I was able to make my own hours and I developed a very strong relationship with the professor I assisted. Also, the work was interesting and highly relevant during the pandemic.
What I wish was different
I did not enjoy working alone. Working by the hour (as opposed to output) made me feel less motivation to maximize my productivity, since finishing a deliverable more quickly often meant a smaller paycheck at the end of the week. My motivation to maximize productivity was largely due to the fact that I felt invested in the work I was doing, but in a less interesting position or with a professor that was not as respectful to me, I am not sure that would have been the case.
Advice
This was the right position for me at the time. Undergraduate research opportunities are a great way to have a stake in academia, although they can get lonely relatively fast. Breaking up research hours over the week is helpful in combating the loneliness that independent work can leave you with.
