Every once in a while you need a change of scenery to step back, regain perspective and recharge the batteries. The problem is that clients, employers and the landlord don’t always want to hang around while you’re off finding yourself. Luckily you can travel the world having to put your career on hold.
Remote Benefits. If your job is mainly computer- and internet- based, you’re incredibly lucky because you can work from anywhere in the world. Whether you feel like an epic round-the-world trip or just want a couple of days away on short breaks to Vienna or a Mexican beach town, you need only pack up your laptop or notebook computer. Nowadays it’s almost impossible to find a hotel or hostel that doesn’t have Wi-Fi and in some places you’ll even find reliable wireless connections right there on the beach!
Step into my office
Time Management. The key to finding the balance between working and playing is to be disciplined and do some planning but to be flexible at the same time. Remember that it’s OK to split your day between working and sightseeing. Be clever about it though: If the weather’s not great, use that time to get some work done until the sun comes out again. If you’re at a destination where the nightlife is non-existent, explore during the day and work after sunset. With a little foresight you can even find ways to combine working and playing. For example, you can experience the atmosphere, the people-watching opportunities and of course the cake of a Viennese Kaffeehaus while you’re designing that website or writing your latest article.
Earn a Skill Point! If you’re planning on staying at a destination for a longer period, check out the job opportunities there (without going against visa restrictions of course!). You don’t have to be a bartender to make ends meet, as you may find a job teaching English or working at a hotel or hostel, for instance. Investigate the work-exchange programs available for ways to learn new skills. Also, why not take the time to attend classes at a local language school so you can serve the dual purpose of getting to know the destination better while learning a new language — an incredibly marketable skill.
Some destinations, such as Mexico, Chile and Guatemala are famed for their excellent and very affordable schools. Your employer might be more open to the idea of your taking a sabbatical if you’re going to come back with new skills that can add value to your work.
Look into volunteer travel opportunities!
Do Yourself and OTHERS Some Good. Another great option is to spend some time volunteering. Find a program that not only matches the things you feel passionate about but also complements your skills set. More and more non-profit organizations are recognizing the value of volunteers who are professionals in certain fields such as healthcare, engineering or even business administration. By donating your time, you learn to see things differently, meet wonderful people along the way and share your skills with communities that can really benefit from them.
With long-term jobs and volunteer programs, you don’t have to worry that you’ll spend all your time working and never get to see the city or country you’re in. Once you know the area better and have done some planning, you’ll find you’re able to achieve the perfect balance.
Have you experienced working while travelling? Share your experience in the comments below or tweet @mscareergirl!
