The last couple of weeks have been intense. I’ve been slammed with work, juggling complex tasks—but weirdly, I’ve felt on top of things. My productivity stayed high, my focus sharp, and I didn’t crash under the weight of it all. I’ve been thinking about why that is. And the truth is, a huge part of it comes down to my work setup. For years now, I’ve been working fully remotely, with flexible hours and async communication. It’s a structure I inherited from my current company, but over time I’ve adapted it to fit my own rhythms. And while I know it’s not for everyone, this way of working really works for me.
The Flow Factor
One of the biggest upsides? I genuinely enjoy working on my own. There’s no constant stream of distractions—no one dropping by my desk, no impromptu meetings, no communal lunch breaks forcing me out of the zone. When I find flow, I like to stay there until the job’s done. I’ve worked in environments where I was expected to pause at a certain time, clock out at a certain hour. That just doesn’t fit how I operate. Stopping mid-flow only to pick things up again later feels like a huge mental tax. Being remote lets me shape my day around my workload. It doesn’t mean I’m slacking off or always doing side stuff. It means I can batch my deep work, protect my focus time, and shift things around when life happens—whether that’s an errand, a school run, or just needing a breather.
The Trade-Off
Of course, I get that this setup isn’t ideal for everyone. Some folks thrive on social energy. They love office life, daily chats, and being surrounded by a buzzing team. That’s completely valid—and I’ve seen firsthand how energizing that environment can be for the right people.
But for me? I’m an introvert. I like people, but too much interaction—especially in a corporate setting—can drain me. I never had an issue with my immediate team, but navigating the full spectrum of office dynamics often left me tired in ways that impacted my actual work.
Still, I know this is a weakness I’m working on. Just because I’m remote doesn’t mean I should disappear into the void. So I make a conscious effort to stay connected. I engage in team chats, drop into non-work conversations, and contribute meaningfully in meetings. I want to be present and add value—not just in tickets and commits, but in conversations too.
Balance > Burnout
What surprised me most during this intense work stretch is how balanced everything still felt. I didn’t burn out. I still found time for myself and for my family. I was able to communicate when I needed long hours or extra focus time, and that transparency helped everyone around me be more understanding and supportive. The result? A successful launch, a proud moment shared with my team, and a quiet satisfaction that I didn’t sacrifice my health or my personal life to get there.
This Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
I’m not saying this lifestyle is for everyone. Hybrid setups, in-person teams—they all have incredible value. But after years of trial and error, I’ve realized something important: I don’t want to live to work. I want to work hard and well—but I also want to live.
I want to be present for my kids. I want time with my partner. I want to tinker with side projects, go for a run, and enjoy the small things that make life rich.
Remote, async work gives me that chance—not by default, but because I’ve crafted a workflow that minimizes waste and maximizes purpose. It’s not about doing less. It’s about doing things better, so there’s room left over for everything else that matters.