• Read more about Working Remotely

One of the main questions I am asked about my job is how I manage to stay productive while working from home, especially since the company that I work for is a group of app developers in DC. I live in  Argentina working as a graphic designer for Mobomo’s Design Team and have been since October 2014. Even though Mobomo is a U.S based company, I can honestly say I have loved working remotely for a company that truly invests in their employees even though they are thousands of miles away. Working remotely is only possible with professional and reliable people. I can admit, working from home is a skill that needs to be developed because it requires knowing how to manage your time without someone supervising you 24/7. It also takes someone that knows how to take calculated risks without asking for permission, and making that solution work.

Even though it’s not your traditional office setting, we have our own ways to stay connected. Our design team meets each morning on Hangouts to discuss what each of us are working on that day and if we need help with something then would be the time to ask. Some would ask ok but how does your team keep your tasks tracked? We use tools like Jira to help us stay organized with our to-do lists and it allows you to know who’s working on what and when it should be completed. When we want to communicate in a more relaxed way with our co-workers, we use Slack as our ‘water cooler’ we share gifs and talk about music or which new game we are playing.

From time to time, we have ‘Mobomo Days’ where we get together and work in an office. Recently we had an end of the year party where we spent a day at a rented country house where we could enjoy a pool and a dinner together. It is great being able to come together as a team to share laughs and jokes even though we don't see one another day in and day out. 

I have had an amazing experience working for Mobomo this past year, it has helped me grow professionally in many aspects, and it has given me the opportunity to meet awesome people, not only in the Buenos Aires team, but also in the U.S. I’m really excited to see what 2016 has in store and I’m fully charged to tackle on the new projects that come along.

• Read more about An Introvert's Guide to Working Remote

Introverts have it made when it comes to working remote, right? We don’t thrive on socialization; in fact we can go days without talking. Small talk is exhausting and people popping in and out of our cubicle is just a tad annoying.

So what’s more ideal than working in PJs and never faking your way through another convo at the coffee maker?! (don’t lie, you know you strategically came in early just to avoid this!)

Well, speaking from experience, once it's gone, you kind of wish you had it back (gasp). Yes, it's awesome working on your own schedule and being inspired to work when you WANT to work, but the lack of human contact, even for an introvert, can quickly grow old.

So what’s an introvert to do? Well, never fear! You really can have it all. It just takes a little ingenuity…

1. Be Intentional

Don’t work from home EVERY day. Brush your teeth, put some shoes on, and set up camp at your local coffee shop. Create a weekly schedule, with daily locations, and stick to it. Find a co-working space, café, park, whatever! Just be consistent and intentionally put yourself in social situations.

2. Smile

Take those headphones off and make eye contact with the people around you; the cashier, barista, UPS driver, even your neighbor! I know, I know, crazy talk. But seriously, do you know who makes your latte every morning? Chat it up with your barista and see how his day’s going! There are plenty of opportunities for you to socialize with other people, wherever you are!

3. Do scary things

For us introverts, new social setting can quickly become intimidating, but fight the voice that says, “just stay home and hang out with your Netflix friends.” Step outside your comfort zone; join a climbing gym, running club, art studio, bow-hunting team, anything! Just find something that excites (or scares) you and jump into it!

Connecting in the remote world is tough enough; add a layer of introversion and it gets even trickier! Thus, finding ways to interact with people, beyond social media and the virtual world is the only way to survive. We are innately social beings, even us introverted folks, so do yourself a favor; take a risk, smile, and say hello.

• Read more about Patti Chan Talks Fitbit, Github and R at Distill

Update:Watch the talk here!: https://distill.engineyard.com/2013/videos#patti_chan

At the first ever Distill conference being held by Engine Yard August 8th & 9th, our very own Director of Project Management Patti Chan will be talking about Fitbit, Github and R.

I had a chance to talk with Patti about her talk, currently scheduled for day #2 of the conference. Here's what she said:

Overview of Patti’s Talk

Learn how to measure, visualize, and improve the health and productivity of your engineering team using open source tools and APIs like R, Fitbit, and Github. Especially if your team works from home or is confined to cubicles, engineering can be a pretty sedentary lifestyle. With this set of tools, find out the best time of day to tack on a walk outside, or how active individuals are squeezing in their morning runs. See what hours are most productive for checking in code and how they correlate to healthy activity.

About Patti

Having worked in almost every aspect of crafting online experiences since 2002, Patti uses her developer, UX, and project management background to guide talented teams in building intelligent solutions for innovative clients. She currently serves as Director of Project Management at Intridea, a global force building better applications for enterprises and startups.

More about Patti here, and how she spends all the time she saves by not commuting to work. Hint: I can personally attest that she is an excellent chef.

About Distill

Distill is a developer conference featuring over 25 speakers showcasing best practices from application architecture and user experience to testing and security. By attending, you will gain a deeper understanding of new technologies and progressive methods currently on the rise in software development.

The conference will take place on Treasure Island in San Francisco where you will experience stellar content supplemented by gorgeous views of the skyline and bay. Distill is about education, cross-pollination and community--for you to forge new relationships with your fellow attendees and leave the event feeling enriched, edified and inspired.