How to Stay Sane in a Remote Work World (Without Talking to Your Dog All Day)

Working from home: dream come true or slow descent into pajama-clad madness?

If you’re a virtual assistant like me, chances are you’ve experienced both. Some days feel productive and empowering. Other days? Well, your dog might be your most frequent Zoom call.

While many of us in the VA world fly solo, some (like me!) are lucky to work with supportive teams—shoutout to 100Ninjas and our fearless leader Monica! Still, remote work can feel lonely, especially if the only “coworkers” around you drool, bark, or demand snacks every 20 minutes.

Let’s face it: working from home isn’t just about comfy clothes and skipping traffic. It takes structure, creativity, and real discipline to stay on track—and stay sane.

🎢 The Perks and Pitfalls of Remote Life

When I worked at Zappos.com, I loved escaping the chaos of open-office distractions—but I also missed them. The culture, the spontaneous hallway chats, the office energy...gone.

After Zappos, I worked for a fully remot

e company with a great team—but with a not-so-great policy: cameras on. All. Day. Long. We had scheduled breaks, designated start/stop times, and zero nose-blowing privacy. (No really. I tried.)

Remote work is a gift—but it comes with challenges.

🧠 How to Thrive as a Remote Pro (Without Losing Your Mind)

Here’s what I’ve learned over the years—tips that help me stay productive, professional, and occasionally… pants-free.

✅ 1. Pick a System and Stick With It

I love using the free version of Teamwork to organize client projects. Whether you prefer a sleek app or a good ol’ pen and paper, tracking your tasks keeps things from slipping through the digital cracks.

💬 2. Communicate Like a Boss

Slack is a lifesaver. Need quick approvals, updates, or to share a hilarious GIF? It beats email every time. If your clients aren’t using it yet—suggest it!

📝 3. Send Weekly Updates

Keep clients in the loop with a friendly status email. Let them know what’s done, what’s in progress, and what’s on deck. Bonus: it makes you look ultra-organized (even if your desk isn’t).

🪑 4. Create a Dedicated Work Zone

Whether it’s a full-blown office or a corner nook in your bedroom, claim your space. It helps signal to your brain (and your family) that you're “at work.”

👯‍♀️ 5. Don’t Forget Human Connection

Even introverts need interaction. Reach out. Check in. Schedule a quick Zoom just to say hi. Working alone doesn't mean working in isolation.

💡 Leading or Managing a Remote Team? Read This.

If you manage remote workers—or are one yourself—culture still matters. Here are a few ways to keep things fun, human, and connected:

🎉 Celebrate the Little Things

Birthdays, anniversaries, new babies, Taco Tuesday wins…celebrate them! Send cupcakes, silly e-cards, or a surprise coffee delivery. Remote folks deserve confetti too.

📍 Make Time for In-Person Meetups (If You Can)

If travel’s possible, try visiting HQ once or twice a year. Nothing beats real-life bonding, even for the most digital of teams.

🎮 Gamify the Ordinary

At Zappos, we had Zollars—an internal currency you could trade for swag. Use points, prizes, or mini challenges to keep things fresh. Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition?

👏 Give Kudos Generously

A quick “Great job on that deck!” on Slack or email makes someone’s day. Recognition doesn't need to be grand—it just needs to be genuine.

☕ Be Authentically You

Encourage teammates to show their personality. Host virtual coffee chats. Ask icebreaker questions. As Brené Brown says, “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be.”

🌟 Final Thoughts: Remote Work Isn’t Just a Perk—It’s a Practice

Working from home is a real job that requires boundaries, tools, and human connection. But it can also be joyful, flexible, and incredibly fulfilling—especially when you take time to build structure, maintain communication, and sprinkle in a little weirdness.

Whether you're a solo VA juggling multiple clients or part of a fully remote team, remember: you’re not alone (even if it feels like it some days).

Keep showing up. Keep being you. And yes—keep talking to your dog. They’re great listeners.

✨ P.S. Want More Tips Like This?

Follow me for more real-life advice from the trenches of virtual work—plus a little humor, heart, and helpful tools to make your remote life a little less lonely and a lot more awesome.

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