The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many people to work from home, which has made remote work more popular than ever before. Remote work is a growing trend that allows employees to work from anywhere in the world without being tied to a specific location. My partner, Claudia, and I decided to do a “work remote” adventure. We chose April as a month to travel to a VRBO in Mérida, Mexico. In Ontario you cannot ski or mountain bike in April. It is a shoulder month to the winter and spring. So why not take off and go where you can get outside and enjoy the warm weather? In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of working remotely and tie in some personal experiences we had.
Increased Flexibility
One of the biggest benefits of working remotely is the flexibility it provides. You have the ability to work from anywhere in the world, which allows you to travel and work simultaneously. This means you can work while on vacation or while visiting family, giving you the freedom to balance your work and personal life. Remote work also allows you to set your own schedule and work at times that are most productive for you. Today’s tools allow you to keep in touch with your friends and family as well as current events back home.
Increased Productivity
Many studies have shown that remote workers are more productive than office workers. This is because they have fewer distractions and interruptions and can focus more on their work. Remote workers are also more likely to work longer hours when time permits and take fewer breaks, which can lead to increased productivity. When traveling, the one sticky point is access to good quality internet. I packed our Starlink dish in our luggage for this trip to make sure that access to optimal internet would not be an issue.
When entering Mexico, an immigration official asked me if I had a drone in my bag. Though I could answer the question honestly, I must say I was nervous if they decided to check. We pushed the button to determine if we were clear to go and thankfully it was green. Welcome to Mexico! Was I sweating? Yup. Try explaining to an immigration officer why you have a satellite dish in your luggage. I am sure it would not go well.
Cost Savings
Working remotely can save you a significant amount of money. You don’t have to spend money on commuting, parking or eating out for lunch. Additionally, remote workers don’t have to buy expensive work clothes or pay for dry cleaning. All of these cost savings can add up over time, making remote work a financially smart choice. We set up our workstation at the dining room table. Something I would recommend, for long term remote working adventures, is to consider staying at a place that has an office. An office is optimal ergonomically as well as providing a designated area with less interruptions from family members.
Improved Work-Life Balance
Remote work can provide a better work-life balance because it eliminates the daily commute and allows you to spend more time with family and friends. It can also reduce stress by giving you more control over your work environment and allowing you to work at your own pace. We loved working a few hours in the morning then heading out for an adventure.
Increased Job Satisfaction
Remote work can lead to increased job satisfaction because it allows you to work in an environment that is comfortable and convenient for you. Additionally, remote workers tend to have more autonomy and control over their work, which can lead to greater job satisfaction. We have a great team back at home that I love working with. However, trying to focus on one task at a time is a challenge when surrounded by people. Remote working can be lonely, but boy do you clear up those long-term important tasks quickly.
Access to Wider Talent Pool
Remote work allows employers the ability to hire talent from all over the world, giving them access to a wider pool of qualified candidates. This can lead to more diverse and skilled teams, which can improve productivity and innovation.
Considerations
While there are numerous benefits to working while traveling, it’s important to acknowledge that there are also some drawbacks to consider.
Occasionally, you may find yourself in need of a physical copy of a document. Unfortunately, I once had to trek to a library to do so.
It’s important to be aware that local shops may have different hours and bylaw regulations than what you’re used to back home. For instance, you may plan to go shopping on a Sunday but find most everything closed a foreign country.
Different time zones can present challenges, so it’s essential to plan your Zoom calls carefully to avoid having to wake up early or work late.
Before committing to a long-term rental, it’s wise to ask plenty of questions about internet access and speed.
People assume you are on vacation, so you may get frustrated responding to clarify, but after a while you see the bright side and find having to respond to fewer emails because of the incorrect perception.
In conclusion, working remotely has many benefits, including increased flexibility, productivity, cost savings, improved work-life balance, increased job satisfaction, and access to a wider talent pool. As remote work becomes more popular, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages and determine if it’s the right choice for you.
