After years of working remotely as an independent developer, I've tested dozens of tools and workflows. Here's what actually works — no fluff, just the essentials.
Communication Stack
The right communication tools prevent most remote work problems before they start. Here's the stack I recommend:
Synchronous (Real-time)
- Zoom / Google Meet — For scheduled meetings and 1:1s
- Slack huddles — For quick "hey, got a minute?" conversations
- MeetingNotes Extension — Auto-appearing notepad during video calls so you never lose focus switching windows
Asynchronous (Not real-time)
- Slack / Discord — For team chat and quick questions
- Email — For external communication and formal decisions
- Loom — For screen recordings when text isn't enough
- Notion / Linear — For project documentation and task tracking
Rule of thumb: If it needs a response in under 2 hours, use sync. If it can wait, use async. Default to async — it respects deep work time.
Physical Setup
Your environment matters more than any app. Here's the minimum viable setup:
Must Have
- External monitor (even a cheap one)
- Comfortable chair with back support
- Decent webcam and microphone
- Reliable internet with backup plan
Nice to Have
- Standing desk or converter
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Ring light for video calls
- Dedicated office space with door
Productivity Systems
Time Blocking
Block 2-3 hour chunks for deep work. No meetings, no Slack, no email. This is when real work happens. I typically block 9AM-12PM and 1PM-3PM for focused development.
File Organization
Don't let your Downloads folder become a graveyard. Use consistent folder structures and automated organization. FileGenius handles this automatically on macOS.
Battery & Power Management
If you're on a MacBook and move between rooms/cafes, battery life matters. LowPower Automator automatically manages Low Power Mode so you don't have to think about it.
End-of-Day Shutdown
The hardest part of remote work is stopping. Create a shutdown ritual: close all work apps, write tomorrow's to-do list, and physically leave your workspace. Your brain needs the signal that work is done.
Mental Health
Remote work is great for productivity but can be isolating. These habits prevent burnout:
- Move daily — Walk, gym, bike. Non-negotiable. Even 20 minutes changes everything.
- Social time — Schedule regular calls with friends/colleagues. Don't rely on it happening naturally.
- Get outside — Work from a coffee shop or park once a week. Change of scenery prevents cabin fever.
- Boundaries — Don't check Slack after hours. Don't work weekends regularly. The flexibility of remote work is a trap if you don't set limits.
The Minimal Remote Stack
If I had to start from scratch with just the essentials:
- Communication: Slack + Zoom + MeetingNotes
- Tasks: Linear (or Notion, or even a plain text file)
- Files: FileGenius + iCloud/Google Drive
- Calendar: Google Calendar with focused time blocks
- Battery: LowPower Automator
- Password Manager: 1Password or Bitwarden
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