12 Things Brits Would Find Surprisingly Different About Working From Home in America

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If you’re from Britain and start working from home in America, there are a few surprises waiting for you! From how your day is structured to where you can live, things can look quite different on this side of the pond. Let’s walk through some of the big changes you might notice.

1. A spare bedroom may become a permanent office

In the US, it’s pretty common for folks to turn a spare bedroom into a permanent home office. This setup means you can shut the door and really focus, without having to pack everything away each day. It’s a handy way to separate work life from home life, even when everything happens under the same roof.

2. Some houses have dedicated studies before anyone starts working remotely

American homes often come with dedicated studies or office spaces. This means many people don’t need to rearrange their living spaces to find a quiet spot for work. If you’re moving to the States, you might find yourself lucky enough to land a place with a ready-made office space!

3. Long former commutes make home working particularly attractive

Remember those long commutes that used to eat up your morning? Many Americans face the same thing. Working from home saves a ton of time that was once spent in traffic, making it extremely attractive for anyone who’s had enough of the daily grind to and from the office.

4. Workers can live much farther from the office

In America, it’s not uncommon for people to live really far from their office, especially when they work from home. This flexibility allows many to move to more affordable areas or closer to nature, without worrying about a brutal commute. It opens up a lot of possibilities for choosing where to live.

5. Colleagues may work across several time zones

Working with teammates across different time zones is pretty standard here. This can mean early meetings or late emails, depending on where everyone is based. It’s something to get used to, as you might start your day while colleagues on the other coast are still asleep!

6. Early meetings can be normal when teams span the country

Given the time zone differences, early meetings are part of the norm. You might need to adjust your routine to accommodate team calls, which can be a bit of a shift from the usual 9-to-5 you might be used to back in Britain.

7. Home offices can have far more space

American homes often have more space, which means bigger home offices. This extra room can make it easier to feel organized and less cramped, which helps a lot when you’re spending most of your day there.

8. Some workers move to cheaper states while keeping remote jobs

With the option to work remotely, some folks choose to move to states where living costs are lower but keep their jobs in expensive cities. This can lead to significant savings and a better quality of life, without having to give up a job they love.

9. State tax rules can complicate working somewhere different from your employer

When you live in one state and work for a company based in another, things can get tricky tax-wise. Each state has its own rules, which can complicate payday. It’s a good idea to get some advice on this to avoid surprises at tax time.

10. Healthcare benefits can remain tied to the job even when the office is hundreds of miles away

In the US, your healthcare benefits are usually tied to your job, not your location. This means you can move far from your office but still keep the same healthcare benefits, which is a huge plus for many.

11. A lunch break may still involve getting in the car

Even if you work from home, your lunch break might still involve a quick car ride. Many Americans live in places where shops and restaurants aren’t within walking distance, so grabbing lunch can mean a quick trip out with the car.

12. Remote colleagues in the same company can experience completely different climates, costs and lifestyles

Finally, one of the quirkiest things about working remotely in the US is that your colleagues could be experiencing totally different weather, living costs, and lifestyles. One might be shoveling snow while another is at the beach!