How to Prepare for Your First Day as a Remote Worker: A Survival Guide

Congratulations! You’ve officially escaped the land of commutes, cubicles, and awkward water cooler conversations. Welcome to remote work, where the world is your office (or at least, wherever there’s good Wi-Fi).
But before you dive into the cozy world of pajamas-as-workwear, there are a few things you’ll need to know to make your first day successful—and maybe a little less chaotic.

Love Remoting has got you covered; Let’s get you prepared!

1. Set Up Your “Office” (Even If It’s Just a Fancy Corner)

Sure, one of the perks of remote work is that you can technically work from bed. But trust me, starting out with a real setup makes you feel way more productive (plus, it reduces the risk of napping mid-meeting).

• Find a dedicated workspace: Whether it’s a corner of your kitchen or a small desk in the living room, having a spot that screams “I’m here to work” is key. Pro tip: If you’re working within arm’s reach of your bed, consider a mini barricade—anything to reduce temptation.

• Decorate it a little: Throw in a plant, your favorite mug, or even a mini motivational poster. Make it feel like “your space,” but don’t go overboard and make it the most relaxing place in the house, or you’ll just be asleep in no time.

2. Get Dressed (Yes, Really)

Look, no one’s saying you have to put on a suit, but the “I woke up like this” look can only take you so far.

• Go for comfy-casual: Something that says, “I’m ready to conquer the day, but I also value comfort.” Think jeans or leggings, and maybe a shirt that hasn’t been through the laundry four times this week.

• The “Video Call Shirt”: Have a decent-looking shirt on standby for those spontaneous video calls. Keep it somewhere accessible for easy access when you need to switch from “chill” to “professional” in under 10 seconds.

3. Master the Art of the Zoom Call (AKA the Remote Work Stage)

Your first day will probably include a few welcome calls, so here’s how to make sure you’re ready for your close-up:

• Check your background: Make sure there’s nothing too distracting or embarrassing behind you. That pile of laundry from last week? Out of sight. Posters from your high school punk rock phase? Also out of sight.

• Invest in good lighting: Natural light is great, but if that’s not possible, use a lamp to avoid the “ghostly horror film” effect.

• Practice your “I’m listening” face: Perfect the subtle nod and occasional “interesting” to show that you’re actively engaged, even when your mind is racing about what to have for lunch.

4. Assemble Your Supplies (AKA: Coffee, Snacks, and Tech)

Preparation is key, and you’re going to need more than just a laptop to survive the day.

• Have your coffee (or tea) station nearby: Remote work is a marathon, not a sprint, so caffeine is crucial. Stock up and consider a travel mug if you’re prone to spills.

• Snacks, snacks, snacks: Avoid the “wander to the fridge every 5 minutes” cycle by keeping snacks at your desk. Bonus points if they’re healthy (but let’s be real, chocolate counts).

• Tech essentials: Make sure you have everything plugged in and ready to go. Invest in a quality headset, and check that your Wi-Fi is strong. A backup internet plan? Extra points for that one.

5. Prepare for Distractions (Yes, Even the Ones You Didn’t Think About)

One of the realities of working from home is that distractions are around every corner, and most of them have paws or Netflix logins.

• Set up “Do Not Disturb” signs: If you have roommates, family, or pets, make sure they know you’re “at work” (even if you’re technically within 10 feet of the couch). Consider a sign, a closed door, or a stern “I’m in a meeting!” look.

• Create a pet plan: If you have a furry friend who thinks your job is to play fetch all day, make sure they have their own distractions. A long-lasting chew toy might just buy you the time to get through that morning meeting without interruptions.

• Hide your phone: Social media has no mercy on remote workers, so consider keeping your phone on the other side of the room—or in another room entirely. Out of sight, out of TikTok temptations.

6. Plan Your Breaks (Because, Yes, You Still Need Them)

When you work remotely, it’s easy to get stuck at your desk for hours on end. Schedule breaks to keep yourself refreshed and productive.

• Set a timer: Use the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes work, 5 minutes break) or something similar to keep yourself on track.

• Move your body: Get up, stretch, or go for a quick walk around the house. Remote work has its perks, but it’s not worth turning into a desk-shaped statue.

• Go outside: Even if it’s just for a few minutes, fresh air works wonders. Plus, you’ll get some much-needed Vitamin D if your only “window” during the workday is your computer screen.

7. Get Ready for the Awkward Silences (They’re Coming)

Your first day will probably involve meeting your team over video calls, which often come with unexpected awkwardness. Embrace it.

• Prepare some icebreaker topics: Don’t be afraid to bring up the classic, “So, what’s everyone doing for fun these days?” or even ask about someone’s pet you see in the background.

• Don’t stress the silences: Remember, the lack of chatter is normal, and everyone is likely experiencing the same first-day jitters. Lean into it and remind yourself that everyone else is probably wearing sweatpants too.

8. Set Realistic Expectations (It’s Not All Beaches and Pajamas)

Your first day as a remote worker will likely be a mix of excitement and maybe a little confusion. It’s okay if things don’t go perfectly; just remember that it takes time to adjust.

• Be patient with yourself: If your tech fails or you accidentally mute yourself while talking, laugh it off. Everyone has been there.

• Give yourself permission to learn: The first day is just that—a day. You’ll find your flow and rhythm as you go.

• Remember: It’s okay to take it slow: You don’t have to be an expert remote worker on day one. Treat it like a process, not a race, and let yourself settle in.

9. Celebrate the Small Wins

You made it! After setting up your workspace, surviving your video calls, and avoiding 90% of distractions, you’ve completed your first day as a remote worker.

• Treat yourself: Order your favorite takeout or indulge in a fancy coffee. You deserve it!

• Reflect on your day: Think about what went well and what could be improved. Tomorrow is a new day, and now you’ve got this remote work thing under control.

• Embrace the remote life: This is only the beginning. Tomorrow, you get to wake up and do it all over again… in a little less chaos and maybe with a few more snacks.

Starting a new remote job can be a strange mix of exciting, nerve-wracking, and, let’s be honest, a little confusing. But with the right prep (and a sense of humor), you’ll settle into the rhythm of remote work in no time. Enjoy your first day, and may your Wi-Fi be ever stable!

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