Embracing flexibility: What can a workcation do for you?

The pandemic, even though having “ended” a long time ago, has made the topic of remote work so much more visible in our professional lives. Undoubtedly, more and more people are opting for this form of performing duties due to convenience. It is particularly tempting for all the traveling fans. Wandering worldwide and working through workcation (a combination of vacation and work duties) is a compelling option. And, especially if you have your own tiny home on wheels…

In this article, we will explore the topic of combining van life with remote work based on my personal experience. It’s a journey that has granted me newfound flexibility and fulfillment. Join me as I recount how I embarked on this path, the wisdom I’ve gained through it. So, let’s embark on this exploration of workcation, unraveling whether this lifestyle truly lives up to its allure!

Workcation origin

Workcation is a fusion of “work” and “vacation,” and is a term that describes a unique blend of professional responsibilities with leisure. This innovative formula intertwines work tasks with moments of relaxation… and it all while remaining committed to the standard work schedule. The work is still done via company hardware and software, so employee productivity is preserved. As the lockdown has shown, working from an office is not essential. Duties can be performed from anywhere – starting from the bedroom and ending on a hot beach. As long as the employee has access to a sufficiently fast and stable Internet connection.

Why so many people dream about it? You keep earning a regular salary, and it proves to prevent burnout significantly. The idea behind it is that workcation occurs in a environment typically associated with vacation, where the charm of the location can be fully experienced during free hours and weekends. This concept stands as an intriguing solution, often regarded as a significant non-monetary perk. Actually, at a time when the percentage of remote work in Europe is as high as 40%, the idea of workcation is growing in popularity to the point where you can already find online offers of resorts tailored to the needs of working vacationers.

Is it worth it?

Pros

Employing workcation, if done well, can yield numerous advantages. Primarily, it boosts motivation and efficiency, as the enticing surroundings inspire you to complete tasks promptly and go explore the area. This harmony of ending work and having time for personal activities enhances work-life balance. Furthermore, being situated in an intriguing environment can amplify creativity. When the entire team partakes in a workcation, it can also foster team cohesion.

In addition, this way of traveling is also an interesting solution to the problem of lowered mood associated with the end of the vacation season. The lowered mood – called seasonal depression – is a phenomenon noted among 57% of employees. Being able to work on vacation, at least part-time, makes it less of a shock to return to normal work after the vacation.

I can fully relate to the balance part – every day at the same time, I finished my work and went on a nice, refreshing swim in the ocean. It was fantastic! I was able to fully commit to my duties but felt relaxed and satisfied with my personal time.

Cons

However, workcation has its share of challenges. Foremost, it isn’t a genuine vacation. The constant engagement with work duties amid vacation activities can prove distracting and frustrating for some. Moreover, rigid working hours can pose a hindrance, especially if one’s profession necessitates adherence to specific time slots. Opting for a workcation across different time zones might not be the best course of action, especially if you try this kind of work for the very first time.

In my case, I opted for a country in the same time zone and a quite similar culture. Just to make sure I’ll be able to focus on work without extra challenges. And I think it was a good idea – I didn’t have to worry about my work hours and never felt lonely as the people were rather similar to the ones at my hometown.

Lessons learned during workcation

My journey through Normandy’s workcation landscape taught me invaluable lessons that reshaped my approach to work. I had to manage my time and adjust to the new environment. I think the best thing I acquired after that experience is the art of planning. I always had problems structuralizing my daily task. Struggling with work-life equilibrium, the task was essential.

Yet, the prospect of blending work and exploration naturally led me to establish boundaries and prioritize tasks. The completely new reality and nature of workcation invigorated not only my efficiency and creativity but also made me realize how a dynamic environment can rejuvenate even the most mundane tasks and make them fulfilling. Adaptability and resilience were also crucial here. Normandy became a canvas where my self-discipline and time management started becoming reality and not just another New Year’s resolution.

Why Normandy?

Venturing into the uncharted territory of workcation, I chose Normandy as my initial destination due to its familiar time zone and culture. Staying within Europe streamlined pre-trip arrangements. Nevertheless, this fresh environment ignited countless adventures and enhanced creativity.

I suggest following similar rules when choosing your first workcation destination. I know that exotic places sound tempting, but you never know how you’re going to act in a new reality, and it’s best to make small steps in order to ensure well performed work duties.

Workcation – a both parties agreement

For years, we’ve advocated for a clear demarcation between work and personal life. And yet we still seek moments to quickly step out during the work hours for various reasons – a doctor’s appointment or a gym session. Harmonizing these facets into a seamless blend that accommodates work, family, and passions but without temporal or spatial constraints is the essence of workcation. The goal is a synthesis where working and personal life coexist harmoniously, fostering genuine contentment. To truly reap the rewards from workcation, setting specific objectives and boundaries for both – you (the employee) and your work (the employer) is essential. This foundation underpins the efficacy of merging work and vacation seamlessly.

In conclusion, the paradigm of workcation offers a compelling and transformative approach to the way we perceive work and relaxation. The allure of this lifestyle, driven by the desire for flexibility and fulfillment, is undeniable. As shared through my own journey, the advantages of workcation are clear: heightened motivation, improved work-life balance, and a splash of fresh creativity.

Related: ’Workcations’ blur line between work and leisure for many Americans, survey finds

However, it is important to acknowledge the challenges – the potential distraction of work during leisure activities and the need for adaptability in different time zones. Normandy, as my chosen starting point, demonstrated the significance of familiar surroundings as a cornerstone for successful workcation experiences.

Workcation, with its promise of blending duties and relaxation, beckons us to embrace a new era of flexibility where remote work transcends boundaries and traditional norms. As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of work, the notion of worckation stands as a testament to our capacity to reshape and reimagine the way we engage with our professional and personal lives.

Magdalena Sadowska, the community manager at ePassportPhoto.