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No matter how cumbersome lugging your work gear can get, it sure beats being tied to a cubicle and the traditional work commute. Fortunately, with the rise in popularity of remote work and Digital Nomads lifestyles, all sorts of helpful tips are popping up. We scoured the internet to curate a list of 10 top tips for making the most of enjoying the freedom of travel while still getting your work done.
1. Leave Your Personal Laptop at Home
Working abroad can be a pain, so why not mitigate those factors and leave your personal laptop at home? By doing so, you’ll have one less piece of equipment to worry about. Depending on your company’s technology policy, you may be able to use your work laptop for personal streaming and surfing, or you could opt for a smaller personal device like a tablet.
2. Invest in a Specialty Backpack
If you find yourself dragging all your work devices along with your personal ones, it’s time to invest in equipment that can lessen the load. Many travel backpacks now have extra storage space for more than one laptop! “Check out a Monos backpack,” advises one frequent traveler. “The backpacks have two slots for laptops, and let me tell you, it’s much appreciated.” I love innovative products like these that serve a purpose!
3. Accept Your Fate
Nobody said the digital nomad life or working overseas was easy. Sometimes, you trade convenience in one aspect of your life for convenience in another! Many people advise you to accept your fate: You are doomed to carry around tons of devices, so you might as well come to terms with it now. When traveling and planning to work remotely, I’ve either brought both laptops or only my work laptop, depending on the trip,” one woman confesses. “Nobody at security or the airline cares, so the only issue is that I have to lug both around.”
4. Combine Your Devices
Use this opportunity to consolidate your devices. If you have separate work and personal phones, sign in to all necessary accounts from one phone (and leave the other at home). Don’t bring unnecessary devices overseas; despite what you believe, your iPad isn’t essential to your overseas trip. You may be inundated with countless messages from one phone, but you won’t have to juggle many devices. Learning to travel light is one of the keys to enjoying your digital nomad lifestyle.
5. Set Boundaries
It’s critical to maintain a healthy work-life balance when overseas. Failing to do so can result in unnecessary stress! Remember, just because you must carry a work phone doesn’t mean you must answer it every time it rings. “I’m expected to have my phone with me all the time, but I don’t answer it on vacation,” reveals one worker. “Honestly, I use it to see how bad things are going when I’m not there!” I like the way this person thinks!
6. Utilize One Charging Cable
If you can downsize your charging cables into one universal cable, you owe it to yourself. The peace of mind that comes with only needing one cable can’t be overstated! One person puts it all into perspective. “If you have to take your work laptop, check to see if it can charge via Thunderbolt or USB-C; that means one less power brick to lug around.” Thank goodness Apple recently switched to the universal USB-C charging standard!
7. Use Airplane Mode Liberally
Interestingly, many travelers advise using your work smartphone’s airplane mode, even when you’re not in the air! This “permanent disconnection” ensures that work-related emails and calls cannot make it to you unless you are ready to work. Will your employer look down on this practice? Possibly, but even the most stringent bosses understand it’s near-impossible to be connected twenty-four hours a day. So do yourself a favor and tap that airplane mode button!
8. Be Disciplined When Answering Work Email and Phone Calls
Setting a schedule is essential to keeping your sanity while working overseas. Many men and women with remote work experience advise putting away their work phone once their day ends. An “out of sight, out of mind” approach will help you differentiate your work responsibilities while not infringing on the fun you should have during much-needed downtime!
9. Maintain a Tidy Workspace
Working overseas while simultaneously juggling your countless devices can be overwhelming. However, you can mitigate the stress by creating (and organizing) a dedicated and tidy workspace wherever you’re staying. In most hotels, hostels, or Airbnb rentals, there should be plenty of room to create a pop-up work desk to ensure you stay on task. If no extra space is available, consider planting yourself at a local coffee shop and make working from that location an essential part of your daily routine!
10. Find Quiet Places to Work
Given the unpredictable nature of working overseas, finding quiet places to work is imperative. You’ll naturally be more productive and focused without distractions. Many men and women advise bringing another piece of technology, such as noise-canceling headphones or earbuds. While you may roll your eyes at the thought of taking another device overseas, your attention span will thank you for it! Source: Reddit.
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