Transitioning from a research-focused academic background, I found myself at a professional crossroads when the world came to a standstill back in 2020. I was contemplating my next steps. The period made me realize that it was time to pivot decisively into the tech world. This shift opened doors to new opportunities and ultimately led to Montani where I found a balance between my analytical skills and a new passion for coding.
What led me to my current career path
Just before the pandemic unfolded, a sequence of timely events set the stage for significant changes in my career. The onset of the lockdowns coincided with a pivotal moment in my career journey as I navigated a transitional phase, from an academic research background into the realm of software development. This unexpected turn of events fast-tracked my transition and helped me to fully become a software developer.
I worked part-time as a researcher in a government-funded project while working part-time as a software developer in a startup company. This was at a time when I was in limbo when it came to my career track. On one hand, research gave me the freedom to work on my field but the real-world experience came from the startup company. Then the lockdowns happened, the budget for non-priority government projects dried up and went to urgent covid-related projects. The pandemic reshaped priorities, redirected funds and forced the startup to shut its doors. These changes nudged me toward a work-from-home lifestyle, redefining my professional and personal life.
Office vs work-from-home
There was no other option but to adapt. It was a blessing in disguise that a work-at-home setup as a developer was the only option for me. As for every career track, there are pros and cons to this lifestyle. I consider a work-from-home setup as a lifestyle because my life after work hours is heavily dependent on my life during my work hours. An unfinished task can be finished after work hours and tasks finished ahead of time meant a peaceful after-work hours. The biggest pro is definitely the time and money saved by eliminating the long commutes, heavy traffic, office attires, etc. The biggest con is the mental and physical challenge of turning our home into our office. Nonetheless, having mental resilience really helped in attaining a healthy balance.
It is a lifestyle
My current lifestyle as a work-from-home software developer in Montani allows me to regain some of the time that I lost in my previous work setup. I’m thankful to have some balance now in terms of allocating my time. From an outsider’s perspective, working from home might seem like a dream job and has no disadvantages. For the first few months, this might be true. But, doing this for the long term can develop some routines into ill habits. Work mode might become the default mode at home even during weekends. Or it might be the other way around, weekend mode might extend until Monday or even Tuesday. There are several articles discussing how commutes serve as our mental preparation for work. It prepares us mentally without draining our energy. The same thing applies to our commute from work at the end of the day, it is telling our brains and body to shut down all the work-related energy. These are the routines that I left behind when I made the transition to my current lifestyle. These are the same routines that made me realize that I needed to adapt to my new setup. Adapting meant replacing the old cues with new ones such as dressing up before working.
What’s the next form of work?
I believe that the current norm of the work-from-home lifestyle is bound to change. Work has evolved throughout the ages. From the nomadic lifestyle of our prehistoric ancestors which required on-demand hunting and gathering, to the invention of modern community clocks which introduced the common work hours, and back to a nomadic lifestyle popularized by digital nomads, and on to another form of work lifestyle in the future. My idea of the next form of work is an on-demand, nomadic one similar to projects in Upwork or Freelancer but involves the Big Tech companies. Imagine Google needing someone to provision some services for their new client so they outsource the work to someone in the Philippines. That someone can be anyone, perhaps someone who is already “retired” from full-time work and does contractual work. The nomadic aspect is the part where someone can work for any big tech companies any time. This type of work can unlock several opportunities for a more efficient lifestyle. Imagine being able to work in places where there is a lower cost of living, lower utility expenses, lower taxes, etc. while having a competitive salary. Imagine more countries opening up their borders so that digital nomads can freely move around similar to EU citizens within EU borders.
Forging Ahead in the Remote Work Era
In conclusion, my career journey from academia to software development amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic has been a testament to adaptability and resilience. I have found fulfillment and balance in my work-from-home lifestyle. Through it all, I remain grateful for the lessons learned, the growth experienced, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
As we venture further into the ever-evolving landscape of remote work, I hold an optimistic outlook for the abundance of flexible employment opportunities and the potential for innovation in the digital age.
Thank you for taking the time to read my article. If you are interested in learning more about me we can connect with each other.
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