Remote Worker vs. Telecommuter vs. Work from Anywhere

"My friend over at Twitter @PSPeralta asked a question that I thought was very interesting.

What is the difference between a Telecommuting and a Work Anywhere job?

It was at that moment that I realized that most people don't know what "telecommuting" technically means, so I thought I'd clarify it.  Now, understand that many people (employers) interchange these terms because they don't know what it means really.  But in searching for a job, I think people should have some idea of what they are searching for.  Let's examine the terms.

Remote Worker = technically, a remote worker is a person that is set up to work in a "satellite office." This is an office that is equipped by the employer that is farther away from the headquarters or branch offices.  A remote worker comes into an office that is basically set up as a "mini" office.  They are sometimes required to travel to the main office for meetings (but not very often).  Notice that their office set up may be very close to their home, but not in their home and the employer is responsible for all equipment, connectivity and space.  People working in the "field" can also be called remote workers.

Telecommuter = technically, this is a person that has an office set up at home and generally works from home anywhere from one day a week to five times a week.  A telecommuter is often required to come into the office for meetings regularly.  They can work from anywhere with trusty laptops and smart phones.  However, they do have a set up where they keep files, equipment, etc. in their home. In this case, the employer has no control over the space used to work and sometimes require the telecommuter to use their own equipment.

Work Anywhere Jobs = these are quite often freelance jobs.  These are jobs that don't require a stationary set-up, an office set up to be created by the employer or employee.  These jobs can be done literarlly from anywhere . . . on a mountain top, at Starbucks, at home, at school, etc.

Of course, the lines that constitute the differences to these terms have large grey areas between them -- meaning, they can blend into each other quick easily.  But I thought that this should bring some clarity to the topic.

Did I miss anything?  Let me know in the comments section below.

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