When I became a mother in 2013, everything changed – not just in my personal life, but in how I approached work. I’ve always been a self-starter, someone who thrives on meaningful projects, autonomy, and creativity. So when I returned to work, I began experimenting with hybrid models: a few days in the office, a few from home. It wasn’t perfect, but it gave me enough flexibility to keep going.
Fast-forward to 2025: my family and I moved to Spain, and I now work entirely remotely. What I can say, without hesitation, is this – I am happier, more focused, and more fulfilled than ever.
And I’m not alone.
Studies show that remote workers report 20% more happiness on average than their fully office-bound peers (Tracking Happiness, 2022). And it’s not just about skipping the commute (though that helps). It’s about autonomy, balance, and trust – the very ingredients that creative professionals need to thrive.
Why Remote Work Made Me Happier - And Might Do the Same for You
The Power of Autonomy for Creative Minds
When you’re a creative professional – someone who builds, imagines, designs, writes, teaches, or leads – you often need space to think. You need time to follow an idea, to prototype something new, or to process feedback deeply.
Remote work offers this space.
I’ve found that being in my own environment helps me work on my terms, without the constant noise, meetings, or pressure to “look busy.” I don’t need to perform productivity; I actually get to be productive. And that’s incredibly freeing.
Self-Starters Need Trust, Not Micromanagement
One of the biggest myths about remote work is that people won’t be as productive without supervision. But here’s what the research says:
Employees with high autonomy and clarity about their role actually perform better and are more engaged(Journal of Applied Psychology).
This resonates deeply with me. As someone who’s internally driven, I don’t need someone to check in every hour – I need clear goals, room to experiment, and meaningful feedback. In this setting, I flourish. Many others do too – especially those who are proactive and purpose-driven.
More Time, Less Burnout
Living and working in Spain, I’m now surrounded by sun, family, and better food – but more importantly, I have time.
Time to walk my son to school.
Time to reflect between meetings.
Time to live, not just work.
The Global Work-Life Survey found that remote workers experience less burnout and greater life satisfaction. And while remote life isn’t perfect (yes, Zoom fatigue is real), the overall balance is far better than what I had before.
Why This Matters – and For Whom
Remote work isn’t for everyone. Some people need external structure or thrive in high-energy environments. But for those of us who are creative, proactive, and focused, remote work can be transformational.
It gives you:
- Ownership over your time
- The chance to design your day around your peak energy
- Freedom to be the adult professional you are – without the distractions
In short, it allows you to work with intention.
Final Thoughts
Remote work isn’t just a pandemic-era trend. It’s a paradigm shift in how we think about work, purpose, and fulfillment. For me, it’s allowed me to grow as a professional while being present as a parent, and that’s something I’ll never take for granted.
If you’re someone who thrives with freedom and direction, remote work may just be the setup that lets you do your best – and happiest – work yet.
Contact us
For more information, we’ll be happy to be in touch with you. Feel free to contact us with the contact form, by email to info@radianz.eu or on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/radianz-consulting
