Back in 2016, when I first started working from home, I was a completely different person. I was practically kid landing my first small time English teaching gig. Now, almost 10 years has passed and I’ve been through an era of personal growth and development. I have done work from home in several lines of work, each pushing me to go in a better direction of what I enjoy doing and what I’m good at.

Some days are harder than others; when I can’t get quality work done, it can be pretty stressful and frustrating. I feel isolated. On most days, this is good thing from an introvert’s perspective. However, I lack the opportunity to build a connection with my leaders and coworkers in person.

Despite all above, I realize I am lucky to have this opportunity for me. I am thankful for being able to work from home and the opportunities that it provides me.

I love being able to wake up, meditate a little, water the plants, make some coffee, then roll into work downstairs. I love the flexibility of being able to travel with my work, often visit my family in the mountains, take my work out on a peaceful sunny day to get a change of scenery. Work has allowed me to visit my friends and family in Vietnam.

I sometimes wonder what life would be like if I didn’t work from home. I think it would have to be a passion to push me out of this comfort zone.

Regardless, this decade of remote work has been a wild, rewarding ride, and I would keep it for as long as I can.