The Truth About Workations: Are They Valuable or Detrimental to Career Growth?

At the start of 2021, I had an idea while sipping my morning latté.

I thought, "What would it be like to blend my passions of travel and business into one? Is it possible to have both?".

One week later...

I had a Sprinter Van parked on my driveway.

Not one to overthink and let fear hold me back, I said... what's the worst that could happen?

Spending the next 6 months renovating the van from an empty shell to a home/ office on wheels was quite the journey. But the end result was so worth it.

So we, (my husband, my dog Ted, and I) packed up the house, loaded our lives into our new home and hit the road for an adventure I will never forget.

Being back in Eddie (yes, we named our van) this long weekend gave me time to reflect on my workcation.

The pros and cons of my experience and whether working on the road is good for career and business.

Here's what I wrote down;

The Pros of Workcations

Better Work-Life Balance

One of the most significant benefits I found in my own workations is enhanced work-life balance.

By blending work with leisure, I got to enjoy a change of scenery without waiting for annual leave. This model enabled me to unwind and recharge regularly, which led to increased work satisfaction and productivity.

Enhanced Creativity and Productivity

A change in environment definitely sparks creativity. By breaking away from my normal routine and office setting, I gained fresh perspectives that helped me think more about the future and what kind of business I wanted to build.

It was during this time that the idea of Sisterhood Club came to me. Bringing more awareness to the tech industry and why it is such a great career for women. By the time I arrived at my business partner Pamela Caldwell house, I had everything mapped out.?

Gratefully, she loved the idea, and so we launched the Sisterhood Club initiative, which continues to go from strength to strength.?

On top of having more space to be creative, I also found I was far less overwhelmed or stressed. There was never any housework to do or a constant stream of laundry. I felt like I had more time to do the things I enjoyed without the day-to-day life admin tasks that take up so much of our time.

With fewer distractions and no commute, I found my days were productive, and I got to structure them around the times that suited me.

Opportunities for Travel and Exploration

Of course, the biggest pro was the travel opportunities.?

I explored new towns and had incredible experiences while fulfilling my business commitments.

No day was the same, and I loved meeting new people and pulling up at a beach, grabbing the laptop and working where we parked up.

There is no denying that I had an amazing experience, BUT I can assure you it's not all sunshine, sand and sea.

There were some negatives that I didn't anticipate when I hit the road.

The Cons of Workcations

Challenges in Maintaining Work-Life Boundaries

Yes, I had a good blend of work and leisure, but maintaining clear boundaries was always challenging. With no defined office hours or physical workspace, I sometimes had difficulty switching off from work.

I found myself wanting to be more available for my clients, candidates and team, as I didn't want them to think I was just sitting on a beach drinking cocktails all day (sure, there were days like that ??).

It took me a couple of months to find my flow and set clear boundaries of when I would work and when I would play.

I'm not sure I ever got the balance perfect, but as time went on, it got easier, that's for sure.

Difficulty in Collaborative Tasks

Despite technological advancements, being on the road still poses challenges for tasks requiring high levels of collaboration. Strategy sessions are harder to replicate virtually, which had an impact on team dynamics and productivity.

I also missed some team events and had to do all client and candidate meetings over Zoom, which was okay at the beginning, but being a very social person I began to miss the face-to-face interactions.

Issues With Internet and Connectivity

Even though we invested in great wifi, we still had internet connectivity issues, which was challenging running an IT Recruitment company and needing to make calls, send emails and generally do my work.

This didn't happen that often, to be fair, but when it did, it was extremely frustrating.

So they were by far the main pros and cons that I experienced, but I can honestly say that regardless of the cons, it was still an incredible experience and one I plan to do again for a couple of months next year!

One of the most popular questions I get asked about my time working on the road is how did I stay productive.

I guess it's really similar to how I stay productive now, but here are some tips that helped me;

Structuring the Day Effectively

One way I stayed productive during my workcation was by structuring my day. I know I am at my best in the morning, so I completed my most important work tasks before midday.

Having a set routine with defined working hours definitely helped me maintain focus and discipline.

On the flip side, I also allocated time for exploring, exercise and relaxation.

Setting Up a Workspace

One of the must-haves when designing the van was a table and comfy seats to work from.

Each morning, I would make the bed, tidy everything away and turn our van into our remote office.

This instantly got me in the zone for the day and ready to tackle the work tasks I wanted to get done.

I had my list of outcomes for the day, and I would not stop until they all got completed.

Finding the right balance between work and leisure activities was key. I had to remind myself that a workcation is not just about work; it's equally about relaxation and exploration.

Taking regular breaks, exploring the surroundings, and enjoying local experiences made the whole experience so enjoyable and one I am deeply grateful to have had.

So Are Workations Valuable or Detrimental to Career Growth?

From my experience, career growth largely depends on how effectively the blend of work and leisure is managed. If approached strategically, I believe workcations can add immense value by promoting work-life balance, enhancing creativity, and providing opportunities for personal growth.

While they come with some challenges, the benefits can outweigh the negatives if managed effectively.

Being a highly motivated and disciplined individual, I found it easy to stay productive. I guess it also helps that I enjoy what I do and want to work.?

I would suggest that you apply some self-awareness. You know you better than anyone else.?

If you struggle to stay focused working from home, then maybe a workcation is not for you unless you want to lose your current employment!

Over the next decade, I think we will see an increase in digital and remote-friendly work environments, resulting in workcations becoming a norm rather than an exception.?

I loved my 6 months on the road, but I also enjoy being at home and the routine and structure it gives me.?

I will strive for a balance of both over the next few years, and I will be sure to take you on the next workcation I go on!

I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic, so please comment below.

Until Next time

Georgie

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