Most of us need to work to have the money to travel. Unfortunately, working often means we’re tied to a desk or a certain location, and we don’t have the ability to make those amazing, life-changing globe-hopping trips. But, thanks to technology and the flexibility of working remotely, more and more people can take their work with them on their travels, providing the adventure and the security of a job to afford that adventure. Here are some tips for taking your work on the road.
Prepare well and be practical
You will be working. Don’t get so caught up in the adventure that you forget that. Make sure you have all the resources and technological equipment you need to make the work happen. Think about your accommodations and how comfortable you’ll be and the space you’ll have to set up shop. Think about internet access, a quiet workspace, and cell phone service. Also, budget you time well. Make sure you set aside the amount of time needed for your work to be successful as you plan your sojourns.
Schedule your fun
Plan side trips and day trips ahead of time, so you can fit them around your work schedule. That’s doesn’t mean you can’t be spontaneous, but it may help you settle in to your new lifestyle to have a schedule for work and play. Try to meet others in similar situations; you may find it fun to gather at a café midday to break up the workday or meet in the evenings for drinks or dinner. A balance can and should be set early, so you can maximize your enjoyment of your new location and all it offers.
Keep in touch with your boss/company
Don’t lose sight of your responsibilities to your boss and your company, especially if you’ve been allowed to work remotely and it is not the norm for the company. You not only want to show that the company has made the right choice in allowing this situation, but that you are excelling at your work and as responsive and organized as ever. As there is likely to be a time difference between your location and that of the home office, schedule meetings
Know when you’ve had enough
There may be a shelf life on your ability or desire to work remotely. You may tire of it or your company may. Have an alternative plan in place before you leave your home for this eventuality. It may be a comfort to know that your trip is scheduled for six months, and then you will return to your home office. Or, you may like the idea of knowing that whenever you are ready to go home, you can, and your cozy apartment is still waiting for you with your cluttered desk in tack. However or whenever, your adventure ends, you certainly won’t regret having struck out and seen a bit of the world – and without the worry of how you’d manage to pay for it.
