5 lifestyle overhauls that can help you take full advantage of working remotely
- Amy Morin is a psychotherapist, licensed clinical social worker, mental strength coach, and international bestselling author.
- She says taking advantage of remote work can be as simple as staying with friends or as complex as buying a houseboat.
- Short-term relocations can offer a refreshing change of scenery and take some of the risk out of a complete lifestyle overhaul.
Working from home during the pandemic has caused more people to dream about becoming a "digital nomad" - or at least it's helped them see that remote work can open the door to living differently.
When you're working from home, you don't have to stare at the same four walls all day. Instead, you have the opportunity to get out and explore the world, when it's safe to do so.
If you aren't ready to ditch your residence on a permanent basis, that's OK. You might try a temporary shift in your lifestyle (or plan for a three month trip every year from now going forward). There are so many different options when you aren't tied to a location.
Here are five creative lifestyles that might help you take full advantage of remote work:
1. Move onto a boat
I moved onto a sailboat five years ago and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I don't sail around the world or anything - I spend a lot of time tied to a dock next to my tiki hut so I can have fast internet, electricity, and calm seas. But, I do have the freedom to go sailing (or jet skiing) any time I want.
If sailboat life isn't for you, don't dismiss live-aboard boating altogether. There are many different options.
A houseboat could serve as an affordable way to live in expensive parts of the world. It might be like living in a floating apartment as opposed to an ocean-going vessel.
Of course, you might also purchase a boat (sailboat or motorboat) and travel to exotic locations. This becomes a little trickier as reliable internet can be a problem at sea, but you can spend time in ports as needed and travel when you have time off.
If buying a boat doesn't sound enticing, you can also cruise around the world (if cruising and world-wide travel ever resumes). There are plenty of world cruises that will take you all over the globe. Of course, these come with a hefty price tag so you'll need an amazing work from home job to make this one feasible.
2. Travel in an RV
A great option for land lovers could involve RV travel. You can roam the national parks for extended periods of time, or stay in various campgrounds for a week at a time as you travel across the country.
If you're not into buying a big commercial RV, consider a camper van. You might find free places to stay along your journey too. There are plenty of people who explore the world on a tight budget via Volkswagen bus, for example.
This could be a good way to visit friends and family for longer periods of time, and depending on where they live, you might even be able to stay in their driveway.
3. Move to another country
Some countries are working hard to attract work-from-home Americans for extended periods of time. You may be able to go somewhere for a year on a visa, which essentially gives you plenty of time to settle in without having to worry about residency issues.
The Cayman Islands, for example, recently announced they will allow some foreign citizens to stay there while working from home for up to two years.
If the thought of moving to another country for a year or two doesn't sound appealing, you can also simply travel to lots of different countries. From backpacking across Europe and working from coffee shops to flying to random destinations whenever you feel like it, you might decide to take full advantage of international travel once it's safe to do so after the pandemic.
4. Establish short-term leases
Have you ever wondered what it's like to live in Hawaii but don't want to move that far from family? Or have you dreamed about moving to the mountains but aren't sure you'd like the cold weather?
Luckily, there are options to visit those places for a few months without the commitment of a year-long lease. A three-month lease can give you a great taste of a different lifestyle without having to make a permanent move before you know if you like the area.
If you own a home, consider swapping houses with other people. This also gives you the chance to explore different places without spending much money.
5. Stay with friends and family for a month at a time
For some people working from home, it makes sense to stay with friends and family for an extended period. Moving in with an elderly parent might mean you're able to offer more assistance around your work schedule.
For others, it may make sense financially to move in with a relative on a temporary basis to save money. If giving up an expensive apartment for a few months can help you save up or pay off your student loans, it might be worth it.
Whether you can stay with a friend who lives far away for a few weeks before moving to your sister's place for a month and then onto your grandparents' condo for another month, the great news is that there aren't any rules when you work remotely.
It may take your brain a while to fully grasp the idea that you have the freedom to do more things. And of course, some people have more freedom than others. A freelancer who makes their own schedule can get more creative than someone who needs to attend regular Zoom meetings in business attire.
There are always a few hurdles to living life a little more free, like determining how to get your mail or how to educate kids if you have the). But, there are plenty of people who have figured those things out, so know it's possible. If you want to switch things up and take full advantage of the work from home lifestyle, start exploring the opportunities you'd like to try.