PUBLISHED ON DECEMBER 1, 2023 | REMOTE CAREER
I started with Brix working on projects for overseas companies, which initially posed a significant challenge and made me feel uneasy. The projects involved using the latest technology, SwiftUI, which is rarely used in China, and I had zero experience with it.
During the first week, I was fortunate to have a mentor who guided me and helped me tackle bugs. I dedicated myself to filling the knowledge gaps, but having a foundation in Swift certainly made the learning curve less steep. As time went on, I continued to learn, and I reached a point where I could ensure quality and on-time delivery.
The later stages of the projects involved rigorous quality checks. Surprisingly, it was during this period of high standards and demands that I realized significant improvements in my ability to self-test the apps. We had progress meetings close to the acceptance phase, allowing me to raise any issues promptly and report on the current status of my work.
Earning money while enhancing my skills – in a word, it's been a fantastic experience!
What do you think is the biggest difference for programmers between remote work and working in the office?
I can even work from anywhere, which is a dream come true for a coffee shop enthusiast like me. The feeling of working while exploring different coffee shops is fantastic!
Before I started remote work, I used to think that online communication was not as efficient as in-person communication and lacked the intensity of face-to-face discussions.
However, I gradually realized that each mode of work has its own advantages and disadvantages.
For instance, remote work has the advantage of reducing unnecessary communication. Meeting agendas are clear, and everyone's tasks and objectives are well-defined, which ultimately improves work efficiency.
One of the most crucial benefits is the flexibility to plan my own time. I no longer need to work long hours or engage in office politics.
Furthermore, remote work has allowed me to spend more time with my wife and children, achieving true work-life balance.
Considering the more substantial income, better time management, and the overall positive impact on my life, I didn't hesitate to transition from part-time to full-time remote work after three months of trying it out.
You mentioned earlier that the projects you're involved in come from overseas companies. Do you encounter any difficulties in communication?
Due to the time zone differences, our communication often occurs either late at night (around 10:30 PM) or early in the morning (around 7:30 AM).
The primary language of communication in our work is English. However, it hasn't been as complicated as I initially imagined.
During our communication, I rely on Google Translate most of the time, which has saved me a lot of trouble in the process.
Of course, I also try to dedicate some time each week to learn new vocabulary. I typically conduct a brief weekly meeting where I showcase my work output for the week, discuss any challenges I've encountered, and plan for future tasks, among other things.
Because sometimes there are foreigners involved in these meetings, having decent English speaking and listening skills is necessary. Fortunately, they generally speak quite clearly, and I can understand about 70-80% of what's being said.
Remote work can sometimes lead to less face-to-face interaction. Has there been any change in the team atmosphere?
Even in a team with such a concentration of talent, there is no sense of hierarchy. Everyone is very friendly and willing to engage in mutual learning and collaboration.
I've worked in both large and small companies before, but I must commend the team's product manager. They have strong bilingual skills, and for every change or requirement, they provide clear reasons, showing a user-centric approach. They also design UI graphics meticulously, and the color combinations are aesthetically pleasing.
Our senior developers are also highly skilled, particularly in Swift and SwiftUI. They have a quick and agile mindset. Although our team was formed temporarily, it feels stronger than most companies in China.
The positive team atmosphere has allowed me to learn a lot during the project. I've not only improved my technical skills but also become more self-disciplined and demanding of myself.
Finally, do you have any advice for engineers who are considering joining Brix?
Even though you're working from home, having a quiet and comfortable workspace, a clean and organized desk, dual Dell monitors, an adjustable ergonomic desk and chair, and a good cup of coffee can significantly boost productivity. I believe that not only remote developers but every programmer seeks an environment like this. In general, remote work has been even better than I expected.
In the initial adjustment phase, you may struggle a bit, but once you find your rhythm, that anxiety will fade away. The flexibility of remote work, the ability to control your own time, and the work environment are all quite different from going to the office.
Lastly, and most importantly, plan your travels in advance! Because remote work removes spatial constraints, you can work while soaking up vitamin D beneath the Cang Mountain in Dali, staying hydrated by the Li River in Yangshuo, and saying hi to seagulls from Australia by Erhai Lake.
