I was a typical urban kid. I fell in love with hiking and got into it when I was 25. I spent every weekend in the forests and mountains. Then I moved to the hills. I brought my cat along, adopted another cat, one dog, and took my cat with. I’ve been working remotely for many years. This does not mean that I traveled the world like digital nomads. This simply means that I was working from home. My home was not a duplex enclosed in concrete but a small house surrounded with conifers, lawns and forest. Remote became real. This is a story about how Remote became real.
I worked within a set time frame, such as 11am-7pm or 9am-5pm. Unplanned events would often occur, and I would finish private chores during work hours and pick up any business tasks that were left over on weekends. I was not being disciplined enough. I answered all calls, emails and messages at all times and just went with the flow instead of following a set schedule. It wasn’t just that I lost focus, but it also made me anxious and too hard on myself. It felt like the day didn’t last long enough. While editing photos, my thoughts turned to mowing the lawn. As I ran, I thought about all the unanswered Facebook messages. After I reorganized my responsibilities and time, everything turned out fine. Now, I can run or swim during lunch. It was because I was able to prepare meals before work and save on time for other activities. My work was more efficient when I set a clear line that separated my personal and professional lives.
I used to work in my bedroom on the computer when it was cold, and outside on my laptop on warm days. It was the fact that I had to work in my bedroom that bothered me. People would often ask me why I didn’t exercise at home. This frustrated me. Where? Where? My freelance gigs My freelance gigs? I was tired of having to use one space for everything. I realized that I should create a workroom. The extra space in my bedroom felt liberating when I did. I started to appreciate and enjoy my bedroom again. I felt like I had more time for myself. My only problem now is the perfect chair for my office. It’s on my shopping list!
It’s Friday evening. Skype sounds while I make dinner. I glance at my laptop and see my manager asking for feedback on a previous report we had. Pages Manager blinks at me half an hour later. Someone wants their money back. Friends then send photos via Viber. While I make my Friday dinner. Not fair. I now have a laptop. It is where I store my private files, use Imgur, Viber and TrainingPeaks, as well as all the other apps that I love. My business laptop is also there. Only for work. Work only.
There are many other things that can be significant. Silicone keyboard cover – My keyboard must be safe! No bread crumbs or bird droppings allowed. Staying fit- I need to cut wood, carry fresh spring water in my backpack and take care of plants. No painkillers, just muscles! An electric heater with a timer. I don’t like to be inside during winter, and not feel any temperature change. Waterproof backpack- my laptop is protected no matter what the weather. Use sunscreen!
People are usually eager for the weekend. I understand the feeling. However, by moving to the hills, this sentiment has diminished a little. This is why I walk my dog before work, and then go for a run afterwards. I do things I used to do on weekends.
