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The Best Chrome Extensions to Boost Your Digital Productivity

Posted on by Josh

The Best Chrome Extensions to Boost Your Digital Productivity

Google Chrome itself is becoming a desktop environment as we continue to use more cloud software, just look at ChromeOS. We all work from our laptops. As individuals who work remotely, we make a living by typing on, talking at, or otherwise manipulating the 1s and 0s of our computers, and subsequently sending this information to one, or many other people. By and large, we are information workers. Some of you perhaps, lucky or not, are able to make a living solely by speaking with people over the phone (can you please let us in on your secret recipe?).

Oftentimes, many of us don’t give our computer environments the consideration they deserve. Not only do our livelihoods depend these magical devices, our species is spending a startling proportion of our time with them

For many of us, a large part of our screen time is spent in the Google Chrome web browser, (or the Chromium web browser for the free-open-source-software fans). Maybe you begin your day by opening a fresh, crisp, new Chrome window, or maybe, like me, you begin in of one of far too many open tabs: email, and Google sheets, and Google docs, and Slack, in both a browser tab and a separate application window, and Facebook, and that random photo that you’ve now forgotten why you looked it up in the first place, and that email thread from your mom that you sent to your work email so that you could draft a response, and…

For those of you that work in Chrome on the regular, or any other web browser for that matter, please remember that it is your digital office space. It is meant to be a sanctuary for your digital focus, an oasis for your productivity. Please treat it as such. Set it up in a way that makes you want to use it, where building your dreams in any other web browser becomes a pointless exercise in mundanity.

Trust me when I tell you it will happen, because it happened to me, and all with the help what I consider the best Chrome extensions:

The Motion Chrome Extension

motion chrome extension logo

motion chrome extension productivity panel

Motion is the ultimate companion in your daily battle against procrastination. It is an extension to lean on when times are tough and you can’t think of how you could possibly get that tiny little to-do done with all these social feeds blaring in your face. It’s the simplicity of the extension that really puts it in a league of its own. No learning curve, no “hey, check out these cool features!”; just a simple, beautiful little extension that gently reminds you to stop getting in your own way, and just get it done already.

I know there are others. I’ve tried Rescuetime, I’ve tried Webtime Tracker, I’ve listened to the siren song of productivity prophets far and wide. None comes close to the simple elegance of Motion.

Oh, how I love elegant solutions. All the others I’ve tried have their respective learning curves, each with its own particular flavour of confusion or frustration, but not Motion. Motion is there for me when I need it most, minding it’s business when I’m minding mine, and gently reminding me how much longer I can watch that completely irrelevant Youtube video, when I need a break. It warns me when I try to meander too far from my work and allows me to easily see how I spend my time in clean, succinct reports:

motion chrome extension productivity dashboard

This is only the beginning of Motion. We hear there is a paid plan in the works with lots more super cool features. What more could we ask for?

The CLUT Chrome Extension – Cycle Last Used Tab

CLUT chrome extension logo

For those of you that don’t know, you can cycle through your chrome tabs using Ctrl and any of the numbers 1 through 9.

Ctrl + 1 through 8 will point you to each of your first eight tabs
Ctrl + 9 will point you to the last tab in a browser window.
If you, like me, have 20-odd browser tabs open (as of this writing I have 56 open, and yes, I know this is a problem), these functions, while useful, will serve you no purpose. You will be lucky if numbers 1 through 8 get through your pinned tabs, while 0 points you to your most recent distraction. Enter CLUT. Are you familiar with the Alt(Cmd)-Tab shortcut?

It’s that wonderful shortcut that brings you back to the last thing you were working on. Chrome to Slack and back in a flash! CLUT is the Alt(Cmd)-Tab replica for Chrome. Not only will it get you back to Slack in a flash, there are additional functions for skimming through your tabs:

Alt + W: Quick switch
Use for rapid switching to the last tab (by pressing once) or to the second to last used tab (by pressing rapidly twice).

Alt + S: Normal switch
Use when you want to look for a tab recently used but when you would want to go in a slower pace

Alt + Shift + S: Normal switch (in opposite direction)

And you can even change the shortcut keys if you want! (I very much recommend that you do not change it to Alt(Cmd)-Tab)

The LastPass Chrome Extension

LastPass logo

LastPass may have saved me my sanity. I manage somewhere around 250 passwords. Some are my personal passwords, some are for friends and family, and others still are passwords that I continue to manage for previous clients. It is an amazing service. I don’t think I could work in the cloud effectively without it. My old system consisted of roughly 10 variations of 10 of different ‘master’ passwords, depending on the necessary level of security:

password, Password, Password2020, P4ssw0rd2020, P4$w0rd2020!, etc…

I was resetting a different password at least once a week. It was incredibly frustrating, so I tried LastPass and the rest is history. I have to admit that I am still frustrated by the mobile app (though not enough by any means that I plan to stop using it), but the LastPass desktop Chrome extension is a UX masterpiece. If that’s not enough, all your passwords can look like this:

!82de8JEa^&N5qGfil%@o7dIXR

And you will never get them wrong.

This newfound password security will give you the peace of mind that you might find enjoying a glass of wine….overlooking a French vineyard…at sunset. Niiiiice.

Cheers,
JRD

We’ll be posting a more in depth rundown of LastPass here shortly, along with some other fun software to help you make the most of your new work-from-home life. Stay tuned.

How Traveling Abroad Helped This Consultant Gain A Fresh Outlook

Posted on by Josh

At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by our amazing community. We’re thrilled to feature their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new places a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories, and their advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month.

Today’s Behere community feature, Sarah Bartholow, is a consultant from Dallas, Texas. She spent a month in Barcelona using Behere which quickly turned into a multiple month euro adventure. Read about her journey below!

‘Bartholowna’

“I had hit a few walls in my life and needed to remind myself that a meaningful escape and experience to regroup and reset my notion of ‘possibility’ was far more within my reach than I had been telling myself. As a brand consultant, exploration is paramount to adding ‘color’ to my capabilities, and global connectivity only broadens my offer to clients as I discovered. The ‘no brainer’ quality of going on this adventure while focusing on a new angle of my consultancy revealed itself in a shockingly short amount of time once learned more about Behere. A friend of mine heard about Behere and sent me the info and I then went on to contact a former journey-er who regaled me with her experience which encouraged me to set forth. (Thank you again, Joyce!)”

What did a day in your life look like while living abroad?

“I did not set any expectations other than to enjoy each moment, each day and whatever challenge I invited, big or small. I’d plan a daily adventure before or after a half day at the coworking space, or sometimes would turn a park bench into my ‘office’ for the day!”

What is your biggest take away/ learning while abroad?

“The biggest takeaway is that I need to get back and pronto!

Being abroad was very doable and only benefited my work to expand my network, use my eyes differently, feel history with every step, meet new people – the list goes on. I also realized how vital environment is to me to feel inspired and that the American methodology of ‘doing-doing-doing’ lacks an emotional quotient I find Europeans have in spades in order to enjoy life more fully while also keeping work meaningful. I learned that I can live in smaller spaces and that I really don’t need that much and that good ingredients in food means you eat less. ‘Satisfaction’ takes on new meanings across almost every category and more simplistically.

To this day, I keep in touch with everyone I met while in Barcelona. To think that I now have a Catalan / European network is something I had not envisioned for myself prior to taking this trip. It will stay with me forever and I will continue to cultivate my new web of relationships.”

How has Behere helped you on your journey?

“When anyone gets bogged down, it should not be taken lightly– we all need a source of inspiration and a newfound sense of being to push us into the next phase, and Behere ushered this in a palatable way. Behere actualized the possibility for me and I cannot herald their idea and platform enough to open up the world to those who seek revelation or simply just a work setting that contrasts one’s status quo. There’s no way it’s not a benefit to oneself and to a business as the landscape change alone spurs perspective and productivity. Behere onramps structure if needed, alongside recommendations from the city host, or you can just freewheel it completely with the confidence that someone is a WhatsApp message away. It is a brilliant premise all around. I also got to tap back into my Spanish speaking which had been dormant, so it felt amazing to reignite my love of the language.”

What was your favorite memory or place you went?

“This is a hard one! Too many to count and this is a good ‘problem’ to have!

parkguellI initially started with my checklist of attractions to ensure I covered them, but I kept an open mind to abandon any sense of ‘itinerary’ to allow for the awesome, fortuitous happenings that really make travel. I’m sort of a glutton for unforeseen moments that can expand my perspective in even the slightest of ways or just make me laugh. Just walking down the street in Barcelona can stir an unexpected moment, ducking into a restaurant for a cava can lead to an ad hoc dinner with interesting ‘strangers,’ and meeting ex-pats and locals alike enriched my experience. I am garrulous and extroverted by nature so this wasn’t hard for me but I re-seized the power that all I had to do was just start chatting to find an entry into a conversation and the world opened up.

I absolutely adored my walk to my co-working space via Parc de Ciutadella from my apartment. As an art enthusiast who studied Spanish Art extensively, the Fundació Joan Miró reinstated my passion. Casa Vicens, Gaudí’s first private commission, had just reopened and I went twice because it was that remarkable. El Born was a favorite neighborhood and I loved all the little squares.

And how do I accurately convey the food? It’s simply unreal and you can’t imagine how much you can stretch a Euro for a memorable meal. I went to Anthony Bourdain’s beloved Quimet y Quimet and met the family who’s been carrying its legacy for decades. Jumping on a train is just something we don’t get to do so readily in the states. Refamiliarizing myself with the ease of Europe and how they make places and experiences so accessible is something I will mimic – to the best of my ability – until I get back Europe-side ;).”

What is your #1 piece of advice for someone who’s thinking about traveling longer term?

“This is doable and achievable for anyone who has any inkling to experience something for just one month and wants to be enveloped by culture. (I ended up staying longer, btw!) Save enough to invest in this experience and reap its immanent rewards. It really is simple, and I think we ALL need a reset or new perspective to evolve. If you need a change of scenery to revitalize your work, hold your nose and jump, do not preoccupy yourself with the details ;).”

Are you looking for a change of pace and want to experience new cities without the headache of planning? Behere makes moving to a new city for a month (or more!) seamless, learn how here. Find and book private apartments, workspaces and fitness studios around the world, plus connect with our local hosts. Check out our locations below!

Managing Travel and a Freelance Career, How She Does Both

Posted on by Josh

At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our community. We’re thrilled to feature some of their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new places a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories, and advice for someone thinking about traveling more.

Today’s community feature, Jen Pellerito, spent 6 weeks this summer traveling and living in Europe. Originally from Michigan, she loves to travel and has made it a priority. After spending a month in Lisbon, she’s already planning her next adventure. Read how she manages fulfilling her love of travel, plus full-time freelance career below.

You travel a lot, what do you do for work that allows you to?

“I’m a freelance copywriter, journalist and social media manager, and I also run a travel blog! I went full-time freelance about two years ago after realizing I could earn more than I was making in my 9 to 5 job. Freelancing is wonderfully liberating because I can manage my own workload, set my own hours, and work remotely. While there are drawbacks (having no employer contribution to my benefits), ultimately, the ability to maintain a well-balanced quality of life makes it worthwhile for me.”

How has living abroad affected your work?

“I strongly believe that changing up your normal routine and environment promotes creativity and inspiration. For someone in the creative field like me, I value having new surroundings every once in awhile to keep ideas fresh. When life looks the same day in and day out, it’s too easy for me to get “stuck in a rut.” Oddly enough, even working in a different time zone than some of my clients helps moderate anxiety and the constant pressure to always be ‘on’.”

travel and freelanceHow did Behere help you on your journey?

“Behere allowed me to find community while living abroad, which was a huge help while transitioning to a new city. I was able to start my month out in Lisbon having a friend in my city host, Paulina, who showed me around and answered all the questions I had. It made a big difference to have a network already built in a new city. Right away, I had places to go, people to hang out with, and I felt like I belonged.”

Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for someone who’s thinking about traveling long term?

“Do it! 

Bite the bullet and get out there. Long-term travel has now become my favorite — if not the only way — I ever want to travel again. When you’re short on time, there’s so much pressure to “fit it all in.” 

Seriously, FOMO is the worst! Long-term travel gives you the opportunity to catch a breath, sink into a culture and reflect on your own life at home through a different lens. I learned more about myself and the direction I wanted to take in my life by stepping back and gaining distance. Traveling for a longer period of time is one of the greatest gifts I have given myself.”

Connect with Jen on her blog: jenontherun.com, IG @jp_ontherun, Twitter @jp_ontherun or Pinterest jp_ontherun.

Are you feeling the need for adventure now? Learn more about how Behere can help make it a reality. Check out our locations below!

Words by Jen Pellerito and images by Emanuele Siracusa.

This is How to Convince your Boss To Let You Work Remotely

Posted on by Josh

Many of us would love to work remotely, but fear our bosses or employers won’t allow us to. Convincing them may seem like an uphill battle, so we’ve put together a list of benefits for both your boss and you, to make it a bit easier. Plus, we’ve also created a Letter for Your Boss for some ideas on how to start the conversation.

Here are some key benefits of remote work, to help you convince your boss to let you work remotely:

  1. Studies show that remote workers are 20% more productive

    • They also show that employees that work remotely are twice as likely to work 40+ hours a week on important tasks. This is because they appreciate the flexibility and want to show their dedication to the projects that really matter.

  2. Distributed employees mean big cost savings for companies

    • Office space is becoming more and more expensive, as are all the office supplies, lunches, equipment and events. What’s more, over 50% of professionals have left a company or considered leaving because their employer lacked flexibility.

  3.  Work flexibility equals more loyal employees

    • Higher loyalty means higher productivity, which ultimately leads to decreased turnover (and more savings for companies). Employees are appreciative to their employers for the flexibility thus, feel more aligned with their roles and the companies mission.

  4. Employees that work remotely are both healthier and happier

    • At a time when society is really highlighting and promoting heath, this is a key benefit for employers and employees. Healthier employees are also more productive employees. What’s more, studies have shown remote workers take less sick / personal days. On an average day, a one way commute is 30 mins, which is about the same time it takes people to run 2-3 miles – on a yearly basis, that’s thousands of extra miles run for you.

  5.  Remote workers feel inspired and refreshed by changing their environment

    • Being away from the office (and spending time in a new city), gives people a fresh perspectives, increases their creativity, provokes new ideas and leads to exciting new experiences. This ultimately gives employees a much needed kickstart for new projects, ideas or goals. Plus, it can create great networking opportunities.

  6. Better work-life integration

    • Working remotely gives employees time to accomplish tasks that otherwise get neglected, as well as gives them more time to spend time with loved ones, travel or enjoy hobbies. This also adds to employee moral, a more refreshed outlook and more dedicated, driven employees.

To ease your boss into the idea, we recommend suggesting to try remote working once a week and work up to a full month of remote work. This is especially effective after a super busy period at the office, as it enables you recharge out of the office, during a quieter period.

**If you’ve talked to your boss about the benefits, read the Letter to Your Boss and still are having no luck getting them to budge – check out our Resources page for websites to find remote work and helpful tips to get started freelancing.**

Once you’ve finalized remote work with your boss, we highly recommend you use the opportunity to travel. We started Behere in the top cities for remote workers, around the world, so you can work remotely, without headaches. Find out more about how Behere helps make it a seamless transition and book your next month abroad here.

This is How You Can Negotiate Flexible Work

Posted on by Josh

Want to transition to remote work but unsure where to start?

This is a common question in today’s workforce. Flexible work policies are on the rise, but most organizations are still lacking them. Majority of employees, want more flexibility at work and many will consider leaving a role if it lacks flexibility. 

To help make remote work a reality for you, we’ve outlined our steps to asking for flexible work, and shared our resources. With countless studies and research on remote work indicating it makes employees more productive, creative and loyal, we know the benefits are worth it.

So, we put together tools and resources to help you feel prepared and confident in discussing it with your boss. This is the future of work – we want to help you get there.

Follow our steps below and use our tools for a well-informed discussion with your organization, about the future of work.

1. Research your company’s remote work, telecommuting and flexible work policies

By doing a quick check, you will know if your company already has policies in place (sometimes they exist but are not being utilized). If these policies already exist, it will make your conversation a bit easier, but if not, these resources will help.

2. Find out if other companies in your industry have flexible work policies

If companies in your industry already have flexible work policies, it may be easier to convince your organization to implement them as well. Information is important when presenting a new idea, the more you have, the better prepared you will be!

3. Schedule a meeting with your boss to go over it

It is important not to just spring this on your boss over their morning coffee or lunch. You can start the conversation by giving them this letter and then schedule a meeting (not during lunch), to go over the information and research you have on flexibility.

4. Be prepared – bring research & stats on the benefits of flexible work for your employer

Bringing proven studies and data on the benefits of flexible work, for both employers and employees, will really help your case. We have compiled some stats and research in an easy to understand, highlights-driven tool. Get the resource for free here.

Some of the research highlights include:

  • 91% of respondents are more productive when working remotely
  • Remote workers are 20% more productive
  • 82% of telecommuters report lower stress and better mental health, in addition to healthier and happier
  • Flexible employees accomplish 30% more in less time
  • Working remotely saves your company $11,000 yearly per employee
  • Flexibility creates more loyal employees – 85% of millennials want flexible work
  • Saved commute time – a 30 minute commute results in 20 wasted hours a month

5. Research tools that will keep you connected to the team and give your boss confidence in you

We put together a resource for this as well. There’s a list of tools for flexible/remote workers that can be found here. (Try using some services/platforms that are common practice in your office already)

6. Outline what remote working will look like for you

Make sure to explain how you will handle working remotely, while excelling in your role. This might include how you will adapt hours to fit your company hours, regardless of the time zone you are in.

7. Highlight that you will have high-speed wifi at your new, inspiring workspace

Absolutely crucial to getting your employer on board, is showing them you will be capable of producing quality work, from wherever you are. Through utilizing a platform like Behere, you will be able to seamlessly transition from the first day in your new city. Additionally your new coworking space, (with tested high-speed wifi!) will help you tap into your creativity.

8. Finally, offer a trial run

Make it clear that you are asking for flexible work options, not trying to jump right into being a full-time remote employee. Suggest a flexible working month, giving your employer and yourself the chance to test it out, to ensure it is the right fit.

At Behere, we’re passionate about making it easier for women to live and work from where they want. Nailed that flexible job and ready to live in your dream city? Get started below!

How to Work Remotely: Our Tips for Remote Work

Posted on by Josh

[vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”no-padding” ipad_padding=”sm-no-padding” mobile_padding=”xs-no-padding”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Interested in remote work? Or new to working remotely and wondering how to thrive at it? Here’s our tips for remote work and how to find balance, and inspiration to excel at it.

1. Create a morning routine.

Remote work comes with so many amazing benefits, but the new found freedom still means you need to set your own guidelines and be productive. Establishing a routine allows you to set a schedule, start your day and transition, so you don’t just wakeup and throw open your laptop. Without the commute, transitioning into work through a routine, whether it be exercising, making breakfast or going for a walk, will increase your productivity and focus.

2. Relocate to a city you love.

Ok, you make think we’re biased here but… when you have the ability to work remotely it makes it possible to live in a new city or place you love. Remote work opens the door for you to live anywhere in the world, if you want to. So if you’ve always had the nagging feeling of wanting to be adventurous and explore more, then use the flexibility of remote work to move to your dream destination (at least for a little while). With Behere, you can try living in a new city, for as little as a month, without the hassles of getting set up. As a remote worker, the world is your office, so go enjoy!

3. Be active throughout your workday.

We’ve established that remote work means you have the ability to set your own schedule. This might mean you’re working from home, a workspace or a cafe. Wherever you’re working from, use your flexibility to move more. Take a break to go for a walk around the block, stretch or do a 5 minute workout. If you’re on a call, move around the space, or schedule your meetings to be walking meetings so that you get a chance to move. In order to be your most productive self, you’ve got to regularly move.

4. Start with your toughest ‘stuff’.

tips for remote workEven though you’re no longer working from a cubicle or office, you still need to prioritize. To-do lists are everything, make one weekly, prioritize and break them down into daily chunks. Then start with your most challenging takes, as you’ll be feeling your freshest. Once you complete those, you will feel accomplished and then can dedicate your remaining brain power to the less challenging ones.

5. Focus on your professional development.

Working remotely doesn’t mean you can’t continue to grow in your career, it just means to have to prioritize it. It’s up to you to make sure you’re attending events and conferences, learning new skills, and growing your network. If you’re traveling, attending events at your workspace, or via Meetup is a great way to learn from a new international crowd. Connecting virtually on LinkedIn and staying involved in groups in your industry can all help you grow.

6. Collaborate with coworkers virtually.

With new technology and plenty of online resources, like these tools, it’s easier than ever to stay connected. Utilize tools like Slack, Google Docs and more, to stay connected to your team and collaborate on projects. Many tools now enable you to assign tasks to others, and monitor projects, so even a virtual team can stay up to date.

7. Don’t forget to take breaks.

It’s easy to get caught up in a task and before you know it, four hours has gone by and you’re still stuck on something. Take a break. Not only is it good for your eyes and body to step away from the screen but it’s also good for your brain and productivity to step back. It can also help prevent burnout, and give you a chance to get some new perspective or refocus.

8. Choose a space and time to work

tips for remote workLast, but definitely not least, you have to designate time and space for work, and for life. Especially if you’re working from home, it’s important to have a routine, select a space in your home to work from, and establish a nighttime routine to transition out of work. Ideally though, work from a workspace, rather than home, to establish a set work space, and connect with others. Also important to note is, everyone has different hours at which they feel productive – one of the many benefits of remote work is being able to hone in on this. For some they’re more productive early, others late in the day or night. So find your most productive hours, and space, and get to work!

Now go use these strategies to help you thrive as a remote worker! Remember, remote work has many benefits so don’t forget to enjoy them – while being a healthy, productive and efficient worker. And if you’re ready for #2, relocating to a new city, then check out our locations, choose a new place to call home and be your most productive self yet![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”no-padding” ipad_padding=”sm-no-padding” mobile_padding=”xs-no-padding”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Want a Flexible Job? These are the Fastest Growing Remote Roles

Posted on by Josh

One of the most common questions we get asked at Behere is, “How do I find a flexible job that allows me to work from anywhere, so I can start living how I want?”

Well, we have good news for all you flexible job seeking ladies looking to land your dream gig! Our partners at Flexjobs recently analyzed tens of thousands of job listings in their database to determine the top ten job categories where job postings have increased by more than 20% in the last year. With such an increase in the flexible job market, it’s an exciting time to pursue opportunities in these fields. So brush up those resumes, tweak those Linkedin profiles and get applying! Read on to see the top 10 Flexible Job Categories.

 

10 Fastest-Growing Flexible Job Categories

 

1. Editing

Sharpen your metaphorical pencils and get those creative juices flowing, editing is a super hot and growing industry to be a part of. From copywriting, to copy editor to online editors, there’s lots of opportunity to refine, refine, refine and spread some beautiful words.

  • Start looking for editing jobs: here

 

2. Writing

Have a love for language and sharing your thoughts, opinions and passions with the world? Try becoming a writer. With a range of job titles from freelance writer to niches such as resume writer, you’re sure to find a writing gig that fits for you.

  • Start looking for writing jobs: here

 

3. Data Entry

Might not have the most glamorous title but when it comes to plugging in those numbers it most often can be done from anywhere (like a cute cafe in Barcelona with Behere). If you don’t mind numbers, or data, or you’ve got a quantitative brain this job category might be where to start looking for your remote role. Bookkeeper, data entry clerk, and quantitative market researcher are some of the most common titles you can pick up in this category.

  • Start looking for data entry jobs: here

 

4. Advertising & PR

Might not seem like the most flexible of jobs but with the help of technology, roles in advertising and PR are becoming more and more flexible. If you’re already an account executive, representative or manager this might be the time to make a switch into something that better fits your lifestyle.

  • Start looking for advertising and PR jobs: here

 

5. Event Planning

Yes, even event planning has flexibility! Much of the managing, coordinating and organizing of events can be done through the internet and phone calls, leaving you flexible to work from where you please. If you’ve got a knack for organizing and are the ‘planner’ of your friends, this career shift might be sounding pretty good right now. Roles like event planner, coordinator and assistant are some of the most popular.

  • Start looking for event planning jobs: here

 

6. News & Journalism

This is a huge and growing, but rather competitive category. Producers, editors, writers alike all fit into it and have the ability to be flexible. News happens everywhere and sometimes writing about it from a new city, might lead to new and fresh finds.

  • Start looking for news & journalism jobs: here

 

7. Internet & Ecommerce

Technology has created so many new roles and industries and is of course always growing. From digital strategists to social media coordinators, managers and more, the internet and e-commerce roles are aplenty. Happy searching!

  • Start looking for internet & e-commerce jobs: here

 

8. Account Management

If you’ve held roles along the lines of Account Manager, Executive or even Sales Representative, then there’s a good chance you’ll be a great candidate for a remote role in this category. Peruse the list below!

  • Start looking for account management jobs: here

 

9. Computer & IT

“Have laptop, will work from anywhere,” may be the dream for many but if you work in IT or tech, it can also be a reality. Roles like system engineer, business analyst and IT project manager top the list of common job titles. So go use your awesome technology to land your dream remote role.

  • Start looking for computer & IT jobs: here

 

10. Accounting & Finance

If crunching numbers is your thing and you’ve got some experience doing it, pursuing a flexible role in accounting and finance won’t be too challenging. Roles like Accountants and Bookkeepers have the opportunity to be fully remote. Check out some of the companies hiring for them below.

  • Start looking for accounting & finance jobs: here


Good luck and happy flexible job searching!

Original list posted on Flexjobs.com.

Landed a flexible job and ready to live where you want? Get started with Behere.

This Author Sold Her House to Travel for a Year

Posted on by Josh
At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our community. We’re thrilled to feature some of their stories and share how they’ve made traveling while working possible. From unconventional roles, to starting businesses abroad, these women have made exploring new places a priority. They share their biggest learnings, favorite memories, and advice for someone thinking about living in a new city for a month.
Today’s Behere community feature, Marilyn Sadler, is an author who sold her house to travel for a year. Originally from Ohio, Marilyn recently sold her home and belongings to embark on a year abroad. She used Behere to book several months in Chiang Mai, Thailand and Bali, Indonesia. There, she’s focusing on writing, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and connecting with the community. Read more about her below.

You’re an author, but that’s not all. Tell us more about what you do.

I’m a writer and author of children’s books! As well, I’m the creator of a number of children’s television programs, including 2 shows for the Disney Channel. My profession has afforded me the luxury of being able to work from anywhere in the world, and I love it!
For my year abroad, I also recently created a travel and food website. There, I document the sites and sounds of the countries I visit, as well as the pleasures, and challenges, of being a raw vegan in some of the world’s diverse cultures. I would love to awaken others, in a gentler way, to the health benefits of eating vegan, not only for us humans, but for the planet at large. I don’t believe one has to preach one’s beliefs to change the world, but rather to live one’s life as an example.

Sold Her House to Travel for a YearSo far, what has your typical day looked like while traveling?

When I decided to commit to a year abroad, I sold my home and put my possessions in storage so I could travel the world without a care in the world.
As a result, I greet every day with this incredible feeling of freedom and lightheartedness. Some days I sleep late, other days I rise with the sun. Being a raw vegan always in search of food, Chiang Mai has been paradise for me. The quality, variety and abundance of fresh fruit is astounding, and the beautiful apartment I booked on Behere is located close to a fabulous grocery store. It’s been a very healing place for me, spiritually and emotionally.
I have access to yoga studios, parks and massage studios on every corner and I indulge in at least one of these luxuries every day. I also love that I can be as social as I choose thanks to Behere’s an amazing network of local hosts who provide a bevy of stimulating, cultural and fun activities in which to participate. Heck, they’ve even helped me find new friends!
In between all these daily choices (which can easily fill up your day), I work. The workspace I booked on Behere has provided a comfy place to soak up the energy of other hard working travelers. I find I get much more done in these work environments, away from my refrigerator.

What is your biggest take away/ learning while abroad?

When I left home to travel I had so many friends and family members tell me I was brave and that they couldn’t do what I was doing. Then they would follow up with “be careful” and “be safe”. What was so interesting was they were mostly men!
It never once occurred to me that I wouldn’t be safe. Nor did I think I was particularly brave. I was just following a desire so strong I’d had no choice but to act on it. And I’ve never looked back.
I’m learning that traveling alone is not so scary. As long as you have the internet, you can sit comfortably anywhere in the world and find everything you need while drinking a smoothie. Things work out when you relax, take a deep breath and smile at everyone – not in an insane looking way – but in a warm, friendly and inviting way. You’ll attract the right people into your space to help you, comfort you or find you some pineapple on a stick.

How has Behere helped in your journey?

Before I arrived in Chiang Mai, I spent a month in Japan, which I navigated on my own; booking flights, finding rooms and figuring out the many details you need to know when stepping foot in a foreign land. By the time I arrived in Thailand, I was a tad tired.
By using Behere, I had a beautiful apartment, with an amazing host who has helped me in every way you can imagine – from facilitating the renewal of my Thailand visa, to introducing me to a social network of people, activities and events, not to mention restaurants, juice bars and transportation options throughout the city. It’s been great to have support and someone there to help, no matter what I need or how soon.

We love hearing highlights from our communities adventures, what was one of yours?

It’s difficult to pick one memory, but I do have one favorite repeating memory. Every morning I wake up in what feels like a dream-come-true. I’m happy. I’m in control of my life. And I have the whole day ahead of me to follow my heart’s moment-to-moment desires. Then I stretch my arms up over my head and realize I’m smiling.

How has living in a new place affected your work?

Traveling alone has given me the time to turn inward and be what some might call selfish. To me it’s something we all have access to and it’s a good thing. We are in this physical world to express our creativity (in whatever form that takes) and to share our authentic selves and our inner beauty.
Having the freedom to be alone and tap into deeper parts of myself has been a tremendous boost to my creativity. I left home having lost my desire to work. Sitting down to write had become an excruciating chore. Shortly after arriving in Chiang Mai, ideas for stories began to pop into my head, leading me down that old, familiar road to the land of make-believe.

Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for someone who’s thinking about living in a new city for a month?

If your desire is strong enough, like mine, you will act on yours too. At that point, keep your mind focused on moving forward. Don’t think about what you’re leaving behind. You can always return to whatever that was. I guarantee you won’t want to though.
Also, I didn’t make my decision overnight. I made it slowly over time, until the next thing I knew I was on the phone with a realtor. Six months later, here I am, in Chiang Mai.

Connect with Marilyn online at marilynsadler.net on Facebook and on Instagram. You can check out her travel and food blog here, and on Instagram and Facebook.

Are you now feeling the need for adventure? Learn more about how booking with Behere can help make it your reality, and connect you with spaces and people to make it your best month yet. Check out our locations!
Images and words courtesy of Marilyn Sadler.

The Workplace is Changing, Prepare For The Future of Work

Posted on by Josh

Behere founders Thomas Maher and Meesen Brown are helping companies prepare for the future of work.  Learn more about Behere, how they’re shaping the future of work, and helping meet the needs of the next generation workforce.

 

The workplace is shifting from the typical 9-5

The modern workplace is shifting away from the typical, corporate, 9-5 office and young workers are demanding flexibility. This leaves many companies wondering how the changes will affect them. As millennials become the largest group in the workforce, they embrace technology and the benefits of remote work, including commuting less and having better work-life balance (really work-life integration). The archaic idea that everyone must be in the same office to get work done is on its way out, and more companies are realizing that benefits lie in retaining and attracting top talent, and stimulating employees in more productive and creative environments than their offices.

Flexibility is a top work perk for millennials

Work-life balance and flexibility are the most important work perks that millennial job-seekers are pursuing in today’s market. Most workers have even stated they would rather have flexibility than a raise. While some companies try to answer with the offer of unlimited vacation days, research shows that millennials aren’t taking them all, due to guilt or desire to demonstrate total commitment to their job. Workers are adamant that employers need to go beyond perks like unlimited vacation days, and the younger generations, with prevalent entrepreneurial spirits, are demanding more.

Work-life integration is the new norm

prepare for the future of work

If the benefits of flexibility, like increased productivity and a larger labor pool, are clear, why are so many companies hesitant to jump on board? The work day rarely ends at 5pm, so most employees are expected to be connected and flexible. With constant connectivity through email and social on mobile devices, organizations want employees to check-in, even when outside of the office. Companies should be promoting this flexibility to employees and future hires as a perk, not an inconvenience, by making that added effort worth their time. Most executive teams understand this requires some give and take on both sides, and creating incentive and benefit programs that go to the next level will most certainly pay off.

Industry leaders are showing us how to prepare for the future of work

While some companies are behind the curve in offering flexible programs, others are looking to facilitate the movement. Most recently, Airbnb and WeWork have teamed up to offer shared work spaces for travellers. Details have yet to be announced by the partnership, but it seems travellers who have booked accommodation through Airbnb for travel, can also book a desk or conference room through the shared workspace company WeWork. Now valued at $20 billion, WeWork is the perfect example of how the industry is developing and accommodating remote work.

These companies are at the forefront of flexible policies

Netflix

Companies, like Netflix, are focusing on achievements rather than keeping employees at their desks. Those that hire telecommuters often grow much faster, as they have the option to hire outside the local labor pool. Companies ready to embrace the change and add perks for their employees are also creating partnerships with companies like Behere. These partnerships allow employees to gain experiences and inspiration while traveling which they can bring back to their company. It’s not just sending your employees on vacation; it’s boosting productivity and creativity, and provides a reset that decreases burn-outs. Providing these perks increases company engagement as employees feel appreciation of their organization, reduces overhead and encourages professional development and collaboration.

Dell

Currently, at Dell, 25% of the workforce have a flexible schedule and can regularly work from a remote location. By 2020 Steve Price, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, hopes to make that 50%. Embracing flexibility has payed off for Dell, with $21 million in savings since 2013 in real estate costs, and 93% of employees stating that flexibility helps them to be successful.  

PepsiCo

PepsiCo started their ‘One Simple Thing’ initiative to encourage employees to build flexibility around whatever they’re passionate about. Pepsi Co Australia & New Zealand CEO, Robert Rietbroek stated the benefits flexible work has had for them. “We are able to tap into broader talent pools, where people are seeking flexibility, as well as enjoy the retention of critical and diverse talent, which we see as a competitive advantage,” he continued. “When it comes to the bottom line, we know it works because we’ve seen sustained business results.”

To stay competitive, flexibility is a necessity  

Demonstrating just how necessary updated workplace practices are becoming in the workforce, Melanie Collins, Global Head of People Partners at Dropbox reiterated the sentiment: “Flexibility is increasingly more important in the value proposition for recruiting…It’s what folks are looking for, and what we need to do to be more competitive”. Collins also stated the benefits are more than monetary, “We’ve found when employees are given flexibility, they are more highly engaged”.

‘Fun and trendy’ workplace perks aren’t enough 

Companies are also trying to move away from attempting to look “fun” and “cool” as they reevaluate their hiring strategies. Recruiters realize that an extra foosball table isn’t going to attract top talent. Real benefits like understanding work-life balance are at the forefront of workplace development. “Flexibility will become the norm for employers who want to win the war on talent,” Joanna Barsh, director emerita for McKinsey & Company tells Fast Company.

Flexibility creates better opportunities for equality   

Not to be overlooked, flexible work programs also have an impact on equality. Through flexible work opportunities, women, or other commonly prejudiced demographics, can choose the role, company, and lifestyle that matches their goals, regardless of age, geographic location, or familial status. Employers that implement flexible work policies and invest in women will see the benefits through their employees and businesses. 

Adapting to the changing workforce can be daunting for employers, but it should be considered part of their strategy going forward. In the early stages, companies need to train remote workers, measure success, and establish tools of communication. Taking flexibility programs to the next level to remain competitive and attract talent is the key to success in a market that is quickly developing and cultivating the next generation of the workspace.

Ready to dive into flexible working while living in a new city? Get started with Behere below!

Written By Katie Tatham; freelance writer, content creator, traveller and breakfast lover.

Cover photo by: Sam

How Remote Work Helps Shatter the Glass Ceiling

Posted on by Josh

Why working for a distributed company can increase your opportunities for professional advancement – especially for women.

“Only 35% of women working in traditional office environments reported a promotion in the last year, while 57% of women working remotely reported the same.” – Ultimate Software’s 2019 State of Remote Work report

We asked Laurel, the COO of Yonder, to share her thoughts on remote work and female professionals.

Not surprisingly, remote work is on the rise throughout the world. Choosing where you roll up your sleeves for the day includes a lot of perks, like arriving to the “office” in your jammies, clocking in as early or as late as you want, or logging in from a cafe. Yes, it can be just as relaxing and indulgent as you imagine it to be. But, it’s not just valuable for your ability to get your beauty rest. It can be equally as valuable for you to give your career the professional boost that you’ve been working so hard for.

Distributed companies are often based on a ROWE management strategy. This means leadership doesn’t care when or where you do your work, they care about your results. This doesn’t mean your boss will be insensitive (actually, most virtual companies have even better culture and relationships than co-located teams!). It does mean the barriers that have been supporting the glass ceiling are being hammered down. This is because the factors that contribute to discrimination are removed from your work environment.

Sound too good to be true? Here is a breakdown of how that ceiling becomes just a sky when your team is geographically dispersed:

Everyone wants flexibility, not just you.


Unwilling to relocate? Family responsibilities at home? Time off needed for hobbies? These aren’t sacrifices any more. They are standards. Almost everyone with a remote job is seeking a better work-life balance. Not only is it acceptable to take breaks, it’s celebrated. Trust me, no one will care when you tell your team you’re headed to the dentist at 2:00 pm, except to wish you luck.

Interaction is equal.


Didn’t get invited to lunch with the boss, or to the golf course with that big client? Good news: no one else did either. When you’re limited to virtual interaction, the playing field is levelled in terms of gender, race, religion, orientation, and physical limitations. You are just as capable of sending an email to that big fish as anyone else on your team, so go for it.

Evaluation is based on results, not time.


Managers have developed a reputation for being “head counters” because, in their mind, productivity means seeing heads in the cubicles around them. In reality, those heads might be focused on solitaire and Facebook. The future of work doesn’t include this loophole. We treat adults as responsible and self-disciplined individuals, so how many hours you spend in your chair is up to you. (Spoiler alert: It’s still usually around 40 per week.) Remote workers are able to work at their own pace and on their own schedule, as long as they meet their deadlines.

Salaries are based on industry averages.


Throw your salary discrimination complaints right out the window. In remote work, compensation is usually based on national averages. This is because Company A doesn’t want to change the compensation of Employee M based on the cost of living in the 10 countries they’ll be in that year. So the average is calculated, and… done. It’s as simple as that.

We often hear about the technological, economic, and sociological benefits of the future of work. We rarely hear about the impact on equality. What an incredible result to overlook! Women, or any other commonly prejudiced demographic, can now be empowered to choose the role, the company, and the lifestyle that matches their goals. This is regardless of their age, geographic location, or familial status. As long as you have (and are willing to develop) the skills it takes to be a great remote worker, you can have the freedom to excel in any professional role. And I hope that you do!

If you’re interested in transitioning to remote work, but have unique concerns or questions, visit Yonder. With resources  including a podcast, articles, even one-on-one mentoring – they educate and support as you navigate into the future of work.

About the Author: Laurel Farrer works remotely from her new home in rural Connecticut so that she can balance her passion for business operations and event planning with her life of traveling, home improvement, and snuggling with her husband and two kids.

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