How a Community Changed My Life
I used to think that groups of girls/ women = bitchiness.
I joined high school 2 months late - I was the new girl who had to work a bit harder to ‘earn my stripes’.
School years weren't easy for me - we moved back from Spain after my parents' attempt to save their marriage, which didn’t work out. And as a result, we moved 12 times in 4 years.
I never felt settled or truly part of a community. The girls at school didn’t help, and to be honest I was part of the problem too. One minute you’re top dog, bitching about one of the poor girls who was the chosen one to pick on that day, the next I was that poor girl being excluded.
It was a constant battle to be liked by your ‘friends’.
So when I left school, I kept my female friend numbers lower than my male friends and avoided groups of women at all costs.
That is until 2023, when I took a leap of faith to join The Break - a fellowship programme for female entrepreneurs. I spent about a month living with 17 women I’d never met before in Gran Canaria and it truly changed my life.
Never thought I’ll feel so comfortable living together with 17 women.
I discovered that a group of women doesn’t mean bitching and fighting. In fact I have never felt so comfortable with a group of strangers so much as I did with these incredible women. I was listened to, I was seen, I felt empowered, understood, respected and I know these women felt the same too.
Sadly we lost one of our group, Barbara, tragically a few months after, but we have never forgotten what she taught us.
These ‘strangers’ have become friends now. I’ve met their families, stayed at their homes, some I’ve done business with and others we chat and call from time to time and meet when we’re in the same country.
With Ioana and her beautiful family in Bulgaria. Ioana & Vlad (The Fab Squad) are the brains behind Remote Rebellion’s rebranding & new website.
One of the group asked in the Whatsapp group: “What has been the biggest change in your life since we met?”. Here’s some of the responses:
The term "community" gets thrown around a lot. But a real community understands and empathises with what you’re going through.
They give as much (but usually more) than they take and are there for you.
Not only did I learn the importance of surrounding myself with kind, ambitious women, but I also realised how vital a supportive community is for my well-being and personal growth.
So, if you’re looking for a supportive community to help you in your remote job search journey…
Join the Remote Rebellion Community!
Why Is Community Important in Remote Work?
In a remote work world, isolation is the silent productivity killer. Without the casual check-ins, team lunches, or hallway conversations, it’s easy to feel disconnected—even if you’re crushing your deadlines.
A strong remote community offers:
Emotional support during lonely days
Accountability and structure
Knowledge-sharing and skill growth
A sense of shared identity and momentum
Community isn’t a perk anymore—it’s infrastructure for sustainable remote work.
Types of Remote Communities (And How to Join Them)
Whether you’re a freelancer, full-time employee, or digital nomad, there’s a community for you. Here are the main types:
Slack/Discord Groups – Topic-specific, fast-paced, and often free
Coworking Subscriptions – Virtual coworking like Focusmate or Caveday
Online Memberships – Paid, curated spaces like WiFi Tribe or Yonder
Twitter/LinkedIn Circles – Casual but powerful for exposure and peer support
Alumni or Niche Networks – TEFL teachers, product designers, remote developers, etc.
Start with one. Show up regularly. Contribute. That’s how you build social capital remotely.
How Community Drives Better Work Outcomes
Belonging isn’t just about feelings—it’s about performance. A Harvard study found that workers who feel connected are 23% more productive and 47% more likely to stay long-term. (Source: Harvard Business Review)
In remote settings, community leads to:
Faster feedback loops
Better job referrals
Higher engagement
Healthier mental states
If you’re wondering why you’re burned out or plateaued—it might not be your work. It might be the absence of community.
My Story: How Finding Community Changed Everything
(Keep your personal story here—just tighten it up with SEO context.)
Instead of “I was lonely and found people,” clarify:
What kind of community it was
What habits or mindset it helped shift
What career outcomes changed afterward
Link to a resource or community you recommend
Example tweak:
I joined a small Slack group of remote designers. Within three months, I’d landed a new job through a referral, improved my onboarding process by borrowing a Notion template, and actually looked forward to Mondays again. Real talk: community made me care again.
How to Build Your Own Remote Community
If you can’t find the right space—build one. Start small:
Reach out to 3–5 like-minded people
Set a recurring Zoom or cowork session
Use tools like Slack, Circle, or Discord to host
Define a theme or purpose (coworking, career, creativity, etc.)
Keep it consistent
Consistency builds culture. Culture builds community.
This week's newsletter is sponsored by Teacher's Friend. Embrace Remote Freedom: Teach English Online or Abroad! Fulfil your dream of a remote life! Travel the world while making a difference! Teaching English abroad or online opens doors to remote work opportunities. Discover how to get started here.
FAQ
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Remote work allows for greater flexibility, access to global talent, and reduced overhead costs. It supports work-life balance, empowers diverse hiring, and helps businesses adapt to changing employee expectations and economic shifts.
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Working as a community fosters connection, collaboration, and shared purpose. In remote environments, it prevents isolation, boosts morale, and drives better outcomes through collective problem-solving and support.
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Yes. Remote work reduces commuting-related emissions, decentralizes economic opportunity, and promotes inclusivity by enabling people from rural areas, caregivers, or those with disabilities to access quality jobs.
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Flexibility – Control over when and where you work.
Increased productivity – Fewer distractions and commute time.
Cost savings – Lower expenses for both employers and employees.
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Build remote community through regular check-ins, async communication tools (like Slack or Notion), virtual social events, and creating safe spaces for casual, non-work conversations. Intentional culture-building is key.
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Join niche online communities via Slack, Discord, or LinkedIn. Look into digital coworking spaces, local meetup groups for remote workers, or memberships like WiFi Tribe, Remote Year, or online creator collectives.