Recently, I opened a job vacancy for a position that allows working from home (WFH). To my surprise, a wave of people from my long-time network, who hadn’t connected in years, reached out. Their interest was sparked not by the role itself, but by the WFH aspect, which they perceived as an easy, flexible, and low-energy commitment.

Over my five or six years of WFH experience, I’ve encountered many hiccups and learned that it’s not as straightforward as it seems. However, the focus of this article isn’t on those challenges but on a trend I’ve noticed among the applicants. Many see WFH as a gateway to personal comfort and convenience, often overlooking what they can contribute to the company.

It’s All About “The I”

What struck me most was how applicants talked about their reasons for wanting the job. Their explanations were always centered around “I want” and “because I need,” focusing solely on their benefits. Here are some examples:

• “Reen, I’m interested because I’m looking for an easy job that doesn’t take much of my time or energy.”
• “Reen, I have kids and a spouse to take care of, so I need a job that won’t demand much attention.”
• “Reen, I want to work from anywhere so I can travel and enjoy my hobbies.”
• “Reen, It seems fun and efficient to work from home, just like you do, so I want to try it.
• “Reen, since your company is based in Malaysia and is an international company, does this mean I can receive a huge salary while working from home?”
• “Reen, I’m interested because bla bla bla bla bla …..”

It’s all about “the I,” about “you,” about one’s self. While I understand everyone has their circumstances, what often gets missed is the question: What is your contribution to the company that hires you?

Work Isn’t Just About Personal Gain. Please, Don’t Take It for Granted

This brings me to a crucial point: please, don’t take the opportunity to work from home for granted. It’s not just a ‘perk’ or an ‘easy out’ from a conventional job setup. Behind the flexibility and comfort of WFH lies a significant amount of discipline, dedication, and hard work.

Of course, we work to earn money—that’s a given. But what’s the value you’re offering in return? Sometimes, the way people talk about wanting a job for its ease and flexibility feels dismissive to those of us who work hard to make WFH productive and meaningful.

What kind of job in the world is easy? What does “chill out” even mean in a work context? Can you really expect to work minimally, sunbathe in the beach, sleep all day, and still get paid?

Oh come on?

What Can You Contribute?

Instead of focusing solely on what the job can do for you, let’s flip the script. What can you offer to the company? It’s essential to articulate your potential contributions during your application process, rather than merely listing your personal reasons for wanting the job.

For instance, here’s how you might approach it in a more personal and straightforward manner:

Hey Reen, I saw your job post for the WFH position, and here’s what I bring to the table:

• Making Things Faster: In my last job, I figured out how to get our work done quicker, so projects didn’t take as long. I’m all about finding ways to save time for your team too.
• Boosting Sales: I ran an online campaign that really helped us sell more. I’m excited to try out some of these ideas to help increase your sales.
• Keeping Customers Happy: I worked on making our customers happier and saw great results. I’d love to do the same for you, making sure your customers are smiling.
• Bringing in New Tech: I love trying new tools that make our products better and our work easier. Can’t wait to share some cool tech solutions that could work for you.

I’m really looking forward to chatting about how I can help out and be part of your team.

So, does your logic work so far?

The Search for Integrity

This self-focused mindset makes it challenging to find individuals with integrity, who understand the mutual effort required in a WFH setup. Many companies hesitate to embrace remote work, fearing this lack of commitment.

Trust is the foundation of any remote work arrangement. If you’re perceived as only looking out for yourself, how can a company trust you to take your role seriously? It’s a two-way street: you’re seeking benefits, but what are you offering in return? The question isn’t just about getting hired; it’s about deserving to be hired by demonstrating a commitment to mutual growth and success.

From My Experience

Reflecting on my own journey, WFH is not just about personal convenience. It’s about managing your time effectively, being disciplined, and contributing to your team and company’s goals. Yes, it offers flexibility, but it demands responsibility.

I’ve seen firsthand how the “it’s all about me” attitude can undermine the potential benefits of remote work. It’s vital to approach WFH with a mindset of giving, not just taking. What can you bring to the table? How can you help your company grow, even from a distance?

Remember, the grass always seems greener on the other side. Some people might look at my situation and think it’s an easy job, but that perspective offends me personally. You don’t know the sacrifices I’ve made to get to this point and the price I’ve had to pay for achieving my current state. It’s crucial to understand that every seemingly effortless success comes with its own set of challenges and sacrifices. Viewing someone’s job as easy without understanding their journey diminishes the hard work and dedication it takes to thrive in a WFH environment

Conclusion

Let’s shift the conversation from what WFH can do for us to what we can do for our work while embracing the WFH model. It’s about mutual benefit, commitment, and, most importantly, understanding the value of hard work—whether you’re in the office or at your dining table.

Hence, instead of always talking about you, focus on what you can do to help and get hired first; after that, it’s your benefit. To those interested in WFH, remember: it’s more than just a personal convenience. It’s a responsibility. Before you apply for that remote job, think about what you’re willing to contribute. That’s the real question.

~ Reen