Tips on How to Successfully Work Remotely
Remote work has opened up the possibility to travel the world while still keeping your 9-5. I began exclusively working remotely in 2019 which was a year before “wfh” culture really took off due to Covid. This gave me a leg up on how to successfully work without being in the office and ultimately taught me how to work from anywhere in the world. Whether my view is of the Mediterranean or the back of Alex’s head while he’s driving, here are my tips! They have allowed me to effectively keep my work hat on all while still having adventures all over the world.
Quick Guide
Internet Connection
Let’s start with the obvious… you’re going to need a good internet connection in order to work online from anywhere. I purposefully did not mention that you need good Wi-Fi. I’ve been able to work my full time job by connecting my laptop to a hotspot created from my phone. If you have good 4G/LTE service, you’ll be able to work from your laptop just fine. I’ve managed to clock in full days of work this way during our road trips, all while sitting in the car! This is also my solution if we decide to camp where Wi-Fi isn’t usually available. Keep in mind – you will want an unlimited data plan if you decide to go this route. Data will go quickly while using it as your primary internet connection.
Keep a Routine
If your job position allows you to not stick to an exact schedule, I still recommend creating a loose routine to stick with during the work week. For example, my job is technically based out of New York. I’ve chosen to work hours that overlap with the Eastern Time Zone even while I’m abroad. My typical weekday will consist of an early start so I can get my workout and “play time” in before I start the work day after lunch. This way, my dedicated work time is just that… time for work!
Get Dressed
Personally, I cannot work while in my pajamas. Perhaps it’s the “look good, feel good” mentality but I need to be dressed in order to feel productive. I’m not saying I need to be in a new outfit with full makeup every day, but just getting out of sweatpants makes a difference. Have you ever felt like you got a better workout while wearing brand new workout gear? Yep, same concept here. Remote work doesn’t have to mean sloppy work.
Reliable Hardware
After working my MacBook from 2013 to the bone, I realized it was time for an upgrade if I were to continue working remotely. There’s nothing that slows down productivity like a slow computer. Working from the middle of nowhere is great until you need your laptop fixed or replaced. Having equipment you know won’t breakdown on you is a vital component of remote work. Sure, the cost of new hardware ain’t cheap but it’s a fair price to pay for freedom of the workplace. Expectations for a successful work day cannot be high when you’re spending a third of your day restarting your computer or waiting for uploads. It also doesn’t just stop at laptops… keep in mind other equipment such as headphones and external hard drives.
Focus
Working remotely can be challenging for some, especially for those who are easily distracted. Being in an office offers that level of discipline to those who need it but when you take away the office, can you still keep your head down and keep at it? As a vital aspect of successfully working from anywhere, you’ll need to adopt this skill. Some tips to master this include listening to white noise, using noise cancelling headphones, turning off your phone and sitting at a traditional desk. Similar to anything you practice, it’ll get easier and easier to get stuff done regardless of what your surroundings are. Who says you can’t work from the beach?
