What travel can teach us about #remotework

It seems counter intuitive, right?

Travel, the very thing we aren't able to do right now, being the one thing that can teach us the most about optimally working from home?

Well, as Jane Austen said

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a stupendous travel buddy makes for an even better remote working buddy”

Or something to that effect ??

You see, when you take away the external factors ... the virus, the fear, and the B grade disaster movie set in the US ... and compare travelling with someone, to having to work at home with someone, the experiences are very similar:

• close quarters
• little reprieve from each other
• stress meltdowns
• differing entertainment interests
• personality clashes
• conflicting food tastes
• over imbibing at inappropriate hours of the day

And this is why we need to tap into our inner travel buddy of awesomeness to keep the peace at home. You see, while it seems like it's all about the way they pace the home office the entire time they talk on the phone, or the way they feel a need to update you on every little point of interest as it happens throughout the day ... the truth is that you are driving them nuts too. It's just the way it is. We were never meant to be stuck in the house with the same person for every waking moment of the day. Why do you think team sports were invented? To get us out of the house, of course!

So, here are my top 6 tips to enjoy your Work from Home Adventure inspired by my bestest travel buddies:

1. Take a chill pill - There are going to be conflicts, it's a symptom of the human condition. However we can make sure we keep our perspective on things. Does it really matter that their coffee cup somehow managed to creep its way over to your side of the desk? Probably not. (Although if the coffee cup then leaves a ring on your side of the desk ... feel free to take the gloves off! ??)
2. Be open minded - Showing some willingness to go with the flow & experience something they enjoy can go a long way ... and you may find you discover something you never would have considered! This attitude should apply to your work schedule, their lunch preferences, Netflix and board games. Your sleep schedule, not so much ??
3. Try new foods - If they prefer to have mayonnaise-corn-tuna rolls for lunch then perhaps just give it a go? You never know what new food groups you will enjoy. This also applies to the smug-marrieds out there ... up until recently I had no idea what my carpenter husband bought at the corner store for lunch. Now, thanks to #isolife I know that he often forgets to have lunch as he's flat out like a lizard drinking! Which makes us perfect for each other actually ... but also a bit peckish.
4. Bring a good sense of humour - The vibe of your environment can set the tone for the whole day. And the truth is they're going to witness some pretty funny stuff during this working from home gig. Your #remotework buddy is going to see you doing a webinar in a fancy top and pajama bottoms. You're going to witness them facetiming with the team onsite as they try to find a lost delivery driver. It's going to be weird, and at times a bit awkward, as suddenly we have someone watch us while we're in the hamster wheel. So, bring a good sense of humour. Point out when it got weird. And have a laugh at how different your work lives are.
5. Get on the same page - This is so important. Silent frustration never improves things, it just lets them stew. So, share when you have important meetings on. Those times you are trying to knock out a key piece of work and can't be interrupted. Because mind reading really isn't a thing ... no matter what Marvel and DC say.
6. Some candid shots should never be shared - As funny as you may find it, you are now operating in each other's work environments. So think twice before sharing that photo of them running a webinar in a shirt, tie and boxers. It probably is funny, but probably not for public consumption. Remember: What happens on the road, stays on the road ...

So I hope this helps you bring a new, more relaxed self to your current #workfromhome environment. If you're anything like us, then this may continue well past the government restrictions as we discover all the pros that come from running a small business virtually. So it's worth trying to do it right ... right?

And if you have a spare moment, we'd love you to answer some brief questions about your Work from Home experience so far - what's been easy, what's been hard, and what's surprised you about the transition. Here's the link to complete it and if you want to win the BOSE Noise Cancelling Headphones then may I suggest you share your unique referral link with all your friends, family & colleagues? First place is still up for grabs, with the competition open until Fri 15th May at 11:59pm.

So Good Luck!! And good future travelling ??

Peita D