Transition to Remote Work with The 'Suck-First' Principle

The data is in – 98% of people want to work remotely at least some of the time. But only 16% of companies are fully remote - and that means that competition for remote jobs is fierce.  

Switching from a traditional office job to contract remote work is hard. 

We're often enticed by the promise of flexibility and freedom but have no idea what it takes to get there. To truly excel in a fully remote environment, we have to encounter what often feels like insurmountable challenges.

• The uncertainty of quitting a stable 9-5 job (all office or hybrid working hours)
• The fear of taking on additional risk with contract work (managing your own taxes!)
• The adjustment required to work successfully alone at home (your own working environment) 

And that’s just the beginning. What if you fail? 

The reality is that you will fail, at some point. Things are going to suck for a while before you land your full-time remote job and can work from home. 

But it’s 2024, and success comes to those who seek it.

In this article we’re going to tell you a story, then equip you with a principle that Sahil Bloom’s discussed on LinkedIn.

First, the story.

Three Feet from Gold

Once, there was a miner who was struck by gold rush fever. He invested everything into mining equipment and set off to dig. After weeks of labor, he found a vein of gold.

Excited, he mined more, but the gold disappeared. Disheartened, he sold his equipment to a junkman and left. 

The junkman, curious, sought an expert's advice and started digging. Just three feet from where the miner stopped, he struck a massive gold vein that changed his life forever.

(The story comes from Napoleon Hill’s classic: Think and Grow Rich)

The Lesson for People Transitioning to Remote Work

This story is a vivid metaphor. The 'gold' is your breakthrough moment – passing complex tests in a job application – or winning that final structured interview with the hiring manager.

When faced with obstacles, remember that success might just be three feet away.

Like the miner, you've invested in your 'equipment' - your skills, knowledge, and time. 

But unlike him, you have the insight to keep digging, to persevere through the challenging aspects of applying for remote jobs. That’s when Sahil Bloom’s principle comes in handy.

The Suck-First Principle

This counter-intuitive approach originates from a Stanford graduate and investor known for his simple yet profound insights. 

It suggests that everything you want is on the other side of something that sucks. A great body is on the other side of 100 hours at the gym, for example.

If you have the wisdom to embrace the ‘suck’ you realize eventually success is inevitable.

Embrace the 'suck', because just when it feels like you should give up, you might be on the brink of your biggest breakthrough.

The 'Suck' in Remote Work

In the context of remote work, the 'suck' can manifest in various forms.

Here are a few examples:

·        Passing Difficult Assessments: The journey may start with cracking a challenging CCAT (Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test) to land your remote job. This test, often daunting in its complexity, serves as a gatekeeper to many remote career opportunities.

·        Completing Skills-Based Tests and Work Samples: To secure that dream job, you might need to navigate through rigorous skills assessments and work sample tasks. It's time-consuming and sometimes frustrating, but it's a crucial step in demonstrating your capabilities.

·        Mastering AI for Complex Problems: If you’re going to transition to remote work, understanding and using AI to solve complex problems is a good idea. The learning curve is steep, but the reward is a valuable skill set that sets you apart.

How to Embrace the Suck in Remote Job Hunting

·        Identify and Accept Your Challenge: Whether it's preparing for the CCAT, honing your skills for work samples, or learning AI for remote productivity, identify your 'suck'. Accepting it as part of your growth journey is the first step.

·        Set Realistic Goals: Break down your big challenge into smaller, achievable targets. Aim to improve a little each day, whether it's enhancing your test-taking strategies, refining your skills, or deepening your understanding of AI.

·        Stay Consistent and Resilient: The path to overcoming these challenges is paved with consistent effort and resilience. There will be setbacks, but each one is a stepping stone to your goal.

·        Keep the End Goal in Sight: Visualize the success awaiting you – the remote job you desire, the satisfaction of mastering a new skill, the innovative solutions you'll provide through AI. This vision will keep you motivated.

Why It Works

By tackling these challenges head-on, you not only move closer to your goals but also build a resilience that's invaluable in the remote work world.

This approach might seem unfair, but it fosters a growth mindset and prepares you for the ups and downs of tech remote work.

Resilience is the #1 trait required in high performing remote workers.

A New Year, A New Approach

As aspiring full-time remote workers, we often focus so hard on the dream of remote work that we give in when it gets to the suck parts. But this year, let's shift our perspective and embrace the 'suck'.

Whether it's acing tough tests, completing demanding tasks, or learning complex new skills – on the other side of these challenges lies financial reward and the remote lifestyle you crave.

If you’re ready, you won’t let any suck stand between you and the job of your dreams. Transition to remote work sooner rather than later, by embracing the challenges now.