2.19 From Landscaping to Coding: Thriving with Autism in a Remote Environment

With a little assistance, that I needed in the beginning, I was able to overcome some profound barriers. I was able to transform my life from living with family to now living completely on my own and taking care of myself 100%. I owe that to remote work and it’s just a blessing.

– Bret Bernhoft, remote work professional and neurodiverse individual

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Navigating Neurodiversity in Remote Work: Insights from a Full Stack Developer

Welcome to the Work From Home Forever podcast and, in this episode, we have the pleasure of hearing from Bret Bernhoft, a full stack developer who has been working remotely for the past three years. Bret’s journey into remote work is not just about embracing a digital lifestyle; it’s about finding a professional environment that accommodates his neurodiversity, particularly his experience with autism.

Bret’s story is one of resilience and adaptation. As a self-taught developer, he embarked on this journey with a desire to change his lifestyle and improve his circumstances. Coding became his force multiplier, opening doors to professional opportunities that aligned perfectly with his neurodiverse needs.

Life-Changing Impact of Remote Work

For Bret, the transition to remote work was life-changing. The complexity of social environments in traditional office settings often became distractions for him. Working from home offered simplicity and focus, allowing him to be more effective in his role as a developer. The distractions of the office environment, from side noises to social interactions, significantly impacted his productivity. In contrast, the controlled environment of his home office provided the ideal setting for deep work and concentration.

Success Factors for Remote Work

Communication and collaboration in a remote setting presented unique challenges, especially considering Bret’s neurodiversity. However, with the support of empathetic colleagues and efficient collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams and GitHub, Bret found his rhythm in remote communication.

Identifying Force Multiplier Skills

Reflecting on his journey, Bret emphasizes the importance of finding “force multiplier” skills for remote work. In his case, technology became the gateway to a fulfilling career from home. He encourages others to explore opportunities in tech, leveraging the abundance of digital technologies available today.

The Importance of Routine

Bret’s daily routine is a testament to his dedication and discipline. From waking up at 8:00 AM to wrapping up work around 5:00 PM, he maintains a balanced schedule that includes focused work sessions and leisure activities. His workplace persona is characterized by reliability, communication, and diligence— traits that have shaped his professional success.

Looking ahead, Bret envisions a future where remote work continues to thrive, driven by advancements in technology. He remains unfazed by the prospect of AI integration, seeing it as a tool for enhancing rather than replacing human capabilities.

In closing, Bret emphasizes the importance of gratitude, respect, and communication in fostering productive work relationships. His journey serves as an inspiration for neurodiverse individuals seeking fulfillment and success in the remote work landscape.

Connect with Bret Bernhoft

• 🌐 LinkedIn

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Q & A with Bret

Why did you want to Work From Home Forever?

• Because it is conducive to having autism, which I do.

How long have you been Working From Home, Forever?

• Just over three years.

What trade offs, if any, did you make in order to Work From Home Forever?

• None.

How do you manage work/life balance Working From Home, Forever?

• They intermingle like a dance. I understand that I work from my home, and as a result the cannot help but to be intermixed. So you go with the flow.

What’s your best advice to others who want to Work From Home Forever?

• Look for skills that are force-multipliers.

What are your three must-haves to Work From Home, Forever?

• 1 – Gigbit Internet connection
• 2 – My cat
• 3 – Amazon grocery delivery

S3 E5 Corey Walker: From Marketing Specialist to Instagram for Dummies – Work From Home Forever

In this episode of the Work From Home Forever podcast, we chat with Corey Walker, a social media agency owner and co-author of "Instagram for Dummies" and "Instagram for Business for Dummies." Corey shares her journey from working in a corporate cubicle to running her own successful social media agency from home. The catalyst for her transition was the desire to spend more time with her young daughter, who was in daycare while Corey felt unproductive in her office cubicle. Determined to find a better work-life balance, she began freelancing and eventually established her agency, The Marketing Specialist. Corey highlights the importance of having a dedicated office space at home and setting clear boundaries with clients to maintain a healthy work-life balance. She discusses how the rise of short-form video content has transformed digital marketing, noting the challenges small business owners face in creating engaging videos. Despite the obstacles, she emphasizes the necessity of leveraging platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to connect with clients and grow their businesses. Corey also touches on the importance of maintaining personal connections and taking breaks to avoid burnout. She shares strategies for managing client expectations and stresses the value of networking and continuous learning to stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of social media marketing. Throughout the interview, Corey provides practical advice for those considering a transition to remote work, whether for a company or as an entrepreneur. Connect with Corey: Website: The Marketing Specialist Instagram: ⁠⁠CoreyCWalker ________________________  Do you love the show? Check out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠official merch page⁠⁠⁠ ⁠on Etsy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and support the show! ________________________

1. S3 E5 Corey Walker: From Marketing Specialist to Instagram for Dummies 32:24
2. S3 E4 Stay Fit While You Sit: Ergonomic Tips with Mike Jones 30:57
3. S3 E3 Creating a Kind Workplace: Michael G. Neece on Leading with Kindness 36:30
4. S3 E2 From Family Therapy to Bestselling Author: Jack Lawrence's Career Pivot 30:05
5. S3 E1 Building a Remote-First Culture: Insights from Danielle Cuomo of Virtual Assist USA 27:52