Remote work story of Diana Mirsaeva. She is a Philosopher and also teaches English online.
What’s your profession, what work do you do?
I always find it difficult to answer this kind of question just in a few words. I’ve graduated as a Philosopher, which already explains a lot. I feel it was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. This wide and deep humanitarian education formed my vision of life, including a professional one.
Besides, I got a translation degree. I’ve never seen myself doing only one thing or developing myself only in one direction. So, answering your question, my main sources of income at this moment are teaching English online and doing English-Russian translations.
Moreover, I always follow my interests and hobbies that help me determine in which field I want to work. Now, sometimes I work on projects as a copywriter, I create my meditations on Insight Timer, and develop my mindfulness products (a diary, an online self-development course, etc.). I am constantly looking for new opportunities where I can implement my current and cultivate new professional and personal skills. So, if you have any exciting and creative projects, don’t hesitate to contact me :)
How did you start with a remote work journey?
It happened that I’ve never had a standard job. After graduation in Moscow, I bought a one-way ticket to Colombia to teach languages in local universities and schools as a professional intern. There, I’ve realized I didn’t want to have an ordinary life and that exploring the world and cultures, meeting new people, and enriching myself with new experiences was my true passion. So, I’ve started looking for ways to earn money for this lifestyle. With the gained work experience, I got an online English teaching job, which was the first step towards my dream life.
What do you think are the main benefits of working remotely?
For me, it undoubtedly is freedom. Freedom of deciding where to live tomorrow and when to work. Everything depends on me, on my will. And I’m forever grateful for this.
Thanks to this freedom, at my young age, I have already lived in 5 countries in different parts of the world, and have traveled through 25+ more. I have realized that I’m more than a Russian girl: now I’m a global citizen with a global soul. Now, I have a few “families”, many “homes”, and I no longer know where I’m from or where I live. I love how an opportunity to work remotely has changed all the spheres of my life.
Do you think there are disadvantages or that you’re missing something by working remotely?
I’m sure there are some but I never feel that I’m missing or would like to change anything about my remote work experience. Probably, it would be nice to have more meetings in real life instead of online calls with my colleagues or online classes with students. Maybe, a fancy office where I could come whenever I want (see, with no specific obligatory schedule!) to work. But for this, there are co-working spaces or cozy coffee shops to meet other digital nomads and get this real-life interpersonal exchange.
Well, yeah, I sometimes feel lost in the world, as I’ve mentioned, I don’t know where my home is. I can’t gather with all of my friends for my birthday, with many of them we don’t have a chance to see each other for years. But it’s nothing compared to what remote work has granted me.
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What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? Share your remote productivity, communication, management, etc. tips based on your experience!
Well, we are still in the pandemic, and it’s quite predictable that one of the hardest periods in my professional life was in the first part of 2020. It seemed that the market collapsed and I struggled to get new projects as a freelancer, the number of my English classes has drastically reduced, my translation clients also had difficulties with their businesses. So, for a few months, I had to live mostly on my savings. But I’m glad I could deal with it and now I’m back on track and in even better condition! It was a period of my growth, and now I see the fruits of it.
In addition, I have learned that clear communication with my clients is a key to successful collaboration. Besides, having strict requirements for the projects I choose (deadlines, payment, etc.) is crucial for my motivation, enthusiasm, and the result of my work. That is why now I’m very meticulous about the opportunities I say “yes” to, and I find it liberating.
For many years, my work schedule was very — no, extremely! — flexible. I was happy I could take a day off on Tuesday just because I felt like doing it, or working on a Saturday night if, for example, my plans with friends have changed. However, last year I discovered that having a work schedule makes me more productive. Now, I try to complete the most important tasks and work on my personal projects in the morning, have a calm lunchtime in the afternoon, and be free (most of the days) in the second part of the day. This way I know that I can work productively (sometimes, extremely productively) for a few hours, and have a well-deserved rest after. Moreover, having a proper weekend is essential for my well-being. One or two days a week I don’t even open my laptop and don’t check any emails. It helps me concentrate on the present moment, enjoy the current of life, and get a creative vibe.
What advice would you give to people looking to work remotely?
Do it! Do it right now! Do not let any hesitations stop you from this opportunity. Start with anything you can do today, and with the time and experience, you’ll be able to choose what suits you best. You’ll start finding better jobs/projects for yourself. You don’t have to worry about everything right now. If you feel you want to try to work remotely, don’t betray your dream.
Diana's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-mirsaeva/
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