My lightbulb moment came in the form of a ridiculously cheap airfare, a friend longing for me to visit and the realisation my Sydney remote workplace could become a quiet corner in the Beverly Hills Hotel for a week.
The timezone worked a treat. My morning routine was hitting a workout class, getting breakfast while exploring the city - before opening the laptop in the afternoon to start my workday at 7am Sydney time. Then after work the LA nightlife beckoned, trying out the coolest restaurants and bars.
I worked as a journalist for seven years before moving into Public Relations and never did I imagine I’d be able to wake up in the morning and log on from a different country of my choosing.
The first time was exhilarating and months later I did it again, this time from Bali, escaping the Sydney winter chill. As the sun was rising I’d walk down to my local coffee shop in Canggu, picking up a $2 iced latte (no ice) of course - before hitting the phones and emails.
It is quite surreal to be working from a beach, cafe or by the pool with a familiar holiday buzz combined with a focussed work ethic. For the first time in my life, I feel complete freedom in my career. Changing up my work environment shifts my mindset and energises me, whether my workplace is at home, at a cafe, a co-working space or in another country.
When I first started working remotely full time I would be warned I’ll be lonely and won’t get as much human interaction. In the eyes of others the glass was half empty with concern, when it should have been half full with optimism - as the freedom and autonomy gives me a better lifestyle. I thrive in my job instead of being chained to it and I’m no longer stuck in peak hour commute.
While some employers are focussed on trying to drag staff back to the office, mine are embracing my sense of adventure. They trust I’ll not only get my job done but I will continue to give 110 percent when I’m working.
I’m not surprised the global workforce report from Kelly titled 2024 Kelly Global RE: Work Report revealed a third of Australian executives believe the Return to Office has had a negative impact on workplace culture.
The 9-5 corporate rat race is a thing of the past, even countries are accommodating digital nomads with special visas. Too many employers are failing to acknowledge the workforce has changed. Staff are prioritising flexibility over everything else but some managers still have their hands over their ears.
Working remotely full time isn’t going to work for all occupations and maybe not for everyone, as I’m not going to lie you need to be disciplined, organised and focussed when you’re on work time, but employees want options.
And while being fully remote can feel tedious sometimes and the office gossip isn’t what it used to be, the benefits are worth it. I’m more motivated and passionate in my career than I have ever been.
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