How Remote Work Transformed My Life: Balancing Career and Motherhood

My Journey into Remote Work

Before the pandemic made remote work mainstream, I was already embracing it. My journey began in 2013 when I started collaborating with remote teams while working at BuzzFeed. By 2019, I took the leap to go fully remote, joining a company without a physical office.

The Impact on Family Life

Working remotely has allowed me to be both the breadwinner and a present mom. Since having my first child in 2018, I transitioned to a hybrid schedule, working from home two days a week. After being laid off in January 2019, I committed to finding only fully remote jobs, as my son was growing up too fast, and I wanted to be there for him.

Misconceptions about Remote Work

When I landed my first fully remote job as an editor, many assumed I was freelancing. I often had to clarify that my workplace had no physical office, and everyone was remote. The flexible schedule attracted many parents, allowing us to manage school drop-offs and family time.

Benefits of Remote Work During Pregnancy

During my pregnancy with twins, remote work proved invaluable. The ability to take breaks and rest when needed, without the stress of commuting, was crucial for my health and well-being.

Relocating for a Better Life

Remote work also enabled my family to move from a cramped Brooklyn apartment to a house with a backyard in Portland, Maine. Knowing that I had a stable job that could go anywhere made this transition smoother.

A New Routine

Now, with my kids aged 6, 4, and 4, the benefits of remote work are clearer than ever. I can enjoy breakfast with my children, drop them off at school, and still be on time for meetings. Unlike when my husband and I worked in offices, we now share parenting duties more equitably, allowing me to engage in story time and tuck them in at night.

Growing up, I often felt my father was absent due to work. Today, I take pride in being a breadwinner while also being actively present in my children's lives.