The Good: What’s worked well at Web Pro Geeks?

Flexibility and Autonomy

Working part-time allows me to manage other personal projects I have with ease while contributing to client work. I get to choose when I work, where I work, as long as I meet the deadlines, total work hours, and, more importantly, deliver quality results.

Process-Oriented Culture and Remote-ready tools

Web Pro Geeks not only builds websites, but also optimizes internal processes. We use tools like Asana, Slack, and so much more to optimize communication and manage tasks. There is a strong emphasis on project scoping, timelines, and documentation on different projects, promoting easy-to-handle work days. 

Consistent Work and Variety

With various projects to work on all year round, I have improved my skills immensely on Elementor, PHP custom code, debugging, and solving WordPress-related issues. The tasks are always varied and keep me sharp. My work directly affects client success, which makes my contribution worthwhile. 

Timely Payments

Timely payments are crucial for everyone, not just for contractors. I receive my payments on time which removes a headache that often comes with working internationally. 

Friendly team

The team here is amazing. It’s interesting working with people from different cultural backgrounds, countries, and beliefs, and getting to build beautiful projects. 

The Challenges: What I had to adapt to. 

Timezones Coordination

Being ahead of the team by 8-10 hours can be tricky. Despite Web Pro Geeks allowing me to work any time and meet my deadlines, and the communication being async, some days require me to stay late and adjust my schedule to sync up. 

Work from home distractions

If you stay with family, you are very likely to get distracted often. It’s worse at times if you have kids. Coming up with a task manager has helped me handle distractions well. I get to ensure I hit my daily targets and build my concentration around what I am working on. More so, I treat my work area as an office, keeping me more focused on the time I am “locked in.”

Finding balance is tricky but vital

One thing about remote work is keeping your work and personal mental health. One common myth is that working from home means working less, but it’s not really the case. I ended up working a lot more than the stipulated time. Finding a balance between work and personal life ensures sustainability. I had to set up a different browser profile for my workplace. I change my workplace from my desk, to a balcony desk, a co-working station, or a cafe. This is necessary for a distinct psychological shift. 

No Traditional employee benefits

If you are focused on contractual work, there are benefits you will not get from your employer, such as health insurance, which you might need to cover for yourself from your pay. 

Takeaway if you are considering working overseas as a contractor: 

While we might have different niches, anyone who works as a contractor overseas will have some things in common. Here are some takeaways you might consider: 

1. Be self-managed: Working on a contract means working with time and meeting deadlines all on your own. Time management and task ownership are vital. 
2. Choose the right employer: This is a must! The team you work with, right from your team lead, project manager/coordinator, and even your teammates, matters. Research the company’s culture, how they handle remote work, and other vitals for your contract, and see if they are a fit with your work-life. I would recommend friendly teams and companies willing to help you grow work-wise and on a personal level. 
3. Embrace remote-working tools: While most of the international companies with remote workers have remote-ready tools such as Slack, it is key to ensure you are on par with these tools for your use. For example, I use  Toggl to track the time I spend at work, and even share it with my employer. There are different software programs you can use, and do not restrict yourself to my recommendation if it does not work for you. 
4. Conquer your skills: You will have an easy time with tasks if you hone your expertise. I have had a chance to learn so much more, but the foundation matters. In my case, learning WordPress thoroughly has been vital to finishing tasks quickly and efficiently. 
5. Communicate clearly and consistently. Nobody will walk to your desk in your house and ask why the task has not been completed. You will need to keep up communication with your team and superiors. I have learnt to communicate to the smallest details that might affect my productivity. 

Also related: 5 Tips for Staying Organized as a Busy Entrepreneur

For Employers: If You’re Hiring Remote Contract Workers

1. Document well: Set clear tasks, task briefs, and feedback to avoid endless revisions and delays. At Web Pro Geeks, tasks and assets are well documented for the teams to handle different projects flawlessly. 
2. Treat contractors as collaborators: Even contractors thrive when they feel like part of the team. At Web Pro Geeks, contractors are actively involved in team workflows, which builds trust, accountability, and a stronger sense of ownership.
3. Respect the nature of remote work. Clients should understand that remote work comes with time zone differences and asynchronous communication. Clear expectations around availability, tools, and response times are essential. With Web Pro Geeks, working hours are well-defined, with flexibility for emergencies and a focus on results over micromanagement. Respecting these boundaries leads to smoother, more efficient collaboration. 

Also read: Wellness in the Workplace: 10 Trends in the Future of Workplace Well-being in 2024

Final Thoughts: 

Working part–time for an overseas company like Web Pro Geeks has given me a window to understand how well-organized and structured teams operate, and how documentation and planning are important towards clients’ success. It has helped me grow as a developer, manage my time well, and get to understand the balance between accountability and autonomy. 

For anyone considering a similar path, I would highly recommend it, set with clear expectations, know your value, and maintain your discipline.