It's Not All Sunsets and Sand

Recently, I had the opportunity to work remotely from Singapore for an extended period of time, which allowed me to gain insight into some of the challenges and benefits of working remotely from abroad.

Since the pandemic, remote work has become the new norm for many people and companies. For some employees, it's no l
onger just a perk, but a non-negotiable part of their job. Companies are embracing and expanding remote work policies, even allowing their employees to work from abroad. It's not uncommon to feel a twinge of jealousy when seeing digital nomads working from exotic locations like South America or Southeast Asia.

When you hear the term 'digital nomad', you may imagine someone working on a laptop while enjoying a beautiful beach or a picturesque mountain view. While this idea is certainly alluring and may motivate you to change your usual workplace, it's important to recognize that working remotely from a holiday location is not always as simple as it seems. Despite the temptation to work from exotic locations, the reality may not be as great as it appears, and there are certainly challenges and difficulties that come with this.

Consider how you prefer to work. Sure, the image of working from a beach with your toes in the sand is appealing. But eventually, the sand will get into the keyboard. And unless you have a private beach, you'd probably be working amidst the hustle and bustle of a touristy place. Focus and privacy will be serious challenges. While I may take a photo of myself pretending to work from such a location, I still prefer the comfort of an ergonomic chair, a proper desk and keyboard, and an extra monitor for ample screen real estate. After all, the main focus is still my work. For a day or two, I can easily make do with a limited setup. But the longer my remote stint is, the more I want or even need the comforts of a proper workplace.

Working remotely from abroad requires adapting to new environments and routines. This includes simple tasks like grocery shopping and cooking. In a new country, you may not have access to the same types of ingredients or cooking tools that you're used to at home. You might also need to adjust to different meal times or eating habits, which can impact your work schedule. Additionally, you'll need to navigate local grocery stores or markets, which can be challenging if you don't speak the language or aren't familiar with local customs. Adapting to these new routines can be a fun adventure, but it also requires flexibility and an open mind.

Next, you should have an idea of what to do outside of working hours. What are the things that you can and want to do to balance work and leisure? Most likely, you will not be sightseeing or exploring every evening. Consider sports or other activities that can help you disconnect from work and experience the local environment. If you are travelling solo, think about your social needs, as you may feel isolated without your usual group of peers.

Additionally, one thing that is easily overlooked: You still need to pay rent or a mortgage on your home, even if you're not there for long periods of time.

Despite these challenges, there are still benefits to spending some weeks working abroad. One of the main advantages is the opportunity for personal growth. Living and working abroad can help you develop new skills, gain cultural knowledge, and expand your world-view. It can also be an opportunity to make new friends or reconnect with friends abroad. Additionally, it helps to become more independent and self-sufficient as one learns to navigate new environments and solve problems.

So if you are tempted to adapt to the lifestyle of a digital nomad, to do a workation, or simply work remotely away from home, there are certainly benefits to this. But it is also important to recognize the challenges and difficulties that come with it.

My personal conclusion is: I should have stayed even longer for this experience, it was absolutely worth it for me personally. And the remaining question is not "if" I will do it again, but rather "when and where" next.