How to Work Remotely: Our Tips for Remote Work

[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

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.

More Women Are Working Remotely – Here's Why Flexibility is the Future

In today’s evolving workplace, employees are looking for positions that go beyond the typical corporate office. They want roles that cater to their desire for flexibility. As demographics change in the markets, the desires and demands of workers are developing, and many employers are taking note.

In a study by Harvard Business Review, American workers ranked flexibility as a close second to health benefits, demonstrating how the typical 9-5 is on its way out. As it should be. Employees who work from home are 87% more likely to “love” their job, found a study by Leadership IQ. While companies like Yahoo have very publicly abandoned remote work, it is still on the rise in the US.

As millennials become the largest group in the workforce, the desire for work-life balance is forcing companies to reevaluate practices.

Millennials are demanding more flexibility in their work and more than half of all professionals have left a job, or considered leaving, because it lacked flexibility. Companies must embrace the challenge of maintaining company culture and productivity, while retaining talent and recreating the corporate structure. More companies are adapting to these demands, as happy, healthy employees with lower stress levels are considerably more productive. Young people are redefining the way we work. They’re doing this through a desire to establish work-life balance, create experiences, and advance their careers.

The rise of the digital workforce is a main factor in the shift away from the office job.

The job market is no longer local, and the hiring pool can be global thanks to technology. Since we have the ability to work from anywhere, the need for traditional office space decreases. With 50% of the workforce projected to be Millennials by 2020, the younger generation is ready for this change and embracing new environments that are outside of the comfort zones of most Boomers. Millennials are also more interested in an entrepreneurial career path, with 67% of students looking to start their own business, rather than the 13% planning on working their way up to a CEO position.

These rapid, substantial changes have many advantages but one demographic that predominantly benefits? Women.

Women looking for positions that allow for family time, travel and flexibility, in particular. Romy Newman, founder of Fairygodboss, an online resource for women in the workplace, told us, “For female jobseekers, work-life balance is paramount. Companies that understand that women have families and create boundaries for family time and commitments are highly prized”.

The key to finding these companies and positions? Companies that are run by and hire women. “Women should look for the presence of other women in the organization. Knowing women achieve leadership roles and remain engaged with the organization is a sign of a women-friendly organization,” Newman explains.

With a swiftly changing job market, how do women fit in?

While technology brings many benefits, automation can be a double edged sword. On one side, it provides efficiency and mobility, but it can also result in a loss of jobs. Office and administration positions are the most likely threatened by automation, and are also predominantly held by women. With a loss in jobs, the fear is that the gender gap could widen, especially in industries like tech.

Currently, many women are not being offered the flexibility to pursue their career while raising a family. A Pew Research Center study found that 51% found it more difficult to advance their careers while being a mom, while only 16% of men agreed. In the same study, 42% of mothers cut back on work hours for family, but only 28% of fathers did.

Even so, these stats shouldn’t instil fear for the future of work. Instead, they create opportunity for women to gain skills and seek leadership positions. While companies need to embrace flexibility and allow all employees to make time for family. 

Entrepreneurship and remote work offer a clear spot for women in the workplace.

The US workforce is projected to be 40% entrepreneurs by 2020, and women can carve themselves into that number according to a 2016 BNP Paribas Global Entrepreneur Report. Of the female entrepreneurs who took part, 90% expected to see an increase in profits within a year. Further, they reported higher revenue than their male colleagues.

Being able to take your job across the globe or create your own schedule, allows women to continue to pursue their work rather than being among the 56% that leave mid-career. As more women embrace a remote or flexible career and lifestyle, the community of women in the workforce grows, develops and flourishes.

This is very evident through co-working spaces that are being designed specifically for women, like the many we highlighted here. They are more than just an office, offering women a safe, trusted place to work with perks that are more aligned to them than the average male-dominated work spaces. Amenities such as on-site gyms, daycare, blow-out bars, dry cleaning drop-off and meal delivery are among the offerings. Female-only spaces that inspire and thrive on collaboration create a sense of community that many miss when working remotely. They also fosters mentorships that nearly half of female entrepreneurs feel they are missing.

The work place is changing. As the number of women who work remotely rises, the future of women in the workplace looks promising.

As Millennials begin to dominate the market, the demand for change is increasing – women are at the forefront.

 

Employers who embrace flexibility and invest in women will see the benefits through their employees and their businesses. There may be challenges with tech, culture and communication to address, but it won’t prevent change from continuing to propel forward. Technology isn’t slowing down, and neither are the women who are shaping the future of the workplace.


Written by Katie Tatham (@kltatham) Vancouver based adventurer and writer.

This Author Sold Her House to Travel for a Year

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

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

I'm Traveling the World and I Didn't Quit My Job

Guest post by Kelsey Dixon
The young professionals of today are writing the history of its generation in the workforce. Our generation is driving change and innovation in our world and it’s different than what the generations before us experienced. So why would the workforce stay the same? We want to live in the NOW and we refuse to only work for retirement.
With the world at our keyboards, our access is limitless. We are more connected than ever. Why not use this as a foundation for a career? For a lifestyle? Work can be a passion and a blend into your personal hopes and dreams. It can be an enabler rather than a detractor.

Curious about how I do what I do?

You may share in my curiosity to seek what is different—what is uniquely your own—and you’re not alone. There are thousands of people, heavily millennials, who are building something from scratch in order for their work to fit their desired lifestyle, not the contrast. It’s not a new concept. But the world is starting to notice, and starting to evolve to fit this lifestyle. Hence why companies like Behere exist, to make living in a new place easier.
I'm Traveling the World and Didn't Quit My Job
There’s enough room and opportunity for anyone to pursue it. Existing roles are being reinvigorated through the perception of a new lens, giving them boundless possibilities of execution. Companies and cultures are shifting to realize that hustle can happen outside of the cubicle and progress can thrive regardless of physical location. On top of this, there are jobs created daily that require no physical space, just skills and a laptop. Even beyond that, we’ve never had better access to the tools that can help us create our own jobs, income and revenue streams—out of thin air.

But how exactly do we do that…

Perhaps the scariest part about this is the fact that no one before us has laid out a successful path for it. We get to pave our own trail, and navigate the speed bumps along the way. This isn’t smooth sailing, this is a caught-in-the-windstorm and batten down the hatches sort of sail. But the cool part is, the views are pretty astounding (literally and figuratively).

This is how it started for me

In September of 2017, I left the comforts of my waterfront Seattle apartment to pursue a dream: live and work abroad. I had heard of the stories about the people who quit their corporate jobs to go live on an island and work behind an ice cream stand. I had seen that this was possible, but I still had to do this radical thing with less-than-specific guidance because I was doing it differently: as an entrepreneur, with clients, with a team, with a co-founder. 99% of my job was through my computer anyway, so in theory, this would work right?
I’ve taken my work abroad, from a van trapezeing around the north and south islands of New Zealand for a month. And I got to see Auckland, Wellington, Tauranga, Mt. Cook National Park, Fjord National Park and more.

The South American leg of my journey

While traveling and working in South America, I was the most productive I had ever been, inspired by my environment and the space I worked in. All this instead of feeling the grind of rush hour traffic and inside the sphere of the same four walls every day. My video conferences were super productive because I took advantage of the scheduled time I had with anyone at any given time. No longer were the days of luxury where I could tap my partner on the shoulder and ask a quick question. Instead, I relied heavily on platforms like, Asana, G-chat, Slack, FaceTime, Zoom, Skype or GoogleDocs. We found out by accident (through calling to try and cancel our American cell plan) that our T-Mobile plan allows us unlimited texting and data in more than 210 countries at no additional fees—most of South America included.
The craziest part was the 60-hour round trip drive to Patagonia, and then visiting Patagonia, without taking a single day off work. I’m fortunate here that I have a hubby that loves to drive. I worked a 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. day because that was 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seattle hours. So, in the mornings we hustled the drive, day by day. And we’d find a friendly place to stay (with fast WiFi, always a requirement). I’d finish my day while my husband took care of all our meals, errands and planning next steps (he was also lightly working on a startup of his own). With GoogleDocs’ offline feature, I was even able to knock out a lot of writing while literally surviving the treacherous roads in the middle-of-nowhere Argentina. But I did it. I maintained my high-production workload while seeing El Chalten, hiking the Tres Lagos, exploring Torres del Paine and enjoying coffee in Puerto Natales. Not your normal after-hours activity.

How you can make it possible

My point (and hope) in sharing my story is to show it’s possible. It may sound crazy, but it can be your reality. By working while traveling, I was able to fund our travels so that we could stay longer. And by traveling while working, I brought a fresh, global perspective to our team. By leaving the day-to-day in the office, it also left more responsibility to my team, which equated to massive jump in growth and a slashing of comfort zones. I became a production house for the backend of our business, elevating it to challenge our growth projections even over a successful year prior. And I sat in a hammock rather than at a desk (it wasn’t always that glamorous, but still worth it!).
Again, this is why companies like Behere exist. Because by booking with Behere you have your housing, workspace, fitness studio, plus an international community, all while abroad. This is essential in the world we live in today, where living more flexibly is not only possible, but beneficial in so many capacities. We all have dreams to live a life we wish we had—attach it to an action and a timeline? There will be no better time, so why not now?
And why not you?

Want to travel and live around the world? Here are your next steps.


I shared my story about taking my business abroad. Now, this is how I did it…

  1. Find your work.

    There may be an opportunity to do your current job remote. The 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris has a lot of helpful tips in asking for it. Otherwise, you’ll need to find it or create it. In finding it, utilize resources, sites and communities that offer remote job opportunities. Have a skill? You could freelance, if you’ve got a little cash saved up that could get you by either before getting work or down the road for a cushion. Or, build it. That’s what I did.

  2. Pick your place.

    I recommend somewhere that’s less expensive than where you live now. Behere has some great locations to choose from, so that’s a great place to start. That way, you can give yourself some grace to get set up in your work, and you may even save more money that way (we were able to save a lot more in Chile than what we were saving in the U.S.). Don’t forget to think about timezones. For me, it mattered that I was able to work during Seattle business hours, so South America was appealing for that reason.

  3. Downsize, downsize, downsize.

    Sell the things you don’t need on eBay or Craigslist. It’s all replaceable. By having less, you’ll be more mobile and flexible. Bring less clothes, you won’t need them all or you can buy them there (we usually all wear the same core things anyway!).

  4. Get set up.

    This seems daunting, but it’s really not too bad once you get into it. This means rerouting your mail to a permanent address if you’re moving out (we chose my mom’s home. Thanks, mom!). Book at least your first week or use a platform like Behere to book everything a month before you arrive. Notify your credit cards (and make sure you don’t have foreign transaction fees). Set aside savings for back up. Adjust your cell plane (T-Mobile’s One Plan provides data/texting in over 210 countries! I highly recommend looking into this option).

  5. Buy the things.

    I’m a proponent for downsizing, but there will be some things I’d suggest purchasing to make downsizing easier. For example, clothes that can work for various scenarios. This is largely dependent on where you’re going. Get quality, easy luggage, backpacks and bags to protect your tech as well as portable chargers. 

  6. Pick a date.

    This might be the most important part of this list. Pick the date and then make the list so you can work backwards toward your goal! Even if you’re not sure if it’ll be possible, if you pencil in the date, the urgency suddenly exists and you can say it out loud and make it real.

  7. GO.

    Plan the basics I’ve mentioned here but don’t overly plan and overthink it. Just do it. You CAN. It won’t be perfect, but you’ll figure it out along the way! Enjoy it. Relish in the uncertainty. Know you’re living your dream and most people don’t have the courage to even do that. You’ll figure out the rest, and your experience will be invaluable.


Guest Post by: Kelsey Dixon

Kelsey Dixon is the “Dixon” of the female millennial duo who founded davies + dixon, a digital marketing firm that creates daring ideas to get stories told. Kelsey currently remotely manages her team and clients as she adventures. Follow Kelsey’s journey on Instagram at @kelseystartingroute.

Images and words courtesy of Kelsey Dixon.

11 Inspiring Women Share Stories of Chasing Their Dreams

We’ve been delighted to hear so many inspiring ladies stories of chasing after their dreams, finding a way to make a more flexible lifestyle work for them, and stopping at nothing to create a life they adore.

We’ve featured some of these inspiring women on our Instagram and Facebook and are sharing more of their stories here. Full of passion, they’re sure to inspire and encourage you. They might even ignite the fire in you to pursue your crazy big dreams. Because life’s too short and we only have one brilliant chance at building a life we love.

Ami Lee’s story about taking a huge risk then falling in love with her life again.

inspiring women

“Last year I quit my job, packed a bag, and jumped on a plane. People told me I was crazy, that I was ruining my life, that I should be scared. But I didn’t care. I felt suffocated and stuck, so I left. And I met the best damn people on this Earth. I ate street food that fed my very soul and experienced profoundly spiritual moments in ancient, holy places. My heart cracked wide open and fell head over heels in love with life again. I don’t know how I found the courage to get on that plane, but I’m so glad I did. My only regret is not doing it sooner.” – Ami Lee ( @_ami_lee_ )⠀

Grace Kim’s story on being open to taking risks and enjoying life.

inspiring women

“Leaving my job this past March was the hardest and easiest thing to do. The hardest because I’d never done anything that ‘risky’ before. The easiest because I chose myself. Every day, I make my schedule, decide who I see, what I do, how I move, and where I work. There’s nothing more satisfying to my soul.” – Grace Kim @gracejyk

Veronica Stoddart, former travel editor-in-chief of @usatoday, on the importance of travel.

inspiring women

“I consider travel a force for good in the world. I started consulting in early 2015 after a long career with major media companies and absolutely love the flexibility and empowerment of being my own boss and master of my domain.  Although I’ve had to learn to manage the ebb and flow of working with clients, it’s been life-changing to be able to decide the kind of work I want to do. Plus, I can work from anywhere, which is a real advantage since I’m on the road so much. Have laptop will travel!” – Veronica Stoddart, @vjstoddart 

Viktoria Urbanek and the benefits of remote work for her.

inspiring women

“I’ve worked remotely for the past four years, many times just from my desk at home but also on trains, planes, ferries, and pretty much anywhere. It’s not easy, but the freedom that comes with it is what defines me. Traveling and diving are so much easier when working remotely – I wouldn’t want to change a thing. Proud to be a female entrepreneur!” – Viktoria Urbanek @wanderlustcom 

Brianna Valleskey explaining how freelancing has helped her become her happiest self.

inspiring women

“I’m not built for office life. I get extremely antsy when trying to sit still for eight hours a day, and that feeling of being trapped at a desk always made me less productive. But freelancing has freed me to follow my wandering spirit. I now have the pleasure of working with clients across the globe how, where and when I want. My boyfriend and I love to travel, and I couldn’t be happier that I finally have the finances and flexibility to do so.” – @bri_valleskey ⠀

Emily Pelland’s story on her fear of the ordinary inspiring and motivating her.

inspiring female quotes

“My greatest fear is the fear of an ordinary life. It’s the fear of not actually living, of my life being cut short but having never actually painted the colors my mind is full of. The fear of not having stories to tell and the fear of lying in my death bed, and not having used the gift of life wisely. I fear being defined by one career or by one place. People always tell you to face your fears, but I have a hard time believing that this is a fear I should set aside. This is the fear that motivates me and I hope it’s here to stay.” – Emily Pelland, @hikingwithheels 

Jacqueline Jensen sharing how remote work has really helped her.

inspiring women

“Working remotely allows me to live a rich life where I can optimize my environment and my day in a way that works best for me. I find I’m more productive, creative, and passionate working remotely compared to times when I have been in an office each day. I’m excited to see how the future of work evolves to give more women the option to be able to work remotely, too!” – @JackieMJensen

Bethany’s story about facing her fears to pursue a life she had been dreaming about.

inspiring women

“A year ago, I booked my one-way ticket, quit my job, sold my car and have not looked back since! Travel has been a massive journey of self discovery for me. I’ve definitely had to work through some big fears and challenges along the way. Travel not only changes your physical reality but it also changes you as a person. I know I’ve had to let go of many beliefs that I held about people and the world in general to make room for what I was now coming to know through real experience. Beliefs about other parts of the world, different cultures, lifestyles, and religions. When you travel it changes the way you see everything and you start to see and experience life with fresh new eyes.” – Bethany, @brownhairedwanderer

Christina’s story on how she finally achieved work-life balance to live the way she wanted. ⠀

“I never believed that work-life balance was possible, or that I could actually create a lifestyle that was equally challenging and fulfilling. When I quit my job to travel, I had no expectations that it would be forever- just a short stint to see the world. But what I found was that once I chose to honor my deepest desires, the world opened up to me in ways that I never thought possible. I experienced true presence, met amazing people, and built a worldwide network just from following my instincts. I’ve gained so much from that act of bravery two years ago, not the least of which is the ability to work where I want, when I want, making as much as I want. It was a scary undertaking and certainly a leap of faith, but looking back, I wouldn’t change it for anything.” – Christina Perricone

 

Sara’s story of finally giving into her daydreams and pursuing a life she really loves.

inspiring womens

“Having been born in Tokyo to mixed race parents, and going back and forth between Japan and the US throughout my childhood, I guess traveling is in my DNA. For as long as I can remember, all I wanted was to continue exploring new cultures, experiencing new places, and meeting amazing and diverse people. I studied in Rome during college hoping it would cure my wanderlust, but it just fed that need even more! Now, after taking the road society expects and working at a desk (while daydreaming about being anywhere else), I’ve finally decided to give into that not-so-quiet voice in my head to build a life that will allow me to travel and do work that I truly enjoy! I have started a social media marketing & VA business and already landed my first client within my first week! I’m now working on building my clientele, leaving my 9-5, and transitioning into taking this full time! I am so excited for this journey and am ready to build a life that I truly love!” – Sara Lovelace, @saralovelace

Sophie’s story on how becoming a freelancer allowed her to follow her intuition.

inspiring women

“Working as a freelancer allows me to enjoy my freedom, respect my own pace and follow my intuitions. I believe it helps me get the best out of me because I can adjust my working hours and change location often. It keeps me awake, curious and inspired. After a few years working in an office, freelancing has really helped my find myself again, I feel more responsible for my life and alive.” – Sophie Rocher, @pepillustration

These women show how possible it really is to live with flexibility. They all took a leap, to chase their dreams and managed to find a way to make it fit the lifestyle they wanted. Whether you’re just starting your business, have been consulting for ages, or are working a 9-5, know that it is possible to have the life you want. Let these inspiring women light a fire in you to finally take a leap and dive wholeheartedly into chasing your dreams.


Ready to take the leap? We’ve shared a ton of amazing resources here, to help you find remote work, pitch going remote to your boss or level up your freelance game. Happy flex working!

Challenges Faced by Women Working Remotely (And How to Minimize Them)

Making the move from a standard office to a remote worker can be daunting. It’s a departure from the structure and social elements we associate with corporate life. We took a look at some of the challenges faced by women working remotely, and what they can do to ensure a smooth transition.

Create Structure

Creating structure is something both employers and employees need to address early on when establishing a remote team. The employer wants to ensure that enough work is getting done. The employee wants to make sure they are completing tasks, while maintaining flexibility. Managing expectations is key on both sides in creating a productive team. Ease your supervisor’s mind by staying connected. Make it easy to reach out with tools like Slack which make communicating your goals and team collaboration simple.

Finding Balance

Finding balance as a remote worker can be difficult, but is critical to not getting worn out. Working from anywhere means you likely can control your schedule. So tap into your most creative and productive hours, while ensuring your work time has an end. Stay accessible to your colleagues during office hours, but set boundaries of when you can be contacted. Women often feel a need to demonstrate their full commitment to their job, more so than men, but staying connected 24/7 is draining. All employees need time to recharge at the end of the day. Just because your phone is always on you, doesn’t mean you should be responsive at all hours.

Feeling Connected

Feeling connected to your colleagues and company culture can be difficult when you’re not sharing a workspace. Co-working spaces can be a good solution to this, as you may miss Friday happy hour or enjoying your lunch with a colleague. If you’re still craving that social scene, seek out other environments that have an established community like exercise classes or volunteer events that provide a sense of belonging and common interest. At Behere we not only establish that community of like-minded women, but provide avenues for women working remotely to connect through things you want and things you need when you’re out of your comfort zone.

Keeping Communicating

Keeping the lines of communication open is key to ensure you are connected with your coworkers, just as you would if you were in the office. Make sure you call into meetings to share what you are working on and let your colleagues know all of the modes of communication that make it easy to keep in touch. Avoid the question, “When will you be in the office next?” and encourage your team to not delay any meetings based on geography. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for training

Don’t be afraid to ask for training when you’re working remotely. You may feel like the space between you and your coworkers could deter training and job advancement, especially since almost half of women in the US feel that they receive less professional development and career growth than men. So continue to communicate your goals and voice your eagerness to learn.

Working outside of the standard corporate office can have drawbacks, but overall the flexibility makes for a happier, healthier and more productive employee. Women around the world are taking advantage of the remote lifestyle, where they find balance while loving their work and gaining experiences.

If you’re looking to make the switch to remote work or just become a better remote worker then head to our resources page.
 

Written by Katie Tatham – @kltatham (Canadian wanderer & outdoor enthusiast)

How this Startup Founder Traveled While Running Her Business

At Behere, we’re constantly inspired by the amazing women in our 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, Joyce McCaffrey, is a startup founder from Toronto, Canada. She used Behere to book a month in Barcelona this summer. While busy running her own startup, Joyce took time to explore Spain and ring in the one year anniversary of her company’s launch from abroad.

Pretty cool, right? Check out her story below!

We love that you celebrated your business’ one year in Spain, tell us about your startup.


“A year ago, I started a digital content marketing agency called Atlas Content Studio. We specialize in creating credible online awareness for underrepresented areas of health. Think mental health, vaccination, sexual health – areas that people don’t necessarily want to talk about or simply don’t know the facts. Clients hire us to develop online strategies to tackle those 
awareness gaps. It’s super niche, but incredibly rewarding.”

What did a typical day look like for you in Barcelona?

 

startup founder

“Life moves slower in Barcelona. My apartment was by the beach, so I’d take the time to eat breakfast on my balcony in Barceloneta. Then I’d walk to my workspace – about 30 mins through the beautiful streets of El Born (my favorite neighborhood). I’d spend the day at work, then go for a run along the beach. Or I’d explore a new neighborhood with friends from the workspace. Needless to say, every day was inspiring.”

 

What was the biggest thing you learned from living in a new place?


“The biggest thing I’ve learned is that anything is possible. It applies to everything in life, but in this case – it’s possible to define the way you want to live, work, and travel. A second learning that caught me by surprise, was the value of solo traveling. It was one of the most empowering experiences I’ve ever had – and something I’ll be prioritizing moving forward.”

How was Behere helpful to your journey?


“My dream was to start a business that allowed me to do the work I love, while offering the flexibility to travel often while working. I was busy learning how to be a startup founder, so researching working remotely and getting set up abroad was out of the question. Fortunately, Behere had every detail figured out. I had a beautiful apartment, a workspace filled with likeminded people, and local recommendations upon arrival. My trip was curated based on the experience I wanted to have, and the process was seamless. Barcelona was my twelfth month since starting my business – so I got to ring in my one-year living out the very dream that got me started. It was a surreal feeling, and I’ll always have Behere to thank for that.”


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


“I took a weekend trip to Cadaqués, a beautiful coastal town in Costa Brava. It’s where Salvador Dalí lived, and it honestly looks like a painting.”

startup founder


Finally, what’s your #1 piece of advice for someone who’s thinking about living abroad?


“Commit to it, make it happen, and start living out your dream.”


Are you running a business and want to travel 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!

Connect with Joyce via her website weareatlas.ca or on Instagram.

Images and words courtesy of Joyce McCaffrey.

Croatian Community Revealed Through Sport

Behere Member Chronicles by Michelle Barker

 
A piece by Boris Starling passed through my social media feed. A piece which poignantly creates the backstory of this team and young people in this country, and even the country itself. This is a beautiful place with some of the most persevering people I’ve ever encountered. Young men, growing up with war as one of their earliest memories, turned to sport to challenge the status quo, to showcase their talents, and put their country front and center on the world stage.
community
 
The community rallied behind these young men, their support was evident during each game after the final game and a second place finish, and when the players returned to their communities. The community was invested in this sport, in the game; it was part of their lifestyle.
It was a once in a lifetime experience to be part of the World Cup audience in Croatia and follow their success as a team and growth and development as a country. Sport is something we as humans can rally around, regardless of our political leanings, position in society, and language.
Intentional design of our communities to include sport and recreation builds our capacity to set aside differences and celebrate success. Mindfully planning for the intersection of sport and everyday life, allowing business owners, citizens, and elected officials to be part of the story, creates a true community. Simply walk through the cities of Croatia wearing your team gear and you’ll learn this very quickly.
Originally posted by Michelle here.

Want to interact with communities in cities around the world? Get started here!