You have been feeling the itch to go on vacation for quite some time now. It’s past time to treat yourself to a break when you are constantly envisioning yourself on the beach in Hawaii or on a cruise along the Mediterranean Sea. Even though a trip is calling your name, sometimes you don’t have the vacation hours accrued or things are a bit too busy at the office for you to tune out while you step out of the office for a whole week. If your workplace is like so many others today, working remotely is becoming a viable option for your position. Here are five tips that allow you to vacation the way you want to while still attending to your obligations at work.
Stick to a Schedule
One of the trickiest parts of working while on vacation is balancing the two opposite activities of work and play. When you have paid for an all inclusive cruise of your dreams or other amazing vacation, you want to be sure you don’t work your whole trip away. Determine how much time you need to pay attention to work responsibilities and then create a schedule with time blocks dedicated to working. Utilizing early mornings, before the fun has started, is a great way to check-in with the office without sacrificing your day. Maintain your schedule and you can compartmentalize your competing priorities. Make the time you set aside as productive as possible. Then you won’t be left feeling guilty while you sit by the side of the pool with a drink in your hand.
Limit Your Commitments
While you might be gung-ho to accomplish a work to-do list a mile long while you try to enjoy your trip, you will probably regret that motivation later while you watch everyone else have fun. Limit your commitments to the office to only the tasks you know you can complete during the schedule you created. Prioritize your tasks and only focus on the ones that are the most pressing while you are away. Much of your to-do list will keep until you return home again.
Maintain Communication
One frustrating aspect of trying to work with someone who is working remotely is they fall off the communication radar and do not check in on a regular basis. Be sure to answer voicemails and emails in a timely manner and let co-workers and clients know that even though you are away, you are still available if they need you. If you set up an automatic voicemail message or email reply informing them of your office hours while you are on your trip, they may be less likely to feel anxious as they wait for your reply.
Pack Appropriately
You can be the champion of working remotely if you prepare ahead of time with your packing list. Make sure to bring all the supplies necessary for you to perform your job function while on your vacation. Your laptop, laptop sleeve, a wireless mouse, noise-canceling headphones, and a laptop stand are all helpful while working remotely. Be sure you research ahead of time the internet accessibility and cell phone service so you don’t have to deal with any surprises.
Avoid Distractions
Working on vacation is much more difficult than working from the office because of the countless distractions that can knock you off your focus track. Try to schedule time alone in your hotel or cabin during your scheduled work hours. Take advantage of business meeting areas offered by many hotels and cruise ships. If all else fails, bring a fantastic pair of noise-canceling headphones to block out the outside world.
It’s true that work will always demand your attention, but you deserve that vacation you can’t get off of your mind, as well. Luckily, you can have your cake and eat it too. Follow these five steps to working remotely while you are on vacation and you will enjoy the best of both worlds.
