Post: #26

I work 100% remotely as a web developer. I took a coding bootcamp, and went from pretty much knowing nothing to getting a job. Generally, getting a remote programming position doesnt happen right out the gate, but it may be something worth looking into.

Post: #27

What bootcamp did you take? What language do you primarily use? How long did it take for you to get that remote role? I thought companies expect developers to at least have some experience before they let them work remotely

Post: #28

Can everyone who declared themselves as working at home 4 days a week or more list their professional title? It would be enlightening to add that.

Post: #29

(07-24-2016 09:31 AM)boobs Wrote:  I work 100% remotely as a web developer. I took a coding bootcamp, and went from pretty much knowing nothing to getting a job. Generally, getting a remote programming position doesnt happen right out the gate, but it may be something worth looking into.

Very nice.

What path did you take after your bootcamp to go remote? What's typical?

Realistically, how quickly *could* you go remote?

Thanks!

Post: #30

I'm currently transitioning into full time remote work.

Currently I do at least one day a week, for me I find it helps to break up the monotony and I can concentrate better work in the solace of my own home.

Totally agree with Stalin's points of the benefits of this arrangement. Living in a cold weather state where the elements can harsh for 4-5 months out of the year, it works out to less wear and tear on your vehicle.

I'm at a smaller niche firm and there is a 2:1 woman to men ratio in the office. Whenever that is the case there is bound to be a lot of groupthink, cliquishness, and unnecessary gossip thrown about.

I'm glad to be escaping that scene.

Post: #31

(07-24-2016 12:41 PM)kongzi Wrote:  What bootcamp did you take? What language do you primarily use? How long did it take for you to get that remote role? I thought companies expect developers to at least have some experience before they let them work remotely

I took Dev Bootcamp in San Francisco in Q4 of 2014. The curriculum was Ruby, HTML/CSS, and JavaScript, but we were very strongly encouraged to spend the many hours we spent after classes to explore different languages/frameworks on our own.

Afterwards, I won't lie, I had a hard time finding a job. It took me 4 or 5 months to finally get hired, and I was a contract worker, not a full time employee. I got paid hourly. No qualms about it. Made enough money to live comfortably, and the freedom of time and location was invaluable. Generally, you're right. Companies only allow experienced workers remote positions. I guess I got pretty lucky. I had about 6 phone/skype interviews and really clicked with the CEO. I had experience in the industry our app was targeted at, and just had a lot in common with the other employees. I was desperate to get a job at the time, so I offered to do some work for free, and I think that showed I could work outside the office, and do quality work.

(07-25-2016 06:56 AM)RichieP Wrote:  

(07-24-2016 09:31 AM)boobs Wrote:  I work 100% remotely as a web developer. I took a coding bootcamp, and went from pretty much knowing nothing to getting a job. Generally, getting a remote programming position doesnt happen right out the gate, but it may be something worth looking into.

Very nice.

What path did you take after your bootcamp to go remote? What's typical?

Realistically, how quickly *could* you go remote?

Thanks!

My classmates, generally, found some high 5 figure, possibly 6 figure jobs at startups in SF or Silicon Valley. They seemed to not mind the 9am-9pm grind, and planned to be a programmer for their entire lives. I was in the extreme minority of my classmates, in that I just wanted the skills as a way to leverage making passive income.

Realistically, finding a remote position, fresh out of bootcamp, with no experience is closer to 0% than it is to 1% unless you're a killer in job hunting and interviewing. It took most of my classmates a few months to find a job that wasn't even remote. And some of my old classmates looking for a second job are having a hard time finding jobs, remote or not.

At the end of the day, for entry level, I think the marketing skills of being able to position yourself well is more valuable than the actual coding skills to get a job in this field (if not all fields).

Post: #32

(07-25-2016 12:15 PM)boobs Wrote:  I took Dev Bootcamp in San Francisco in Q4 of 2014. The curriculum was Ruby, HTML/CSS, and JavaScript, but we were very strongly encouraged to spend the many hours we spent after classes to explore different languages/frameworks on our own.

Afterwards, I won't lie, I had a hard time finding a job. It took me 4 or 5 months to finally get hired, and I was a contract worker, not a full time employee. I got paid hourly. No qualms about it. Made enough money to live comfortably, and the freedom of time and location was invaluable. Generally, you're right. Companies only allow experienced workers remote positions. I guess I got pretty lucky. I had about 6 phone/skype interviews and really clicked with the CEO. I had experience in the industry our app was targeted at, and just had a lot in common with the other employees. I was desperate to get a job at the time, so I offered to do some work for free, and I think that showed I could work outside the office, and do quality work.

how long do you think it takes to become good enough to land freelance gigs? And enough of them so one can support himself with just freelancing without having to work at a company?

Quote:My classmates, generally, found some high 5 figure, possibly 6 figure jobs at startups in SF or Silicon Valley. They seemed to not mind the 9am-9pm grind, and planned to be a programmer for their entire lives. I was in the extreme minority of my classmates, in that I just wanted the skills as a way to leverage making passive income.

So do you recommend that Dev bootcamp? Or am I better off learning on my own?

Were your classmates only able to find jobs in SF/SV? Or was that just their preference? SF/SV is the last place I'd want to work because of the god awful ratios

Post: #33

(07-25-2016 01:51 PM)kongzi Wrote:  

(07-25-2016 12:15 PM)boobs Wrote:  I took Dev Bootcamp in San Francisco in Q4 of 2014. The curriculum was Ruby, HTML/CSS, and JavaScript, but we were very strongly encouraged to spend the many hours we spent after classes to explore different languages/frameworks on our own.

Afterwards, I won't lie, I had a hard time finding a job. It took me 4 or 5 months to finally get hired, and I was a contract worker, not a full time employee. I got paid hourly. No qualms about it. Made enough money to live comfortably, and the freedom of time and location was invaluable. Generally, you're right. Companies only allow experienced workers remote positions. I guess I got pretty lucky. I had about 6 phone/skype interviews and really clicked with the CEO. I had experience in the industry our app was targeted at, and just had a lot in common with the other employees. I was desperate to get a job at the time, so I offered to do some work for free, and I think that showed I could work outside the office, and do quality work.

how long do you think it takes to become good enough to land freelance gigs? And enough of them so one can support himself with just freelancing without having to work at a company?

Quote:My classmates, generally, found some high 5 figure, possibly 6 figure jobs at startups in SF or Silicon Valley. They seemed to not mind the 9am-9pm grind, and planned to be a programmer for their entire lives. I was in the extreme minority of my classmates, in that I just wanted the skills as a way to leverage making passive income.

So do you recommend that Dev bootcamp? Or am I better off learning on my own?

Were your classmates only able to find jobs in SF/SV? Or was that just their preference? SF/SV is the last place I'd want to work because of the god awful ratios

For building websites, you can definitely find freelance gigs without much experience. It's not that hard to do, and a lot of clients wont know your work is shit. Again, it's all marketing yourself and being good at sales. Obviously much harder to do without experience, but it's doable.

I would recommend a bootcamp if you know programming is something you definitely want to do and you can afford the tuition + 6 months living expenses. Otherwise, I'd recommend learning on your own, and working on projects that you can show in a portfolio.

I think it's easier to find jobs outside the bay area. Less competition and lower salary.

Post: #34

I see. I'll seriously consider a bootcamp. Though I'm unsure whether to go with a machine learning one or a Web dev one. I have a background in machine learning but I'm drawn towards Web dev because I want to work remotely, or even better, as a freelancer

Easier to find jobs outside the bay area? I've applied to jobs throughout the country but ice actually gotten the most callbacks from companies in the bay area. But I prefer not to work here because of the costs, the competition and the horrendous ratios

Post: #35

Didn't want to start a new thread so i'll just post my questions here and hope it can lead to a helpful discussion on tips when you are working remote.

So i recently negotiated myself to a remote position. I wasn't happy about some changes in the company that affected what department i would be placed in as well as who i would report to. I decided to look for other work so i immediately took a vacation and eventually got another offer, my company then decided to up my salary and award me remote work to keep me around. I agreed.

While not having to do that bumper to bumper drive back and forth to work is great, there are definitely some negatives. I now find myself partially blind when it comes to office politics, generally business strategy and other important developments.

I can't just buy a box of donuts for the office and its hard to read people's intentions when you can't see them.

What are some things that i can do to combat this?

Post: #36

(03-04-2017 11:12 AM)8ball Wrote:  Didn't want to start a new thread so i'll just post my questions here and hope it can lead to a helpful discussion on tips when you are working remote.

So i recently negotiated myself to a remote position. I wasn't happy about some changes in the company that affected what department i would be placed in as well as who i would report to. I decided to look for other work so i immediately took a vacation and eventually got another offer, my company then decided to up my salary and award me remote work to keep me around. I agreed.

While not having to do that bumper to bumper drive back and forth to work is great, there are definitely some negatives. I now find myself partially blind when it comes to office politics, generally business strategy and other important developments.

I can't just buy a box of donuts for the office and its hard to read people's intentions when you can't see them.

What are some things that i can do to combat this?

You could stop caring and live your own life.

The sun will still rise the next day.

Post: #37

8ball,

Are you fully remote as in you're too far to commute to the office? Is it possible to visit at least once a week? That would be the easiest solution.

Regarding being blind to many happenings. In my experience a lot of this has to do with the company culture. I work in an industry where 'networking' (BSing) and 'knowing people' is really important. In the past few years I've become a good politician navigating these waters. I personally hate office politics, but you either play the game or it plays you. Luckily, because of game and lots of studying I've made it out well so far.

Are you on good terms with your direct supervisor? And also his boss? I assume you're on weekly meeting calls where you can get some updates.

What about senior level people? Are they open to meeting with you at certain intervals? (Say every two months)

Do you have any 'friendships' (I hesitate to use that word) with some coworkers who you trust and can fill you in? Preferably someone who isn't remote, but you've developed a good relationship with over time.

Just some suggestions. I'm not remote myself, but the successful ones I've known who have gotten promotions and had good reputations used a combination of the strategies above.

Post: #38

@spaniard88

Unfortunately this isn't the kind of job that relies on just delivery(ex. pure technical job), relationships and how you present yourself matter just as much.


@neo
I am fully remote, but i do live in the same city and may come in however i really don't wanna make a habit of coming in because than they will get used to it and always ask if i am in the office to schedule meetings. The whole point of this was to use my flexibility to launch my side business in the summer. However i don't think its a bad idea if i come in maybe once or twice a month.

I am on excellent terms with my direct supervisor, also a friend. There are multiple calls a week and many more are scheduled on the fly.

They have hired someone who has the same skillset as me, a non-remote individual. I will try and use those in-office days to take this person out lunch, feel em out and assert my presence.

Post: #39

Have you considered that you might be let go soon?

You weren't happy so you got another offer, which they responded to with a raise and allowing you to work remote. Then they hire someone with your skill set who's not remote. Sounds like a classic "counter-offer so we have enough time to replace the person".

If you're personal friends with your direct manager, ask him in person if that's the plan.

Post: #40

(03-05-2017 10:35 AM)Peregrine Wrote:  Have you considered that you might be let go soon?

Yes i have considered this. They were planning on hiring this person before i took my 'vacation'. Given the current state of the company and type of work its going to take a long time before i become replaceable. We were both supposed to be under the same department, part of my negotiation was for me to be placed under my current supervisor who is also my friend. It would be tough for them to replace me given the current org chart, if they plan on doing it, i will see it a mile away.

In the meantime i'll consider every external opportunity.

Post: #41

Those of you with training in engineering, work as a patent examiner may be a good long term investment. After your first year, they allow you to telecommute one day per week. After two years, they let you work remotely 100% of the time. You could even work from other countries, except for certain countries which are high-risk for data security.

Might be an option for those who want to do this but aren't ready to start their own business yet.

Post: #42

I work as an international marketing and partnership consultant for record labels and brands in London after moving here 8 months ago. I like the freedom after having a corporate job from when I was like 23 for about 16 years or so. Like so many are saying, If I want to work in a hotel that has alot of creatives, etc; I can, If I want to work-out at 11am or get an haircut and have a coffee and smoke, I can. The freedom is priceless....

Post: #43

It is my dream to work remotely and live in Europe. What's the best way to go about doing this? I would only need $20k a year.

Post: #44

I worked remotely, unfortunately the company is gone. I'll do it again if possible.

Post: #45

(03-05-2017 11:40 AM)Caladbolg Wrote:  Those of you with training in engineering, work as a patent examiner may be a good long term investment. After your first year, they allow you to telecommute one day per week. After two years, they let you work remotely 100% of the time. You could even work from other countries, except for certain countries which are high-risk for data security.

Might be an option for those who want to do this but aren't ready to start their own business yet.

X2.

Post: #46

Anyone working remotely in an accounting/finance related role? I would love to learn about your experiences.

I need to find the time to get the CPA licensing sorted out. I feel like it'll put me in a better position to work remotely in the future.

Post: #47

(03-05-2017 02:51 PM)Rico Ramon Wrote:  I work as an international marketing and partnership consultant for record labels and brands in London after moving here 8 months ago. I like the freedom after having a corporate job from when I was like 23 for about 16 years or so. Like so many are saying, If I want to work in a hotel that has alot of creatives, etc; I can, If I want to work-out at 11am or get an haircut and have a coffee and smoke, I can. The freedom is priceless....

This sounds pretty interesting. I actually worked for a music label in the US, in the mid 90's and we licensed some music to labels in the UK.

Tell us more about this work if you feel comfortable with that.

G

Post: #48

I started sending resumes to see if there is a chance to work remotely again... sight...

Post: #49

(03-08-2017 12:08 PM)BostonBMW Wrote:  Anyone working remotely in an accounting/finance related role? I would love to learn about your experiences.

I need to find the time to get the CPA licensing sorted out. I feel like it'll put me in a better position to work remotely in the future.

I somewhat fit this bill. Can try to answer questions.

Post: #50

(03-08-2017 08:36 PM)Peregrine Wrote:  

(03-08-2017 12:08 PM)BostonBMW Wrote:  Anyone working remotely in an accounting/finance related role? I would love to learn about your experiences.

I need to find the time to get the CPA licensing sorted out. I feel like it'll put me in a better position to work remotely in the future.

I somewhat fit this bill. Can try to answer questions.

Thanks. Please feel free to not respond to any questions that you consider to be sensitive/confidential.\

1. Did you secure a remote position or transitioned into remote role?
2. If you do freelance accounting work, did you build your own client base from scratch or did you take clients with you from your office job?
3. Even if you don’t have a CPA, have you heard of freelancers/folks working as remote CPAs? I see blog posts and mentions here and there.
4. Any unique accounting/finance related specific challenges? Have to show up at the office for Audits? Due diligence in an M&A?

I have a growing Real Estate business, however I really like to have a steady cash flow. After plotting my escape from the day job every year and turning back (fear of loss of income, W-2 wages come in handy for mortgages/bank financing), my game plan is now:

1. Start taking the CPA exams.
2. Work on a business plan (go freelance vs. work for a company).
3. Execute.

Obviously, this is a simplified version of what I expect to be a very time consuming process (prepping and taking the CPA exams, finding a remote position or going freelance).

Ultimately, what I am looking for is experiences of other finance and accounting professionals who have been able to make the jump to remote.

My ideal scenario would be to make decent money working remotely so that I can continue to focus on Real Estate investing and living in lower cost/warmer locales (Boston is painfully expensive).