Remote work can feel like a dream come true—or a never-ending challenge. For some moms, it’s the ultimate lifesaver: staying close to the kids, having a flexible schedule, and still earning an income. For others, it’s a source of chaos, stress, and exhaustion. Why such different experiences? What’s the secret?
Let me share my story. I’ve been working remotely for over 10 years, and honestly, I can’t imagine doing it any other way. Maybe it’s a personality thing, or maybe I’m just wired for this lifestyle? Either way, I’ve learned a lot over the years. I even created a model—a framework, really—that helped me understand what makes remote work work. Today, I’m excited to share it with you.
Before we dive in, let’s talk about how this can help you.
Who Is This Model For?
1. You’re considering remote work but aren’t sure it’s right for you.
Maybe you’ve been offered a remote role, and you’re wondering, “Will this actually suit me?” This model will help you evaluate the situation holistically and identify whether remote work might be comfortable—or challenging—for you.
2. You’re already working remotely, but it’s not going as planned.
If you’ve made the leap but feel overwhelmed, this model will help you figure out where things are going wrong and what you can do to fix them.
Let’s move on to the model itself.
The Productive Remote Work Triangle
As a project manager at heart and with 20+years of experience, I often notice that misaligned expectations between different “stakeholders” create the biggest challenges. So, I look at remote work through a similar lens: breaking it into three key elements that need to align for success.
1. Work
This is the foundation. It sets the requirements for your time, skills, and environment. When I say “work,” I’m not talking about your boss or teammates specifically but the demands of the job itself. Think about questions like:
• Does your work require a quiet space for meetings, or can you manage from the kitchen table?
• Is the schedule flexible or fixed?
• Are your goals clearly defined, or do you have more autonomy?
2. You
How well do your personal traits and habits align with the job’s demands? Consider factors like:
• Your ability to self-organize and stay productive.
• Whether you thrive working solo or need collaboration to stay motivated.
• How easily you can switch between “work mode” and “home mode” in the same space.
3. Environment
This includes two main categories:
• Family and loved ones. Do they support your remote work, or are there tensions and unmet expectations?
• Infrastructure. Do you have what you need to succeed, like a reliable internet connection and a suitable workspace? (Pro tip: If your kids’ cartoons keep crashing the Wi-Fi, you’re setting yourself up for a lot of frustration!)
How the Triangle Works
The “Productive Remote Work Triangle” is like a balancing act. For everything to run smoothly, all three sides need to be in harmony.
• If your work expectations are clear, but your family isn’t on board, the balance tips.
• If your family is supportive and work is fine, but you’re burned out or stressed, the triangle wobbles again.
• The goal is to align work, you, and your environment for a sustainable and fulfilling remote work experience.
What’s Next?
In the next post, we’ll explore all three parameters in details:
Work – How to Balance Remote Work and Family (part 2)
You – How to Assess Yourself for Successful Work-from-Home (part 3)
Environment – Mastering Remote Work as a Work-From-Home Mom (part 4)
