What it is Really Like to Work Remotely Abroad
The pandemic gave us and lots of people who had never been able to work from home before a flavour of what the digital nomad lifestyle can really be like. You might be thinking that people working remotely abroad are just on an extended holiday but that isn’t true.
For the last month, we have been working remotely abroad, and having dipped ourselves into the experience we can safely say that it has been an eye-opening experience. Freedom, flexibility, better views, and being able to focus on giving ourselves time to work, rest and play.
Whilst there are many benefits to this lifestyle, it isn’t for everyone. Getting on a plane during a pandemic isn’t as easy as it used to be with numerous PCR tests and quarantine, in some places unreliable Wi-Fi, time zones, anxieties about work performance, and visas. However, the benefits outweigh the restrictions and give you a chance to experience life in a way you never had before.
We documented our experience:
Where: Mauritius — an island in the Indian Ocean
Work situation: Working remotely as a commercial lawyer. We are seeing legal tech developing at a fast pace and this means that 100% of work is performed online.
Court hearings, mediation, and team meetings are held via Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Documents are e-signed, and company documents are electronically filed.
The legal world has always been slow to change previously, but what we are seeing now is a huge change in the way that lawyers work, what clients expect of them and how they manage their time using legal tech.
The experience: Living in another country has allowed us to experience a different lifestyle that focuses on living well whilst still being able to do a job that we love and grow as a person. You can find your own community whether that is pilates, yoga, horse riding, or exploring new cuisines and do something that you love.
Advice: If you also want to live the digital nomad lifestyle then make a plan. Decide where you want to go, research what the requirements are such as visas or health insurance, and then make it happen.
If you are worried your manager will not approve this arrangement then don’t be afraid to start looking at your options there are plenty of remote jobs that allow you to live this lifestyle.
