Remote Work Lessons You Can Learn From These Top Movies

by Kevin Faber

Working from home sounds like an amazing gig from the outside if you have never done it before. You get to be more flexible with your schedule and usually get to wear whatever you want. Once you try it you may realize that not all work-from-home jobs are created equal. Hollywood has made most remote jobs seem pretty great and lot of wisdom can be found even in some of the most outrageous examples. Here are some usable remote work lessons you can learn from characters in these top movies.

"Napoleon Dynamite"

"Napoleon Dynamite" was a hilarious comedy from 2004 showing the life of awkward high schoolers and their families. When you think of this movie and working from home you might immediately think of Uncle Rico trying his hand at remote sales, but the star of the show is definitely "Glamour Shots by Deb". Deb was trying to make some extra money for college ("Your mom goes to college.") but isn't getting enough through selling boondoggles alone, she also offers glamour shots in her home. She keeps it professional and has all of the props needed for a great portrait.

If you are thinking of setting up a portrait studio in your home you can follow Deb's example by having a great backdrop, lighting and posing expertise.

"Sex and the City"

"Sex and the City" is an example of what you might be hoping for from a hybrid job. Carrie Bradshaw, the main character of this romantic comedy, is able to work where she wants and when she wants as long as she meets her deadlines. Her research for writing her articles for the column is through hanging out at restaurants and bars and going on dates (and more) with good-looking men. She hangs out with her friends, on what seems like a daily basis, and uses them to understand the social life of New York.

Her life isn't all fun and dates, as always, there is heartbreak and drama. Your hybrid working life may not have all the excitement of Carrie's but it is an important reminder to not let your job take away from a fulfilling social and love life.

"Despicable Me"

"Despicable Me" paints a picture that work from home parents know all too well. Gru, after bringing in three orphaned girls, discovers that trying to carry out any plan, let alone an evil one, is much more difficult with kids around. It is hard to get anything done between all the appointments and interruptions. Gru even experiences the stress of trying to do a virtual presentation to try and secure a loan with kids running around and causing distractions.

Gru is smart in the remote work game by having a different space for work separate from his living space. All of his inventions, and even his coworkers, can be found downstairs. This can help with focus but doesn't seem to keep the kids from still making a mess of things. Gru learns that he needs to find a better work and family balance because when he was focused too much on work he almost loses the three little girls that he realizes he has a soft spot for. If you are a work-from-home parent, know that it might feel a little chaotic, but you are doing a great job at the end of the day!

Movies might make remote work seem easier than it actually is, but there are still a lot of lessons that can be learned if you try. Be professional if you want to make more money, balance your social and work life and don't ever let your coworkers live with you.