Adjusting to the new normal

When I took on my first fully remote role at InEvidence, I knew it would be a shift. No more commuting, no more office small talk, and certainly no more awkward kitchen encounters over the last biscuit. It was a post-pandemic world, and remote work was the new reality. Convenient? Absolutely. But easy? Not quite.

However efficient one can be in their work, however much time is saved by avoiding the daily grind of travel, there's something undeniably missing when all your interactions happen through a screen. The casual chats, the spontaneous brainstorming sessions, the shared laughter over a misfired email-these things don't translate as well in a world of scheduled Zoom calls and Slack messages.

And so, I found myself facing a challenge I hadn't fully anticipated: how do you build real, meaningful relationships with people you've never met in person?

Finding connection in a digital space

Luckily, I landed in an agency filled with some of the most creative, talented, and genuinely lovely people I've ever worked with. And while we may not share an office, we do make the effort to meet up in real life from time to time. Those moments, rare as they might be, make all the difference.

There's something about sitting across from someone, seeing their expressions without a pixelated filter, and sharing a laugh that doesn't have a half-second lag. It reminds you that behind every email, every message, every video call, there's a real person with real energy and real stories to tell.

Even in a remote world, the power of human connection is undeniable-it just takes a little more effort to nurture.

The magic of shared creativity

One of the biggest turning points for me was the chance to connect with my fellow writers. There's something special about being in a room (or even a virtual space) with people who share your passion for words. We shoot the breeze, talk absolute nonsense, and revel in the joy of language. It's a safe space, a creative haven, and a reminder that I'm exactly where I need to be.

Writing can be a solitary pursuit, but it doesn't have to be a lonely one. Being surrounded by like-minded people who not only understand but appreciate the quirks of wordplay and storytelling makes all the difference. It turns work into something more-something fulfilling, something fun.

Creativity thrives in connection, even if that connection is built through screens and carefully scheduled catch-ups.

Looking ahead

What does the next chapter hold? Honestly, I have no idea. I want to write more. I want to write better. And maybe, just maybe, AI can predict what's coming next (though I'd like to think I still have a say in it).

What I do know is this: remote work isn't going anywhere. But neither is the need for human connection. It just means we have to be more intentional about how we build relationships, how we collaborate, and how we create spaces-virtual or otherwise-where we can truly be ourselves.

So, whether it's a spontaneous video call, a well-timed meme, or an in-person meetup that reminds us why we love what we do, the key is to keep showing up. Because at the end of the day, work is about more than just tasks and deadlines. It's about people. And that's something worth investing in.