Working While on The Move
In the dynamic world of consulting, a more mobile lifestyle often replaces the traditional workday. I am no stranger to this, as someone living a self-converted school bus, traveling around the U.S. with my cat. Here, I juggle my passion for Utonga with a passion for exploration. I’ve discovered that navigating this unique blend of professional and personal pursuits requires a wonderfully delicate balance and strategic approach.
This can be intimidating! As for many things in life, there’s no place to google, “How best can I manage my time today?” or “What does this client need from us?” I’ve been fortunate to have found Utonga, where I have picked up the necessary skills to keep the plates spinning while giving the organizations our best foot forward. Here’s how to effectively manage your work while on the move.
Find your space:
Working remotely opens up a world of possibilities of when and where your office can be, provided you have a solid internet connection. Since the working environment could change from a bustling coffee shop one day to a simple chair as you sit in the morning sun, finding a consistent workflow that works for you is imperative.
This involves two factors: headspace and environment. A focused headspace requires us to seek consistency in the chaos. This simply looks like noise-canceling headphones and a Bluetooth mouse, no matter what. This way, I can engage with the work first and foremost. Environmental factors can cause some real bumps in the road. This is what you have to look out for. Without sufficient research on where you will be working next, you might drive to different coffee shops to find an open outlet or adequate wifi. Scheduling 30 minutes before you go to bed to solidify your office for the next day can alleviate stress and aid in the quality of your work.
Communicate!
Navigating communication with your remote team is like mastering a dance. It requires rhythm, coordination, and a whole lot of trust. You are establishing a solid connection while maintaining clear, open lines of communication. Keeping them in the loop is crucial-- whether you are providing regular progress updates, seeking clarification, or flagging any potential issues. This isn't just for big-picture items; you might also think you are throwing in a minute detail that aids in a project immensely more than you expected. Good communication means mutual understanding. So, be honest about any help needed or expectations that are unclear, as well. Let me be the first to tell you that this skill will open doors to a smoother system and more substantial relationship, the ultimate equation for tremendous success as a remote worker.
Balancing Act
Don’t forget to take care of you! The excitement of traveling and work can become your life. As a remote worker, finding that elusive work-life balance is like discovering a hidden treasure. But, it is important to understand that none of this would happen without you and you. Some time to recharge is imperative if you want to bring your best self to the table. Fortunately, Utonga understands that achieving peak performance isn’t about being chained to your computer 24/7-- It's about knowing when to hit pause and recharge. I encourage taking breaks to get up and stretch, make lunch, and maybe even do a crossword to rejuvenate. After, put back on those noise-canceling headphones, and voila-- good as new!
Navigation of the interaction of work, travel, and the everyday offers a unique opportunity to maximize impact through adaptability and innovation. At the same time, each of these points stands alone as advice to any remote worker. They work best blended into one. It's through a good working environment, communication, and bringing your best self to the work that you can achieve what you need. By perfecting this triangle, you are more likely to be alright if one of them falls through. Good communication will let your boss know that you aren't currently with good service but that they can trust the document will be uploaded by the end of the day. A good headspace will give you a better avenue to communicate if the information gets messy. There are a million ways that these points can come together to help you have a successful working experience. In turn, you can give your clients your best.
Written By: Carol Neshava
