Key Highlights
- Lauren Helmick is a remote recruiter at The Jacobson Group.
- Lauren Helmick enjoys traveling and eating foods from different cultures.
- Lauren Helmick says that working remotely is not for everyone. So choose wisely.
Can you please introduce yourself?
My name is Lauren Helmick. I currently live in Lafayette, Indiana with, my husband and my cat. I have a degree in Secondary Education from Kansas State University, and I am now pursuing my Master's in Human Resource Management online from Concordia University, St. Paul. My first job out of college was teaching abroad in Taipei, Taiwan, where I taught ESL and Art to primary and secondary students. I enjoy traveling and eating foods from different cultures.
What’s your profession, what do you do?
I am currently working as a remote recruiter for the insurance industry. More specifically, I work on the Contingent Workforce Solutions team and recruit candidates that are looking for temporary employment.
What company do you work for? Are you a freelancer or Digital Nomad?
I currently work for The Jacobson Group - The largest provider of insurance recruitment services.
How did you start with a remote work journey?
At the time, I was living in Denver, Colorado, and working for my previous employer as a recruiter for teachers who wanted to teach abroad. I was entering my 2nd year at the company and just received a promotion. My husband was presented with an amazing opportunity to study for his Ph.D. at Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana. I knew it wasn't my time to leave the company and didn't want a long-distance relationship. No one had ever worked remotely for the company before, but I knew it could be done. I wrote up a sample policy and a work-remote contract for the President of the company. One week later, they decided that they were going to use my policy and contract to open up a remote team.
What do you think are the main benefits of working remotely?
There are many advantages of working remotely, but the three main benefits for me are: Work-life balance: Working remotely provides you with more freedom and flexibility in your daily schedule. Increase in productivity: Let's face it, there are lots of distractions in the office (Phones ringing, people talking, your office buddy wanting to chat with you, etc.). Working from home eliminates the noise. Silence is golden. Save money!: I have been saving money by not commuting to work, avoiding parking fees, not buying lunch, or going to Starbucks for coffee breaks.
Do you think there are disadvantages or that you’re missing something by working remotely?
Absolutely! One of the biggest disadvantages is not being around your co-workers and supervisors so building a relationship with them outside the office (ex: Christmas parties, office outings, etc.), is challenging. At times, people can feel left out, but remember you are not alone! Many people are in your position. Try to make more of an effort to do virtual happy hours.
From what cities or countries have you worked since you have become remote? What are your favourite countries or cities to work from?
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, I don’t do as much traveling, but working remotely has let me travel to my hometown in Kansas, and visit friends in Denver Colorado more often now that I have the flexibility. My favorite place to work is Kansas because I get to spend time with my family.
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From what type of places do you prefer to work? Home, co-working spaces, coffee shops, or others?
I prefer my own office at home. There are fewer distractions and it lets you have more freedom to decorate your space and let out more of your personality.
What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? Share your remote productivity, communication, management, etc. tips based on your experience!
Before I resigned from my previous employer, I was the Head of Business Development and oversaw a team of seven. As a leader that worked remote, training individuals that worked in different times zones, and often in different countries, I found it difficult to make sure everyone had proper training. As a leader, I made sure to make step-by-step training material through infographics and video content. I also made a point to meet with them individually after-hours that worked for their time zone.
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What tools do you use to improve productivity and manage work efficiently?
Always use your calendar to remind yourself to take your lunch break and mini breaks! Breaking up your day will help you not get burned out.
What advice would you give to people looking to work remotely?
Use your network and talk to others that have remote experience. Make sure that you are the right person that can get work done while being remote. Working remote isn't for everyone.
Visit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenklein93/
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