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How to Grow Your Career While Working Remotely

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By Preethi Jathanna

Senior Writer for HR and Remote Work

How to Grow Your Career While Working Remotely
When you’re working in your sweatpants, the concept of “climbing the corporate ladder” can feel a bit abstract. After a while, you begin to wrestle with this nagging worry: Am I becoming invisible? Will my boss forget I exist? Can I actually grow my career while working remotely, or am I stuck in neutral?According to a survey referenced by the Daily Mail, office and hybrid workers get more promotions than remote workers, 5.6% for the former and only 3.9% for the latter. Based on these figures, it's pretty clear that your questions are valid, and you're right to be asking them.The good news is you can absolutely thrive in your remote career. You just need to be more intentional about it. Let's discuss how.

6 Ways to Grow Your Career as a Remote Worker

6 Ways to Grow Your Career as a Remote WorkerAs a remote worker, growing your career is going to take more than just doing good work and hoping someone notices. It requires smart strategies. Let's dig into what actually works.

1. Take Ownership Beyond Your Job Description

That you work remotely doesn't mean just do your job and call it a day. It's not a checklist. You need to find ways to make yourself get noticed, and what better way than to solve problems the team is struggling with?This doesn't mean that you should become the office martyr. But when you identify a process that's broken, and you can improve it, why not? Just remember to document it and share it with your manager. That's how you become indispensable.

2. Be Proactive and Responsive

Remember the saying: out of sight, out of mind? That's very possible with remote work. Your manager hasn't seen you for months; it's almost easy to forget that you exist.But you can prevent that. How? Be that person who responds quickly. The person who jumps on urgent requests. The person who communicates clearly before anyone has to ask? That keeps you in mind.And your notifications? Let them be on always. Most remote workers keep communication tools open just to show they’re actively working, because being visible matters so much in a remote setting.More importantly, when you say you'll deliver something before the close of the day, deliver it. Small actions like these can build you up as someone who's reliable. And honestly, in a remote work environment, that's everything.

3. Commit to Continuous Learning

According to the World Economic Forum, nearly 40% of the skills you have today will likely become obsolete by 2030.Already, AI, big data, Blockchain, and a lot of new technologies are transforming workplaces all over the world. The question is, how are you keeping up? By continuous learning.Take online courses. Get certified in that new software everyone's talking about. If you're in education or leadership, consider advanced leadership courses. There are online EdD with no dissertation programs that can equip you to lead more strategically.These programs, according to Spalding University, are usually 100% online, so of course, you won't suffer. The goal is simple: invest in yourself between Zoom calls.

4. Expand Your Professional Network

KPMG 2024 U.S. CEO Outlook reports that 86% of CEOs from large companies are considering linking promotions and raises with in-office attendance. For you, working remotely, the message couldn't be clearer: promotions may likely not come as quickly as you'd like.This is why the relationship you keep matters. Of course, as a remote worker, you can't rely on hallway conversations or lunch breaks to build connections. Your approach has to be deliberately different. Join LinkedIn communities or industry Slack groups. Attend virtual conferences. The stronger your network, the more opportunities you'll get.

5. Seek Feedback Regularly

Seek Feedback RegularlyDon't wait for the mid-year review to find out if you're okay. Only 40% of remote workers receive clear feedback from their managers. The rest? Probably just doing the same old checklist and not knowing if they're making a difference or not.That’s a risky place to be.You need to know if what you’re doing is making a difference. You also need to know where you can improve. And in a remote role, that clarity rarely shows up on its own. You have to ask for it.There’s another upside, too. Asking for feedback signals that you care about your work and want to grow. Managers notice that. And in a remote setup, being intentional about growth can be the difference between moving forward and being forgotten.

6. Volunteer for Cross-Functional Projects

Really want leadership to notice you? Volunteer for projects that cut across teams.When you work on something that brings together marketing, sales, and tech, you stop being “just” your job title. You become the bridge. That matters. It shows you’re thinking beyond your own lane. It also puts you in front of people who might never work with you otherwise.

FAQ

Can you really get promoted while working remotely?

Absolutely. Just look at companies like Airbnb and Shopify that have "remote-first" structures. People are promoted there regularly. Just make your impact visible to the right people.

How do I stay visible while working remotely?

Simple. Document your wins, then share them with the right people. But beyond that, never shy away from challenges.

What skills matter most for remote career growth?

Beyond your core role, master asynchronous communication, time management, and how to use emerging tech tools. Add leadership skills, and you’re set for big things.

How often should I ask for feedback when working remotely?

Every 4–6 weeks is a good rhythm. Too often, and you'll look like you need hand-holding. Too rare leaves you guessing where you stand.

Final Thoughts

Growing your career remotely requires just a simple mind shift: thinking less in terms of “presenteeism” and more in terms of “results-ism.” It’s about being deliberately seen for your contributions, not just your attendance. You have more control over your career than many others. Use that flexibility not just to work, but to build.
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