[marcTPA]

I'm 100% remote since 5 years now. I rolled into it by relocating and having my biggest client OK'ing me working from abroad. This still seems to be the easiest way to convert to being a remote employee to me, build trust with a company IRL and ask to relocate.

After that contract stopped I applied to about 20 jobs from job boards such as Weworkremotely and Remoteok with the proposition that I could work with them on a freelance base. I got only one callback out of those, did a technical interview and started working with them.

Since then I've switched several times, it gets easier as you build a network of people working remotely that can give you a tip once a position opens up and that will vouch for you.

[icc97]

I second this - it really helps to be on good terms knowing the client by having worked in the same location for a while before starting something.

Remote work relies a lot on trust.

I'm about to leave a startup after 9 years where I've been remote for the entire time of their existance. I've only visited their office twice (but daily standups via video). I had the benefit that I was friends with one of the founders and all the other founders went to the same University as me. But there's definitely been some difficult moments that were made worse by being remote.