Talk to me about telecommuting

RondackHiker

Hello! Background info: DH just matched for an internal med residency in Western MA. We'll be moving in June. My current job is at a small company in MD. They previously had a very strong anti telecommuting policy.

They'd like to switch me to telecommuting versus losing me. Right now the plan is that I'll have proof of child care, proof of a work space at home, be on the chat program while working and do twice weekly video chats.

I'll also travel to the office every three weeks or so for a day.

We're still working out salary and benefits. Those will likely shift a bit. That's okay with me since COL there is significantly lower. I'll be on six month probation to see how it all works.

This is in the very early planning stages, but I wanted to know if anyone has advice about what to think about or discuss before we finalize everything. I've never telecommuted and this will be the company's first time as well. I want us both to be protected and have out bases covered.

LuluP82

I've telecommuted for almost 4 years. My boss is telecommuting friendly, so it's not a huge issue. My biggest piece of advice is to make sure and not OVER work. Because you gain time (no chatting with coworkers, no lunch break really since I usually ju

RondackHiker

They don't think a pay cut will be needed, but costs of air travel back and forth and any benefits changes resulting from being in a different state. My boss said that they don't want to offer this and have me making less.

I also got a 10 tho

hoping4sticky

My director is anti-telecommuting and anti-part-time, and I am both now:) I've also gone from working in metro DC to now in BFE because my husband is Active Duty. One thing I would keep in mind is to not sell yourself short or encou

MomlovesEloise

I normally telecommute 3 days a week/go to the office 2,  and then my boss lets me WAH exclusively until my kids turn a year. There was a definitely adjustment period and it comes with it's own set of challenges, but it has worked very well for me

cltk12

LuluP82:

I've telecommuted for almost 4 years. My boss is telecommuting friendly, so it's not a huge issue. My biggest piece o

snicksnack

One thing you want to get in writing is who is going to pay for your travel. I am a remote employee, although I have an office at a work location, I have to travel to the main office once a week. When I started it 6 years ago my boss said I have to cov

rockychryslerb2010

I mostly work from home, and travel to our office 1-2 days a week.  I started about three years ago because H got a job a few states away and we were ready to move.  They agreed to telecommuting vs losing me.  Now, three years later I ma

1026pumpkin

I've worked from home for years, but in an industry where almost everyone does.  Our company has clear policies in place for covering phone, fax, and internet lines and will reimburse up to a certain amount for office furniture.  I highly rec

FemShep

I've telecommuted at various times in my career.  Ditto PP who recommended off-site childcare.  I'd also sit down with your boss and talk about communication expectations.  Be prepared to over-communicate, especially in the first few mon

BeachBum73

LuluP82:

I've telecommuted for almost 4 years. My boss is telecommuting friendly, so it's not a huge issue. My biggest piece o

RondackHiker

Thank you everyone!

The points about not undervaluing myself and not overworking really hit home for me. There's a lot of great advice here. I'm going to have to read this through a few more times.

RondackHiker

bearsbearsbears:

Hi, Rondack!nbsp; I don't personally telecommute, but we do have a few remote employees.nbsp; One thing I've notic