Tag: Telecommuting

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Fathers at Home: 3 Tips to Maximize Quality Time with Your Kids While Working Remotely

San José, Costa Rica, June 2024. In a world where remote work has become the norm for many men, Father’s Month offers us the opportunity to reflect on how this work mode has impacted fatherhood. Now more than ever, fathers face the challenge of balancing the demands of working from home with the attention their children need. This new reality invites us to explore innovative strategies to ensure that the time spent with our children is meaningful and enriching for both.

According to a study by the Social Observatory of the “la Caixa” Foundation, led by researchers from the University of Barcelona (UB), 30% of men who work remotely are more involved in household chores. Regarding childcare, 24% of fathers who telework engage in more caregiving activities than their partners, while 59% contribute equally. These statistics highlight the complexity of balancing work and family life for fathers working from home and the need to find effective strategies to manage these responsibilities equitably.

From Mismo, a Software consulting firm with a presence in multiple countries and a 100% remote workforce, we share 3 practical tips for enjoying quality time with your children during telecommuting:

  1. Family Brainstorming Sessions: Managing remote work with children can be quite challenging, but with some appropriate strategies, you can achieve an effective balance between your work responsibilities and childcare. An effective tactic is to organize family brainstorming sessions. Set aside a weekly time for everyone to participate with creative ideas for projects or activities. Using whiteboards or virtual whiteboard applications will not only encourage family collaboration but also allow you to maintain focus on your work tasks while your children are entertained and engaged.
  2. Themed Days at Home: Planning themed days at home can be an excellent way to keep children engaged and allow you to focus on your work. Organize days where the entire family dresses up and participates in activities related to a specific theme. From a superhero day to a space adventure, with appropriate costumes and accessories, these themed days will keep the children entertained for extended periods, giving you the space you need to fulfill your work responsibilities without constant interruptions, especially as vacations approach.
  3. Story Creation Room: Create a dedicated space for your children to explore their creativity. A “Story Creation Room,” equipped with paper, crayons, and toys, can be the perfect place. Take short breaks during the day to listen to your children’s stories and encourage them in their creations. This will not only foster their imagination but also provide them with their own area to play while you focus on your work, thus achieving a harmonious balance between being an attentive parent and a productive professional.

Keep in mind that…

Taking scheduled breaks is essential for maintaining a healthy balance between work and family life. Use these intervals to stretch, take a short walk, or simply relax. Likewise, take advantage of these breaks to share special moments with your children, whether it’s playing together in the garden or enjoying a small picnic in the living room. Integrating these quality moments into your daily routine will not only strengthen your family bonds but also help you stay focused and productive at work.

Creating suitable family spaces and establishing solid routines are essential for enjoying time at home with our children, especially when working remotely. Jinal Jhaveri, founder of Mismo, shares an anecdote that many parents can relate to: “As a father of two girls, I know how challenging it can be to work from home while attending to my daughters and fulfilling my work responsibilities. Once, during a client meeting, my daughters organized an impromptu concert in the living room. This episode reminded me of the importance of managing interruptions effectively and having well-established routines. Additionally, childhood passes by so quickly, and I’m glad to be able to share these special moments at home, even if they are chaotic at times.”

The executive adds, “This experience is shared by many parents striving to balance work and family in a remote environment. At Mismo, we are committed to finding practical and creative solutions to help parents enjoy quality time with their children while achieving their professional goals.”

Incorporating these strategies into your daily routine will not only improve your relationship with your children but also make the experience of working from home more rewarding and productive. Happy Father’s Day from Mismo!

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5 common mistakes when searching for remote work and how to avoid them

Bogotá (Colombia), April 2024. In the last decade, remote work has experienced exponential growth, providing employers and employees with a flexible and convenient alternative. Besides its evident comfort, telecommuting also offers a unique opportunity to balance professional and personal life, making it an especially attractive option for many professionals. This modality not only eliminates the need for daily commutes, reducing stress and time spent on transportation, but also allows for greater autonomy and freedom in time management, facilitating the reconciliation of work and personal responsibilities. This well-being and flexibility-focused approach promotes increased job satisfaction and productivity, while enhancing employees’ quality of life.

By embracing remote work, companies are leading a shift towards a more inclusive and individual-focused work culture. This change goes beyond just the physical location from where tasks are performed, as it entails a reevaluation of organizational practices and policies to accommodate the individual needs and preferences of employees. Organizations are implementing flexible work policies and wellness programs that promote a healthy balance between work and personal life, resulting in more engaged, motivated, and happy employees. This evolution towards a more flexible and well-being-centered work culture not only benefits employees but also contributes to the long-term success of companies by improving talent retention, productivity, and employer brand reputation.

However, despite the evident benefits and the growing interest in this work modality among many Colombians seeking a better balance between personal and professional life, there are still challenges to overcome when searching for remote job opportunities. These challenges may escape the attention of applicants but can significantly impact their chances of accessing meaningful job roles and achieving desired professional success. It is crucial to thoroughly explore these challenges to fully understand how to avoid them and capitalize on the opportunities that online jobs offer. Below, from Mismo, we detail the most common mistakes and effective strategies to successfully navigate them.

  1. Failing to keep professional social networks like LinkedIn up to date: By neglecting to update profiles and actively engage on these platforms, professionals risk losing valuable connections with recruiters and potential employers, thereby reducing their chances of accessing meaningful remote job opportunities. To improve, it is essential to optimize and keep professional social networks updated, actively interact on the platform, and establish meaningful connections with other professionals in the field to increase visibility and maximize networking and remote job opportunities.
  1. Underestimating the importance of soft skills: Neglecting the development of soft skills during the job application process can pose a significant challenge. The lack of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability can diminish candidates’ ability to stand out in a remote work environment, where effective collaboration and adaptability are essential. This situation reduces their chances of success in an increasingly virtual and globalized job market. Therefore, it is imperative to prioritize strengthening these skills before applying for remote jobs. Actively participating in specific training programs and regularly practicing these skills in work and social contexts can make a significant difference in the candidate’s competitiveness.
  1. Failing to tailor the resume for remote work: Submitting a generic resume or even one generated by artificial intelligence or falsified, without highlighting skills and experiences relevant to remote work, can significantly decrease the chances of being selected for an interview. By not personalizing the CV, the opportunity to highlight indispensable attributes such as autonomy, time management, and the ability to work effectively without direct supervision is wasted.

“Adapting the resume for remote work is not just a suggestion, it’s a necessity. In an increasingly digitized world, employers are seeking talent that can not only excel at a distance but also lead in it. That’s why I urge candidates to turn their resume into a window showcasing their ability to innovate, collaborate, and succeed in the world of remote work,” says Diego Gamboa, Chief Technology Officer of Mismo.

  1. Ignoring continuous professional development: Failing to invest in the development of skills and knowledge relevant to remote work can restrict growth opportunities in a highly competitive job market. Stagnation in learning and acquiring new competencies can leave professionals lagging behind, as the work environment demands adaptability and continuous updating. Therefore, it is crucial to invest in the constant improvement of soft and technical skills, such as time management and virtual communication, to ensure not only professional advancement but also a solid competitive position in the current and future job market.
  1. Neglecting professional image in virtual environments: A careless appearance or unprofessional personal presentation can negatively impact employers’ and colleagues’ perception of your professionalism and credibility, which could decrease your chances of success in the selection process. It is crucial to pay attention to your appearance, ensuring a polished look and impeccable presentation during virtual interactions, to project a solid professional image and make a positive impression on recruiters.

It is crucial to avoid these common mistakes and adopt a proactive and strategic approach when seeking remote employment to make the most of job opportunities. It should be noted that there are platforms like Mismo Jobs that offer a wide variety of remote job vacancies available today. These spaces provide professionals with the opportunity to explore different options and move towards a successful career in the realm of remote work.

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Remote work in the USA: Opportunities for Colombians with salaries of over $10 million COP

Bogotá (Colombia), March 2024. With the arrival of COVID-19, remote work has become one of the preferred options for numerous transnational companies. This trend, which has been gaining momentum in Colombia, responds to the desire of many people to work from home to ensure their safety and well-being and keep abreast of new trends. In addition, the savings in commuting time and associated costs, such as transportation, clothing, and food, are also significant advantages.

This new way of working has challenged the deeply-rooted belief that physical presence is indispensable for collaboration and productivity. As more workers experience the benefits of telecommuting, companies have begun to see the advantages of hiring people from other countries without the need for them to relocate. This dynamic has streamlined hiring processes and reduced costs associated with relocation. Similarly, it allows companies to access a wider range of international talent without having to worry about the logistical and legal issues that often arise when moving foreign employees. This contributes to greater diversity and innovation in the workplace, while also increasing the company’s competitiveness on a global level.

Currently, there are numerous job opportunities in areas such as engineering and software development that are seeking Colombian professionals, who are sought after by these companies for their solid academic background and their ability to adapt to new situations. These vacancies require a combination of technical and soft skills, as well as fluency in English, especially at the B2 level or higher according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Candidates must have previous experience in the industry to meet the demands of these positions and contribute to innovation and technological development.

According to leading job portals like GlassDoor or El Empleo, salaries for positions such as FullStack Engineers (one of the most in demand) range between 8 and 10 million Colombian pesos per month. This level of remuneration is considered highly competitive, especially because many of these opportunities are paid in dollars. It is worth noting that this phenomenon of attractive salaries is not exclusive to Colombia, but is observed throughout Latin America, due to the strengthening of the dollar against the currencies of the region.

Companies like the Software consultancy Mismo actively seek professionals in specialized areas such as FullStack engineering and Cloud Computing. In fact, according to the previously mentioned job portals, specialties like Cloud Computing can offer monthly salaries of up to $15 million Colombian pesos. It is essential to highlight that these salaries depend on the company for which one works, which implies that they could be significantly higher.

“The positions offered to Colombian professionals in international companies provide a valuable space to experience a global work environment that fosters innovation, continuous learning, and exposure to diverse cultures and business practices. These types of jobs, with attractive salaries and growth alternatives, are an excellent option for those looking to expand their professional horizons and improve their career development without having to leave home,” indicates Diego Gamboa, Chief Technology Officer at Mismo.

The executive highlights the importance of using specific keywords such as ‘remote work’, ‘job opportunities abroad’ (or country of preference), ‘competitive salaries’, and ‘professional positions’ when searching for jobs online. These terms allow filtering the results to find vacancies that fit the candidate’s skills and experience.

“It is essential to identify the companies of our interest based on the benefits they offer, the technologies and industry in which they operate. Let us not forget that these companies frequently share job offers, information, articles, and community-oriented activities through their social networks, such as LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook,” says Gamboa.

The space Mismo Jobs hosts a wide variety of job vacancies for interested professionals. On this site, applicants can not only explore employment opportunities but also receive guidance and advice during their international job search.

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Remote Work: Argentinians wanted in the U.S. – Here are the requirements

Buenos Aires (Argentina), May 2023. More and more Argentine professionals are choosing remote work for various reasons. Remote work offers greater flexibility and time control, allowing for a better work-life balance. It can also reduce commuting costs and other expenses associated with working in a physical office. Additionally, remote work can enhance safety and health by minimizing exposure to temporary viruses and other illnesses.

Globalization and the growing demand for remote services have unleashed unprecedented opportunities for Argentine and Latin American professionals. This new era has given them the freedom to extend their reach beyond previous boundaries. As a result, local talent is now making waves in companies worldwide.

Furthermore, many international companies are seeking remote employees in Argentina due to the multiple benefits. It speeds up the hiring process and provides access to highly skilled talents. The remote work trend is a unique opportunity for both companies and workers, fostering a better balance between professional and personal life and offering a more flexible approach to remote collaboration.

In Argentina, the technology sector has experienced significant growth in remote work in recent years, leading to a high demand for software engineers. These professionals have a competitive edge in remote work because most of the tools they use for software project development and management are cloud-based, allowing them to access these tools from anywhere globally with an internet connection. Additionally, individuals in these fields have the opportunity to constantly learn and update their skills due to the innovative culture and collaborative work environment characteristic of these globally distributed companies, with San Francisco (CA) being one of the major hubs.

This remote hiring model is favored by Silicon Valley startups. However, what are the requirements for these vacancies? U.S. companies looking to hire Latin American remote talent often have specific criteria for candidates. They expect professionals to have at least a B2 level of English proficiency since communication is key in remote and multicultural teams. Experience in programming and software development, along with advanced skills in popular programming languages such as Java, Python, Ruby, or Javascript, is also required. Technical and soft skills, including teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving, are crucial. Leadership skills and the ability to work in a dynamic and changing environment are also highly valued.

“If someone chooses to work remotely, they must understand the commitment and responsibility that this virtual environment entails. Having a proactive attitude toward continuous learning is crucial, as the tech industry is constantly evolving and staying up-to-date is essential. This also means having the opportunity to learn and enhance your skills constantly,” says Diego Gamboa, Chief Technology Officer of the software consultancy firm Mismo, which has been providing IT solutions to North American companies for over a decade.

To apply for remote job opportunities, it’s important to highlight remote work skills and experiences on your resume, along with relevant technical competencies for the position you’re applying for. Emphasizing your ability to work autonomously and demonstrating a proactive attitude towards continuous learning is also crucial. During interviews, it’s essential to discuss previous experiences with remote work and how you’ve overcome the challenges it may present.

“Applicants should highlight their communication and collaboration skills in a virtual environment, as well as their flexibility to adapt to different time zones, teams, and cultures,” adds Gamboa. He also emphasizes that “demonstrating the required language communication skills, proactivity, and problem-solving ability is critical for applicants.”

If you’re interested in applying for these opportunities, you can do so at https://mismo.team.

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Working in the U.S. remotely: How to apply for a job?

Buenos Aires (Argentina), March 2023. Fully remote employment, which benefits both companies and their employees, comes with certain features, such as saving time and money on commutes and the ability to work from anywhere in the world, reducing stress levels and improving mental health.

Certainly, working remotely (especially in the field of engineering and IT development) offers numerous attractive benefits for anyone, as achieving a balance between personal and professional life is a top priority and need in today’s world.

But what does it take to apply for one of these dream jobs that offer not only dollar salaries and job flexibility but also the opportunity to work and learn from emerging startups in Silicon Valley?

What you need to apply

Having at least a B2 level of English (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is essential to access these positions and stand out among other candidates, considering that for companies like Mismo (which offers software consulting), there are no distinctions of gender, age, or race when hiring.

“Speaking a second language is a powerful competitive advantage because it allows us to thrive in multiple cultural and professional spaces. Mastering another language, in addition to your native one, will enhance opportunities, meaning the possibility of entering a global workforce increases significantly,” says Diego Gamboa, Chief Technology Officer of Mismo.

Furthermore, continuous training and development of the skills that the job market is currently demanding, such as software development and data science, are necessary to take the first step toward remote work in the digital world. For American companies, these skills are a differentiating factor, but they are aligned with soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and creativity.

It’s worth noting that in the current global situation, where economic instability has led many companies to conduct mass layoffs, Mismo continues to strengthen its IT workforce due to its talent selection and training processes. This effectively positions and incorporates Latin American engineers, specifically Argentinians, who have become essential not only because of the time zone and geographic location but also due to their commitment, passion, and technical and professional expertise over the years.

Forum Desai, co-founder and CEO of the software consultancy firm with over a decade of experience providing IT consultancy through Latin American talent to American companies, primarily located in San Francisco, CA, says, “At Mismo, we seek to inspire, showcase, and connect Argentine professionals with leading IT firms. We are aware that we may be facing a global recession, but here, we believe in the transformative power of our talent and the contributions each of them makes to the organizations we connect them with to create materialized opportunities.” She adds, “One of our goals is to recognize the importance of working together with a clear objective to boost our clients’ results and our employees’ growth.”

Ready to Apply?

Those interested in applying for these positions can do so at Mismo Jobs

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Vacancies in foreign companies offer payments in dollars to Costa Rican talent

San José (Costa Rica), January 2023. Costa Rica, due to its proximity in time zones and geographical location similar to the United States, has become an attractive destination for hundreds of foreign companies seeking qualified software developers who can quickly join their teams and take advantage of the numerous benefits of remote work. Employees under this arrangement typically receive various professional and personal growth incentives, in addition to a salary paid in dollars.

This is precisely one of the sectors that has benefited the most from the local currency’s performance against international currencies, a situation akin to that experienced by other Latin American countries facing irregular financial fluctuations, while the global strength of the US dollar persists.

According to job listings on Costa Rican job portals, IT professionals from Costa Rica who work remotely for these companies can earn up to twice as much as the national average salary without having to leave their homes. They also have access to additional perks, such as covering their internet connection expenses or setting up a home office for added convenience.

One software consulting firm that connects local talent with such opportunities, often concentrated in the rapidly growing startups of Silicon Valley, is Mismo. “We take pride in creating growth and transformation opportunities for software engineers in Latin America. At Mismo, we are fortunate to bring together ideas from different parts of the continent, fostering the creativity of each of our collaborators. This guarantees optimal and innovative solutions for the companies we partner with,” assures Forum Desai, co-founder and CEO of this renowned software consulting firm, recognized for its significant impact in recent years in connecting Latin American talent with US-based companies, primarily in San Francisco, California, as well as other parts of the United States.

In addition to the competitive US dollar-based salary, Mismo’s offerings include various benefits, such as flexible work schedules, paid time off, internet and education reimbursements, and professional development programs, among others. Because of this, Diego Gamboa, Chief Technology Officer of the company, recommends that Costa Ricans applying for these positions with such bonuses (which can be found at https://mismo.team/) should prepare for interviews in advance, refresh their knowledge of fundamentals and general knowledge areas, and highlight both technical and soft skills. It is essential to note that at least a B2 level of English proficiency is required to succeed.

“On a daily basis, we are deeply interested in understanding the needs of each person we hire, supporting them comprehensively to facilitate their development and growth in their professions,” says the executive. “In the midst of 2023 and post-pandemic, the workforce has given considerable thought to achieving a better work-life balance. That’s why, at Mismo, we constantly consider how to create growth opportunities for Costa Rican engineers through technology, educational programs, and the enhancement of both soft and technical skills, ensuring professional development aligns with the objectives of the companies we collaborate with,” says Gamboa.