Diary of a Remote Worker
Day 1: Tuesday 18th April
Today marks the first day of remote abroad working.
Rewind 24-hours, my Battersea flat was crammed into removal boxes, I kissed goodbye to the tube and my winter coats, and was manically stressing I didn’t accidentally leave my passport in a bag currently on its way to storage. Why am I leaving you ask? I decided to set off on a 6-week hiatus of Balearic solitude to base myself somewhere new. My work will continue as normal, since Mallorca is only an hour ahead, but my lifestyle will inevitably see some different yet positive change.
With sudden access to the largest heirloom tomatoes I have ever seen, padel courts and Mediterranean UV, it makes one question why every company doesn’t allow or promote remote work? Moreover, why people feel happy commuting to Canary Wharf every morning to stare out of a grey window, perched on a grey desk, eyeing a grey screen.
Since the pandemic, businesses have come to realise that having the choice to base yourself anywhere, whilst not having to give up your life, clients, colleagues, etc. in the process, is the biggest breath of fresh air (literally) for bosses and as a team. Not only is productivity boosted, but you are able to soak in new cultures, fresh ideas and unlock areas of creativity and inspiration you wouldn’t typically find at home. Also, collaboratively speaking, as a team you can bounce further ideas, gain insight from picking up new skills and use wisdom acquired to inspire others when you have learnt valuable overseas lessons.
So, as I began my first day of work settled amongst the hills of Galilea, I felt undeniably smug and not at all guilty of my decision to take the plunge in undertaking my new adventure in Spain. I opened my laptop to the fresh breeze, scanning a couple of wind-swept olive trees, and immersed myself into client content writing and emails whilst picking at a bowl of kalamatas. Not only has my productivity rocketed since stepping off the plane, but this quite possibly the best work perk to ever exist.
Day 2: Wednesday
Today I read (out of pure curiosity), that 30% of the UK workforce allow remote work, with an estimation that one in five Brits wish to work remotely full-time. It begs the question as to why these stats are as they are, and what this says about the current and future working lifestyle.
The term “remote work” is now searched over 18,000 times per month in the UK on Google – that is a whopping 410% increase in the last five years. Therefore, isthe idea of returning to full-time office-based work, almost painted to be archaic and forced? ‘Remote work’ defines itself as “someone who is employed by a company, but outside of a traditional office environment”.
The word “traditional” now makes me feel uneasy. The thought of breaking these ‘traditional’ norms, however, means I must be flouting these said hypothetical boundaries. The act of me working in an un-traditional setting is exhilarating – un-traditional is modern and, I like it.
Since joining Evoke last October, and explaining to friends and family about the opportunities this job allows, I have heard the old “you never had this back in my day!” conversation like a broken record. Yet, if someone were to offer the opportunity to work wherever in the world, and to take new chances, I bet the hardest no (and regret) of your life would be denying the chance to on the basis of shying from your normal comforts and routine.
One thing I quickly established in London was that I became very, very comfortable. And comfort is ok – but it, to a certain degree stunted my creativity. I think a lot of that came with losing confidence in forming new relationships and experimenting with different ideas, settings, and people. My zest for life is ripe and I knew deep down I was ready to take risks in finding myself far away from a Joe & The Juice tunacado, and anything relative to Soho House (basic, I know).
So, why has remote work helped me? I have gained confidence, I was able to connect with people just as well virtually, and I can complete work in the comfort of wherever I consider “home”.
Day 3 - Thursday
Do you ever look at a stranger and wonder what their story is, where they came from, or what purpose they have of being in a certain place? I wonder if people think that of me when I am typing on my laptop nestled into a quaint, mahogany laid coffee shop in central Palma.
Likelihood is – no one has noticed me sipping back my café con leche as they are not second guessing the quite decipherable English girl on the high chair in the window. What is funny though is that I notice them. I adore people watching – it’s a beloved hobby of mine. Narrating stories of faces, reading people like they are novels and listening to the sound of their voices makes me feel like John Steinbeck.
Today I happily woke to another day of calls, emails, and content writing – but wanted another change of scenery . There is so much to see here, and I want to be enthralled in it all. The days fly by because I feel as if I am really living – each day is never the same, and being out of my routine is surprisingly refreshing.
Something I am so fortunate about this job is encouragement and flexibility to work anywhere. The satisfaction of completing tasks for clients whilst hearing the crickets hum and flamboyant Spanish conversation in the distance is more charming than the regular car horns and traffic at home. In fact, I feel like it’s almost illegal – too good to be true. Evoke’s work policy is refreshing, and I feel proud to be amongst colleagues who support opportunities to not feel restricted to the same postcode.
I check in with my team, pay for my coffee and take a peruse during lunchtime for good measure.
Day 4 – Friday 21st April
Feeling immersed into a different culture has helped me gainperspective I didn’t know I needed. It has allowed me to reflect on my own self-sabotaged mollycoddling, and allowed me to re-discover areas of myself and my work which I really enjoy.
I adore feeling engrossed in text, sensing true passion and stability about a piece of work I have written, and earning the sense of gratitude towards making people proud. Grateful does not even cut it when I think about my team – no matter my coordinates, I am supported and encouraged to shatter glass ceilings in the hands of their trust. Evoke has given me the key to unlocking my professional and personal growth, and for that I am truly grateful.
As I reflect on my final day of work for the week, I am content with what I am doing, where life is taking me, and why I decided to do what I did.
If taking risks and switching your work whereabouts feels right for you, why not contact our small team today to discuss opportunities to work with us.