Async Work is Freedom

I often read about freedom from a 9-to-5 job. While most of these folks tell you to pursue a startup, have a side hustle, or start freelancing. They don’t realize you don’t have to leave your 9-to-5; you have to leave the traditional 9-to-5 requirements.

As companies are going fully remote, the one I am with includes shifting how they work. Most companies could 10x the benefits of remote work by adopting async work.

Async work is a fundamental change in synchronous work. When you are with a team that is working asynchronously, you know a coworker is working in a particular time zone for set hours each day. There is no expectation of when you are at your desk, but communication happens over a project management system. The default is long-form and written. There are fewer phone calls, zoom meetings, and everything that does require a call is scheduled.

You’re able to wake up early, work for a prolonged period undisturbed. Then do a meeting or two with a coworker or even clients. After that, you’re able to take the afternoon to handle chores, spend time with family, or even binging some Netflix shows. All guilt or shame-free.

Async is freedom from the traditional 9-to-5, without losing the benefits and security. Once you start shifting to an async workday, there is no going back. You become more productive but also enjoy your life and work more. While you work less, you get way more done.

I am adopting async work more and more, moving to long-form written instructions and leaving long meetings plus instant messages in the past.