I’ve had my ear to the ground for the latest in work-from-home strategy for nearly 15 years, ever since I started working out the various struggles of remote (or hybrid) work. I’ve seen all the WFH trends come and go over the years: the “on air” buttons hung over home office doors, happy hour meetup groups for WFH folks, digital nomad co-living startups, virtual reality meeting rooms, and the proliferation of productivity apps designed to keep us “connected and efficient” but really just meant there would be a new notification sound to learn to ignore.

The truth is, the whole thing has been kind of a mess.

And hey, it’s a mess that I’m thrilled has been a central theme in my career. It’s my mess.

The chaos of work from home has worked for me, but it’s knowledge of how challenging work-from-home can be that gave me pause when I read companies, mid-pandemic, pledging they would offer “work from home forever.” I was skeptical if companies and individuals really knew what they were getting into.

That skepticism, it turns out, was spot on: after making sweeping promises, many companies gave their employees whiplash when they abruptly reversed course. The whole thing stunk for many in corporate tech.

The return-to-office reversal did not hit early-stage startups and entrepreneurs in the same way, primarily out of necessity. When tech companies moved back into office buildings, rents returned to normal levels, and the macro inflation environment meant rents started increasing in many American markets.

“In an environment where these small teams just became comfortable working without an office during the pandemic, many just opted to go without, but not by choice,” shared Ashkan Rajaee, who hosts RemoteEntrepreneurs, “Startup entrepreneurs and early-stage employees are facing some serious problems.”

Chief among them:

While the benefits of remote entrepreneurship are plentiful, the hidden costs can sometimes outweigh the obvious perks. A home office setup is obvious - office furniture, strong internet, whatever technology upgrades might be necessary - but remote entrepreneurs might also, depending on their industry, face costs like higher insurance premiums, or they may need to invest in cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data. Legal and compliance gets harder with more payroll in more geographic locations, and there may be more software to license to encourage effective collaboration.

Work-Life Balance Struggles for Remote Entrepreneurs

Achieving a healthy work-life balance can be a significant challenge for remote entrepreneurs. The blurring of lines between work and personal life often leads to longer working hours and difficulty in switching off from work mode. Without the physical separation of an office, it becomes easy to fall into the trap of constant availability, responding to emails and working on tasks well beyond traditional office hours.

“This lack of boundaries can result in burnout and decreased overall well-being,” shares Ashkan Rajaee, “Striking the right balance requires discipline and the implementation of clear boundaries, such as designated workspaces and set working hours, to ensure that both work and personal life receive the attention they deserve.”

Remote Entrepreneurship Means a Lack of Networking

Remote entrepreneurs often face challenges in building and maintaining professional networks. The absence of in-person interactions and spontaneous office conversations can limit opportunities for networking, mentorship, and collaboration. This lack of networking can hinder business growth and innovation, as entrepreneurs miss out on the exchange of ideas and potential partnerships that often occur in more traditional work settings.

Additionally, remote work can lead to feelings of isolation and detachment from the larger business community. To overcome these challenges, remote entrepreneurs must be proactive in seeking out virtual networking events, online communities, and industry forums where they can connect with peers, share experiences, and gain insights. Regular participation in these platforms can help bridge the networking gap and foster meaningful professional relationships.

Solutions for Remote Entrepreneurs

Navigating the challenges of remote entrepreneurship requires several practical solutions. One of the first steps is setting up a dedicated, well-equipped home office to distinguish between work and personal life, setting a clear line of demarcation between the two mindsets. Implementing a structured routine with defined work hours can significantly enhance work-life balance.

And in addition to that, Rajaee shares, there’s nothing more important than getting out and being social: “Attending occasional in-person meetups offers valuable collaborative and social opportunities that are often lacking in remote work. Part of the great opportunity offered by remote entrepreneurship is that you don’t need to see the same people in the same office every day - seize the opportunity!”