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I’m not about to talk about how hard my life is having the freedom to work remotely. But working outside of a structured routine, an office, just a place that has all your "bits" ready, so much goes wrong. I should know, I've been learning for 2 years how to manage this. I've actually now adopted a "somethings gotta give" attitude because despite all the tips I'm going to share below, I allow something to go wrong to restore the equilibrium of karma. Is that my choice? Not really, but I can try.
For those who don’t know, I house sit full time meaning I find myself wherever someone needs their home or pet looked after. That means creating a new routine every time I move. New work set up, new plug points, new chair to adjust, new finding out that the wifi doesn't reach here, or there... new I actually can't work in this environment, new I don't know how I am going to handle this... let alone
training (running!)
planning a food shop and eating well
understanding the routine of new pets (one time I had to feed a seagull)
just like, taking a break?
Before starting, I just want to clarify what I mean by remote working. By my definition, it's working without a physical workplace, wherever I chose, alone.
Many digital nomads like to remote work but chose to do so in co-living spaces, some even rent a monthly spot in a shared office space. And I have visited these before and they are super productive and they are super cool. But I chose this life to work in my own presence. It does get quiet, but I make up for it by gabbing my clients ears off. If they're reading this, they're surely chuckling along because they know... they know.
Aright, I'm going to show how I manage a change of base every few weeks! But not first without showboating one of my favourite remote working spots. Am I going to tell you where this is? No, I'm a gatekeeper.
Keep scrolling...
Starting first with the most boring...
1. Once you find a spot, stick to it! This one workplace, may it be a cafe or coworking space will become your only form of routine.
2. Make a check list for all your electronics you’ll need. The one I always forget - my mouse!
3. Consider the travel time to where you’ve chosen to work. Do you have enough time to travel there, set up, figure out the WiFi, and then join a call?
4. Does your intended workplace have WiFi, if not, do you have enough roaming data?
5. Does your intended workplace allow digital nomads? Always ask! I’ve been in some embarrassing situations where I’ve set up to be met with a “no laptop” sign!
6. Does your intended workplace allow you to work for hours at a time? The easiest thing I’ve found is to simply ask. They usually tell you it’s fine unless it’s busy!
7. Check for power sockets before you sit down. If there’s none, move to the next place, you don’t want to be cut off mid work flow.
8. Chains are usually easier to work at than independent cafes.
9. Independent cafes are usually comfortable with you if you keep ordering and go regularly.
Try it, be proactive and welcome the mistakes.
Ciao!
