a long commute, and maybe even some uncomfortable shoes. But here I am, years later, sitting at home in my comfy clothes, working online, and honestly… I can’t imagine ever going back to an office.
Let me tell you how it all happened, what I learned along the way, and why — spoiler alert — I’m never going back.
The Beginning: “Temporary” Remote Work
When the pandemic hit, like millions of others around the world, I was told to start working from home. At first, it felt temporary, like a weird little blip in the matrix. I set up a makeshift desk on my kitchen table, figured out how to connect to Zoom meetings, and struggled with remembering to mute my mic (oops).
At the time, I thought: “Okay, this will last a couple of months, then everything will go back to normal.” But as the weeks turned into months, I started noticing something… I was happier.
No more rushing out the door in the morning. No more sitting in traffic. No more eating soggy sandwiches at my desk because I couldn’t take a proper lunch break. I had time to breathe, stretch, and live.
The Freedom I Didn’t Know I Needed
One of the first things I realized about working online is how much freedom it gives you. Not just physical freedom — like working from your bed, a café, or even a different city — but mental freedom too.
At the office, there were constant interruptions: coworkers stopping by to chat, last-minute meetings, office politics. At home, I could focus on my work without all the extra noise. I could build my day around my energy levels. If I felt super productive in the morning, I’d dive into big projects early. If I needed a break in the afternoon, I’d take a walk or do a quick yoga session.
And guess what? My productivity didn’t drop. In fact, it improved.
Building My Online Work Life
As time went on, I started to explore more online opportunities. I realized that my skills — writing, editing, social media management — were all things I could do remotely, not just for my employer but for clients around the world.
So, I took the leap. I transitioned from being a full-time office employee to becoming a freelancer and digital nomad.
It was scary at first. Would I find enough clients? Would I make enough money? Would I be lonely working by myself?
The answers: yes, yes, and… sometimes.
The Challenges of Working Online
Let’s keep it real — working online isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There are definitely challenges.
1. Isolation
Sometimes I miss the casual office banter, those spontaneous coffee breaks, and just being around other humans. Working online can feel isolating, especially if you live alone.
To combat this, I joined a few online communities for freelancers and remote workers. I also make a point to meet friends for lunch or work from co-working spaces or cafés now and then. It helps keep the loneliness at bay.
2. Work-Life Balance
When your home becomes your office, it can be hard to “switch off.” I’ve had to set some boundaries, like not checking emails after dinner or designating a specific area of my apartment as my workspace.
3. Stability
Freelancing can be unpredictable. Some months are busier than others, and it took time to learn how to manage my finances, market myself, and stay motivated without a boss hovering over my shoulder.
But honestly? These challenges are worth it for the freedom and flexibility I’ve gained.
The Perks That Keep Me Online
So why haven’t I gone back to the office? Simple — the perks outweigh the downsides.
1. Flexibility
I set my own schedule. If I want to take a long lunch or work at midnight, I can. If I want to take a random Wednesday off to go hiking, no problem.
2. No Commute
This one is huge. The hours I used to spend commuting are now spent exercising, cooking healthy meals, or just relaxing. My stress levels have plummeted.
3. Global Opportunities
Working online has opened up a whole new world of possibilities. I’ve worked with clients in Europe, Asia, and South America — all from my tiny apartment. Geography doesn’t limit me anymore.
4. Personal Growth
Running my own freelance business has pushed me to learn new skills: marketing, networking, time management, and even basic accounting. I’ve become more independent and confident in my abilities.
My Favorite Part: The Lifestyle Shift
More than just a career change, working online has been a lifestyle shift. My days feel more intentional. I’m no longer living for the weekends or counting down the days to my next vacation — because my life now has more balance, every single day.
I’ve even done some work while traveling — a few weeks working from the beach in Mexico, a month in a cabin in the mountains. I’m not “trapped” in one place or by one company.
And that’s liberating.
Will I Ever Go Back to an Office?
Honestly? Highly unlikely.
Sure, there are things I miss about office life — team lunches, brainstorming sessions in person, the structured routine. But the freedom, flexibility, and autonomy I’ve gained are too valuable to give up.
Plus, the world of work has changed. Remote jobs and online businesses are more common than ever. Companies are realizing that people don’t need to be in the same building to collaborate effectively.
If anything, I think more people will follow this path in the coming years.
Final Thoughts: Is Online Work for Everyone?
No, not necessarily. Some people thrive in office environments with face-to-face interaction and structured routines. Others find working from home too distracting or isolating.
But for me? It’s been a game-changer.
If you’re considering making the leap to online work, my advice is this:
- Start small: Take on some remote freelance projects or ask your employer about working from home part-time.
- Build a network: Connect with other remote workers to share tips and support.
- Be patient: It takes time to adjust to the new rhythm and to set boundaries that work for you.
But once you find your groove, you might just find — like I did — that you’re never going back to the office either.
