Working from anywhere

A little over a month ago, I wrote about my experience working from home over the last two decades.? I got some really great support about that from former colleagues, current partners and many readers.? Thank you for that.? Many were envious, as I have been of others in the past.? Today, I want to tell you about what happened next.?

As I wrote those lines, there were plans afoot.? A colleague and I had chatted in the past about going somewhere to work during the day and take advantage of the location in the evenings and weekends.? We know that as long as the internet connection is good and we aren’t in a blacklisted country, we’re good to go, so that is exactly what we did. (Note:? It was a little more complicated, so ask about policies where you live and work.)? My colleague mentioned that he was fed up with the cold of the winter and that we should go work somewhere warm.? I think I replied in about half a second “Let’s go”.? We started looking around and mentioned it to another partner at work.? Her response what almost as quick as mine in saying “do you have room for me?”.? That led to the three of us quickly planning to work from beautiful Playa del Carmen, Mexico for 3 amazing weeks.? There were 3 things that made it awesome:? The weather, the people and the common experience.

There is nothing like getting up early mid-February, slipping on some shorts and going for a run through the still quiet streets of this fast growing, yet small town feel city.? Playa del Carmen had a population of 300,000 in 2020 and is getting bigger fairly rapidly.? In the early morning hours, it is quiet.? As I jogged leisurely (It’s Mexico, you take your time there!), I saw a few people starting their day, sweeping up the detritus from the night before, or taking a calm walk along the beach watching the sunrise over the water.? ??This time of year is especially idyllic given it’s the dry season, so the rainy days are few and far between.? In the 3 weeks we were there, we had one rainy Sunday and we took that opportunity to work and take an extra afternoon off the next day when the sun was back in its usual place.? We took lots of walks.? At lunch, we would go down to the beach, maybe grab a coffee and stretch our legs while getting our dose of vitamin D.?? As usual, it always felt good to move and take in the city, a city that always felt very safe to us, even when we ventured further away from the tourist areas.? On the weekends, we rented a car and drove to several locations and it was a breeze.? I admit to being anxious about driving, having heard and read many stories, but the driving was pretty much the same as our big cities at home.? You just have to watch for the topes (speed bumps), they are pretty radical.?

The next part that was awesome was the people.? I was with two colleagues with whom I had never spent extended periods of time, let alone sharing a condo for weeks at a time.? Given our transparent and open communication at work, we were pretty sure we would be ok, but it was still a fair risk to take.? What if we didn’t actually get along in real life?? I don’t think any of us actually thought it through ahead of time.? It turned out fine, though I am sure there are some behaviours that would get on each other’s nerves over time, like me leaving stuff on the counter instead of putting it away all the time.? Or, my habit of doing the dishes right away.? You can’t leave dishes in the sink and expect to do them later.? Do them now or get out of my way!?

One thing I kept trying to say, very consciously, is “thank you for being here with me”.? I wanted to make sure that they knew how much I appreciated the time together and supporting each other in this little adventure.? There is not much stopping me from doing this type of thing on my own, but just having another person there gives me courage to try a little more and do something that might be on the edge of my comfort zone, if not all the way out of it.? For example, coming in to Mexico, we booked a private transfer from the airport.? On the way back, we took public transportation, which was about half the price and more comfortable.? If you are ever in the area, don’t be afraid to take the ADO bus service.? It is on time and uses modern, comfortable buses.? And, you might get to mix with some locals or people from anywhere in the world.? Talk about win-win- win.? Cheap, comfy and social.?

Last, the big benefit was really all about the shared experience.? We all wanted to escape the cold and live something different while still working.? We not only achieved that goal, but went way beyond it by forging friendships while being together for 3 weeks.? We lived something together that goes beyond work.? The relationships we now have represent a bond much stronger than anything we could have forged in even the most social of offices.? When I talk about still seeing people while working remotely, this is what I mean.? Take it to the next level.? For a short period of time, hopefully at least a week, live together, eat together, see the concert in the park together, visit the beach together, eat tacos at a street cart together, explore neighbourhoods together, talk to new people together, have a drink on a patio at the beach together, sit with the locals and enjoy a beer together at sunset. Just Be TOGETHER in a context that is more than work, that is living.? Then, see how you work together in a more trusting, safe and shared environment.? I wish all teams could do this at least once a year.?? I want everyone to have the opportunity to do it as well, so we’re working on the proper policies and requirements to help.? I can’t promise anything but to try my best.? But then, if we don’t try we most certainly ever achieve this kind of amazing perk for all.?? If I really had no limits and had my way, companies would pay for us to do this.? Right now, it is still on our dime, so it can be challenging for many.? I am grateful to be in a position in my life to do this.? It is amazing.?

My adventure with remote work continues with a little help from my friends.? Thank you yet again Alexandra and Martin for being there with me.? You are true friends forever and I hope we all remember the great 3 weeks we had together in Mexico.? Well, most of it anyways.? The tequila bar evening will certainly remain a blur, but we will remember the rest, especially the concerts in the park.? They were pretty epic.? And LOUD (A taste here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Lge1DwggrQ – Our condo is in the background on the right at the beginning) .? But then, we lived pretty loud for 3 weeks and it was awesome.? I hope we can do it again soon.?

I hope you have a great day and week ahead.? And, I hope you too can take advantage of remote work in a way that gives you the autonomy you deserve, not to mention an amazing experience with other people, because we all know that People Power Everything.