Developments in technology mean you can travel the world AND hold down a full-time job. These days, we don’t necessarily have to choose between one thing or another, but can have it all! Yes, full-time job included.
Whether you are working for a technology company or in academia, all you need is a little planning, the right kit and the drive and you can work on the go. Now, here is an interesting thing – the whole world could be your office! To many it may seem like a dream to work and travel, to set your own schedule and to use your hotel (or the Starbucks) as an office.
However, sometimes it can be trickier than you may think. First, you have to work and stay motivated and driven, though there may be distractions and things that are trying to get your attention. Secondly, you have to set your own schedule, and there is nobody there to tell you what to do and when to do it. However, working AND travelling is, in fact, a growing trend. It can be rewarding and exiting and it will add to your quality of life. Here are five tips on how to work remotely and stay efficient:
1. Find the right job
First, you have to find a job (and an employer) that will allow you to work wherever, whenever. This may appear to be difficult, but nowadays we have all of the technology and infrastructure that will allow you to work on the go, so there is nothing that really stands in your way.
Remote working will allow you to work anywhere in the world, whilst still being a valuable employee for the company. Though, it is still not a rare case that employers see remote working as a let off. Some of them may see it as a way for their workers to get out of responsibilities. Each day more and more HR managers and recruiters change the point of view: they are starting to see it as a way to attract the best staff, to recruit flexible, digitally savvy employees. Now, we have reached the stadium where demographic is irrelevant to getting the best staff for your company, which is exactly why each day more people outsource.
More and more remote full-time positions are offered each day. Should you wish to travel and keep your full-time job, now is the right time to do it.
2. Master the technology
Obviously, you will need a laptop, a phone, and a few tools to keep you alive. Make sure you have these even before getting a remote job. Other hardware and software may come in handy. Make sure you expand your knowledge of platforms, apps, and tools to keep you on the right track while you are on the go. This will make your full-time job and traveling much easier!
See Also: 10 Productivity Musts for Freelancers
3. Keep updating your skills
According to Jake Jorgovan at Milo the best way to work remotely around the world is to add value to the organization for which you work. Due the massive developments in technology over the last decade or so one does not need to be physically present to add value to your company. You can work from home, work remotely anywhere in the world and add a huge amount to your quality of life.
Some skills, e.g. copywriting and marketing, do not require physical presence to perform the role. If your skill does require you to be in the office, you can do one of two things: learn a new skill or go to the office. Jorgovan talks of how he retrained as a web designer to allow him to work on the go. As well as this, you want to familiarize yourself with online networking, and with recruitment sites that offer full-time job positions, such as Jobrack.eu if you are in Eastern Europe. Finding this type of a full-time job opportunity will allow you to work remotely and travel all around (full-time too).
4. Have the right kit.
In order to work you need the correct tools to make sure you do the best job you can. There are tons of apps that can make your life and job easier. However, if you want to mix these two, here is the survival kit for you:
- Well, of course – a laptop (and make sure that it is light enough)
- A cellphone (and make sure that it is unlocked), allows you to use your phone wherever you go.
- A Tablet (and make sure you have this if your laptop’s too heavy)
- An Ethernet cable, in case you can’t get WiFi (and make sure you do not forget it)
- Positive Can-Do Attitude (and make sure not to forget this one!)
5. Do the work!
Of course, one issue with not having a 9-5 office job is that you may have a lot of distractions. The beach? The cold beer? The museum? All three? Or perhaps your dog is desperate to go chase that neighbor’s cat … again.
Without someone to keep you motivated, it can be a big bone to chew on. However, do not fall in despair! Joining an online community is the smartest thing you can do! You will feel more connected to a group and take advantage of the perks of being a digital nomad.
See Also: 14 Problems Freelancers Usually Face
Forbes reckons that this may even become the norm, with freelancing growing at an average rate of 3 percent a year. Of course, we all want to travel the world. Quitting your full-time job to travel the world is like having a pair of pink glasses, to be honest. It may not be the most realistic prospect. In the end, it’s your work that pays for your hotel rooms, your flights and the numerous pumpkin spice lattes! The tips above can allow you to make a success of being a travelling freelancer and set your office peering over the azure blue of the Mediterranean!