How To Stop Your Fear From Holding You Back

What keeps you up at night?

Is it your desire to be something your not or try something you haven’t?

Or maybe it’s your big dreams and goals that you think are impossible?

The thoughts that keep us up late at night, our fears our dreams, the what ifs. These things enter our minds at work when we’re dozing off in boredom or on our daily morning commute.

But why don’t we act on these dreams and desires?

Fear

We’re afraid of the unknownchange and failure. We’re afraid of what our family, coworkers, employers and society will think. Of what it would mean for our careers, family life, relationships. We’re afraid of the ‘what if’s‘ and the risks. We see horrible things in the media and write off entire countries and cities, just like that. We’re afraid of the work and effort that goes into making those dreams a reality. We’re afraid of going to new places, meeting new people and trying new things.

fear

The biggest thing we’re afraid of though is the unknown. It terrifies us. Walks us back from the edge, sits us down and assures us settling is the safer bet.

But settling hasn’t gotten us where we are now. The women who came before us didn’t choose to settle. They didn’t sit down and wait for change to happen. They were the change. Elizabeth Cady Staton, Elanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, they all stood up and fought for more.

And now it’s each and every one of our chances to shape history and create a future that we want to be a part of. To leap before we’re ready. To dive wholeheartedly into things that inspire, shape and change us while opening our eyes.

What is fear?

Let’s get something straight; fear is a made-up notion.

Once you wrap your head around this, you realize you can change it. Because fear lives in the futureAnd passion is stronger than fear. If you want something bad enough – no matter how much it scares you – you will go get it.

You need to understand that on the other side of that fear is your freedom. So get comfortable being uncomfortable. Get comfortable with the unknown.

You can either spend your whole life saying “what if’s” and making excuses, or you can go ahead and actually do it. And once you do it opens a world of possibilities.

fear

Once you stop letting fear control you, you control your life and create it how you want. You can create a life that meets all your needs and wants.

That’s our mission at Behere, to help women create lives they truly love. And we’re actually helping women do this (how cool is that?!), through living in amazing cities around the world, for a month at a time.

The value, knowledge, and experience you gain from pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and living in new cities are indescribable. You no longer have to settle for staying in the same town or city you grew up in. Or falling into the same, mundane daily routine that no longer excites or serves you.

We do know how exciting, but also frightening and overwhelming the idea of living in a new city is. Even once you work past all your fears and decide to take the leap, there’s a lot to be done.

We’ve been there, we get it. That’s why we started Behere, to help you feel confident in new spaces and routines, to thrive in a new city.

So that fear you’re feeling right now – about the idea of actually doing this. About all the stuff that hasn’t happened yet.

Yeah, that fear.  

It’s time to kick it to the curb. Because we know the decision to start living how you want, is the best decision you’ll ever make.

Learn more about how booking with Behere can help make traveling to a new city your reality, and connect you with spaces and people to make it the most amazing month ever. Get started below!


Written by Behere founder, Meesen Brown @meesenb.

How to Convince your Boss to Let you Work Remotely

Remote work is a dream for many, but convincing your boss you should work remotely might not be. To make it easier, we’ve put together a list of the key benefits for both you, and your employer, in addition to our helpful Resources page. Our strategies and benefits to asking for flexible work we’re featured in Forbes, so we’d say they’re pretty effective.

For those that aren’t sure if remote work is for them, we’re here for you too. We share five reasons (backed by research) that remote work is so helpful. Despite this, we know remote work isn’t for everyone as some people need that office environment. Often though a healthy balance can make a world of difference.

So, here are some top reasons for you to kick your daily commute to the curb… 

  • Remote Workers are 20% More Productive

    • Yes, remote workers are more productive than those that don’t work remotely. This is largely due to time that’s wasted with interruptions and meetings in an office environment. What’s more, employees that work remotely are twice as likely to work more than 40 hours a week on important tasks. Stress the important tasks because remote workers are able to identify and work more productively on tasks that really make a difference.
  • Remote Work Saves Your Company Big Bucks

    • Office space is expensive, as are office supplies, equipment, and events. Companies can save on average $11,000 a year for each flexible workers. That’s a lot of money that can go towards benefits, product / service improvements or more. Also, more than half of professionals have left a company or considered leaving because it lacked flexibility and turnover costs companies a ton each year. By lowering the rate of turnover, and having people working remotely companies can save hundreds of thousands each year.
  •  Flexibility Creates More Loyal Employees

    • Loyalty means higher productivity and decreased turnover (more $$ savings). As mentioned above, turnover is a huge issue for companies around the world. By having flexibility in your company, employees are more likely to want to work there and feel loyal to your organization.
  • Remote Workers are Healthier and Happier

    • Healthier employees are more productive employees. On average, remote workers take less sick and personal days because they have that flexibility of working remotely. Additionally, the average commute is half-hour, which is about the same time it takes people to run three miles
  •  Remote Workers are Inspired & Refreshed by a Change of Scenery and Adventure

    • Working remotely means you have the ability to travel, while still working. Being away from the office, especially in a new city, allows for fresh perspectives. It also helps with increased creativity, new ideas, and new experiences. Remote workers should take advantage of that opportunity as much as possible continue fueling their creativity and innovation. An important thing to note as a traveling remote worker though is to not move too quickly. Staying in a new place for at least a month ensures you can be settled and productive. When moving more often than it’s easy to get burnt out.

To help sell your boss on the idea, suggest trying a remote work month during a slow period at the office. If you want to start even smaller, suggest a remote workday once per week. This will help to ease into it and show the benefits, like increased productivity. Then asking for a month remote will be a lot easier to swing!


For more tips on convincing your boss to let you work remotely, head to our Resources page

The Top Female Lifestyle & Travel Bloggers to Follow

The year might be cooling down but these ladies Instagram profiles are heating up! We scanned the Instagram webs (what do we really call those?) for our list of the top female lifestyle & travel bloggers to follow. With amazing trips, daring adventures and off the beaten path wanders, they all share unreal and inspiring highlights from their experiences abroad. Without further adieu, here’s some of our fav ladies on the ‘gram!

ASHLEY GUYATT


Based in LA, but often all over the world, Ashley is all about lifestyle, travel and fashion. She enjoys a good beach and *great* iced coffee, in exciting new spots around the world.

Check out her Instagram @ashbegash for her worldly adventures and great style. You can also find her on her website blondecollective.com.

 

SAM WORMSER

San Diego based, Sam’s an organic foodie and travel seeker. She’s passionate about brands that give back, clean beauty, organic food and travel.

Check out her Instagram @samwormser for all things healthy brands and travel, and find her at thesaltytwig.com.

 

ANGELINA ZEPPIERI

angelina z

New York based, Angelina is self-proclaimed as ‘forever curious’ and loves all things travel, writing and seeking new inspiration.

Check out her Instagram @angelinazeppieri for all ‘forever curious’ inspiration and on her website whereisnext.com

 

DANI MEEP

California based, Dani is all about good vibes with a focus on love, growth and photographing great moments. Check her out on Instagram @danimeep for inspirational and exceptional content and her website danitoscano.com.

 

ANGELINA


Angelia is focused on inspiring others to escape into the world and shares tips and recommendations for places she’s been.

Check her out on Instagram @thelovelyescapist for all her great tips and adventures and head to her website thelovelyescapist.com

 

MEESEN BROWN

meesenbrown

We couldn’t forget our cofounder, Meesen. She focuses on sharing the realities of running a business while traveling, her fav places and sustainability tips.

Check her out on Instagram meesenb for all her recommendations and gobehere.com

KAMELIA BRITTON

San Diego based, Kamelia is all about wellness based travel – without breaking the bank – gratitude and living your own adventure.

Check out her Instagram @thehackerette for a real preview of her life and her website hackerette.com

 

LIZA LIEBERMAN

New York based, Liza is all about fashion, food, fitness and traveling. Check out her Instagram @girlonfifth and her website girlonfifth.com.

 


As you can see, these women share some pretty incredible content and highlights from their adventures. They inspire us (and we hope you too!) to travel often, seek out new experiences and enjoy the crazy ride that life is. 

If you are or know of a female lifestyle & travel blogger let us in the comments below!

To start traveling more, like these ladies, pick a city below or head to Behere to learn how you can experience cities around the world.

The Travel Essentials Every Globetrotting Woman Needs

As much as we love traveling, it’s definitely not always a breeze. Nowadays, there are so many options and products designed to ‘make your life easier’ while traveling. But how many of these really do? We’ve put together our tried and tested top 5:

Here’s our list of the best travel essentials for women:

1) Suitcase: Tech friendly, durable and lightweight

Behere Recommends: AWAY
Instagram: @away
Websitewww.away.com

Rushing through busy airports and train terminals is something we can’t avoid but having a suitcase that handles it with ease certainly helps. It’s essential to have a bag that’s easy to handle, durable, and equipped with the latest technology, while also being lightweight, sleek and affordable. Away products are lightweight and durable, with a variety of sizes and colors, plus fun accessories. Away makes your travel days a little less stressful.

2) E-reader: Compact, waterproof, long battery life

travel essentials women

Behere Recommends: Kobo or Kindle 
Instagram: @kobobooks
Website: https://ca.kobobooks.com/

Bored with all that wait time while traveling? Pick up an e-reader! E-readers have so many advantages over reading e-books on your phone or tablet. Their screens are designed for reading by limiting eyestrain and the glare of the sun, are lightweight, relatively inexpensive and have a battery life of weeks. Kobo products have multiple e-reader choices, including waterproof (yes, you can read in the pool!!), a large selection of titles and are reasonably priced.  

3) Travel Wear: Comfortable, chic

travel essentials women

Behere Recommends: ADAY 
Instagram: @aday
Website: www.thisisaday.com

Being comfortable while looking chic in transit is something many women struggle with. Finding the fine line between ‘I’m wearing my yoga pants’ and ‘I’m about to rip through this blazer’ is critical for everyone. ADAY has created a comfortable and chic wardrobe to fit your lifestyle. All while being technical, sustainable and seasonable.

4) Reusable Water Bottle: Eco-friendly and chemical free

Behere Recommends: BKR
Instagram: @mybkr
Website: www.mybkr.com

Staying hydrated is especially important when traveling. With so many eco-friendly reusable bottle options out there, it’s hard to pick one. As a modern lady, being environmentally conscious is essential but so is looking chic. Glass bottles are great but the fear of smashing them on the way out of your hot yoga class is not. That’s why BKR is our pick. Their bottles are chic, good for the planet and good for us. Plus they donate a portion of proceeds to good causes worldwide. 

5) Travel Pillow: A yoga mat (that doubles as a travel pillow!)

travel essentials women

Behere Recommends: Om The Go
Instagram: @omthego
Website: www.omthego.com

Having a pillow while traveling can be a hassle, but provides so much comfort (and a chance to get in a quick nap) so we think it’s worth it. Finding the right neck pillow that doesn’t take up too much space, while still being comfortable can be challenging. Further, if you’re a yogi on the move, bringing your yoga mat usually isn’t an option. But with this 2-in-1 neck pillow and travel yoga mat from Om The Go you can have comfort while traveling, and squeeze in some yoga at your destination.


With so many women traveling everyday, we love brands that help make it easier for us! At Behere we’re making it easier for you too, by helping you travel to cities around the world, without the hassles of getting set up.

Banner photo: Away Suitcase

7 Experts Share Their Tips to Balance Work and Travel

Despite seeming like a dream, balancing work and travel can quickly become overwhelming. From finding the right remote job, to managing your new found freedom with travel, it’s not an easy task. But one that is well worth it – our amazing community is proof.

At Behere, we’re always looking for tips to making it easier. That’s why our team sought out some of the experts to find out their best work and travel tips. These women have found a way to work and travel with balance. Their offices have been in airports, parks, cafes and restaurants, around the world and they know a thing or two about working on the go. From creative industries, to technical ones, there’s so many roles that can be done on the go. The key is to find that all too challenging ‘balance‘.

martina martian

Martina Martian: Artist & Creative

“My top tip for working while traveling is to always figure out how many hours you need in the week to get your work done but be flexible about when those hours are! Leave room for spontaneity and new plans- we are lucky not to have to stick to a schedule.” –  @martinamartian & martinamartian.com

 

Lauren Meeker: Founder, Photographer & Content Creator

“Go slowly – spend at least one month in each place and bounce around less. When you have the freedom to be working from anywhere in the world, you can sometimes feel like you need to be everywhere at once, seeing everything and going everywhere, always taking full advantage of this incredible opportunity. But making a conscious effort to spend at least a month in each place you travel will give you enough time to get into a healthy routine in each location, and help you stay productive while working around the world.” – @splorinlauren & voyageandventure.com

 

travel and work tips

Carrie Mitchell: Writer, Author & Creative

“Invest in a digital work management platform (like Bonsai) and apps that can help you organize and stick to your project timelines while you are traveling. Having reminders and everything in one place is a lifesaver.” – @carrieamitchell

 

Meesen Brown

Meesen Brown: Founder & CEO

“When I started working while traveling, I quickly learnt the key for my productivity is being prepared, before I arrive. This means booking an apartment that has home comforts, in a safe area, finding a coworking space with good community, and booking fitness classes or finding a running route. Doing these in advance allow me to actually enjoy the new city I’m in, and get my work done. Plus it saves me tons of time and headaches.” – @meesenb & gobehere.com

 

bucketlist bombshells


Cassie & Shay: Online Course Creators

“Be intentional about maintaining a routine on the road — we love to create a new schedule that adjusts with each location we’re in. It allows us to create routines, practice self-care and be the best version of ourselves for our business!”   – @bucketlistbombshells

 

work and travel tips


Roota: Marketing Expert & Freelancer

“If you’d like to travel while making a full-time income, I recommend you learn well paying marketing skills. Those skills will help you land high-ticket clients who are happy to pay for your services. I’ve scaled my online business this way for 2 years and have been able to make a comfortable full-time income out of it. There are tons of online courses which help you fast track the above process for you. Enrol in one, work hard to implement your knowledge and know that the remote work lifestyle really is possible!” – @i_am_roota

 

freelancer


Cassy Martinez: Entrepreneur & Freelancer

“As a digital freelancer and entrepreneur, I work on projects from anywhere in the world with good wifi. When I’m on the road, one of my favorite things to do in is Google “Best wifi cafes in _____.” Each day, I pack up my backpack, hit up a local cafe and bang out a couple hours of quality work, rewarding myself with a taste of the city afterward. Exploring each new destination and switching up work environments keeps me stimulated and inspired to bring forth my best work and tackle projects that I had put on hold previously.” – @cassyymartinez, @weareladylab & weareladylab.com

These ladies tips will help you find your balance, and enjoy your work and travel lifestyle. Be sure to let them know on Instagram if you use any of their tips!


Thinking about taking the leap to work and travel? Use the above tips and stay productive using Behere! Get started below.

 

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.

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 Millennials Are Changing The Workplace Through Flexible Work

Millennials receive a lot of criticism but it’s not all warranted, especially regarding the job market. Millennials are redefining the way we work, benefiting the employee and the employer. Employers now need to hire millennials that are driven, tech-savvy, and have a desire to learn. This often means updating company practices to attract them.

We dove into some things many millennials consider ‘non-negotiable’s’ to pinpoint exactly what they look for in a role…

WHAT MILLENNIALS WANT:

Flexibility 

Almost half of all professionals have left a job, or considered leaving, because it lacked flexibility. Millennials want to manage their work/life balance, making flexible hours, vacation time, and location key. This is important because happy, healthy employees with lower stress levels are considerably more productive. Companies like Patagonia are ahead of the curve, allowing workers to plan office hours around outdoor activities, as long as their goals are met.

Working Remote

A study by Leadership IQ found that people who work from home are 87% more likely to “love” their job. Decreasing commute time adds to employee happiness and allows more time for productivity. Also, remote employees are twice as likely to work more than 40 hours a week on important tasks.

A key reason employees want flexible work options is to travel more. People who travel develop excellent critical thinking skills, meet people from diverse backgrounds and are better communicators.

Abandon the Desk Job

Social media, mobile devices and Wi-Fi have made the typical office desk job unnecessary. Sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day is unhealthy, and millennials are looking to break this norm. Working from anywhere results in more fulfilled workers with fewer health problems.

Avoid Boring

Creating an environment where people enjoy the work they’re doing and company culture is crucial for employee retention. Ensuring employees are challenged, learning and applying skills is key to a fulfilling career. This includes additional education and training assistance as a perk that millennials are looking for.

Teams can help attract millennials to energizing environments by offering flexibility, the ability to travel, and strong work-life integration. Establishing a team and strengthening it, regardless of being in-office or remote, helps create a more productive organization.

Culture is Key

Many organizations now focus on nurturing a unique culture that attracts and retains great people. They believe in providing a powerful culture that unites, engages and inspires the employees. By offering opportunities for growth at work, employers work to keep employees happy. These opportunities include training, certifications, attending experts’ workshops, etc..

Be Flexible

Another strategy for employee retention is flexibility. By offering flexible working, companies help employees better balance their work and personal lives. This has a very positive impact on employee satisfaction and retention. 

Overall, the way we work is changing. As millennials quickly become the largest part of the workforce, employers need to adapt. Organizations will need to work to recruit young, informed employees by abandoning rigid practices of the past. Workplace flexibility and remote work will benefit companies as a whole. This will foster happy, healthy and productive employees.

And those are the environments millennials want to work in.


Already have a role that lets you work remote and want to try living in a new city? Learn more about how Behere helps you stay productive and live in a global city below.

Written by Katie Tatham
A Vancouver based traveler, foodie and outdoor enthusiast. Connect with her on IG @kltatham.

Why Millennials Aren't Taking Their Vacation Days

Millennials are handling work differently


Millennials are quickly becoming the largest generation in the workforce. However, there’s a growing trend among them that is different from their older coworkers. They’re not taking their vacation days because they feel afraid to ask for them and guilty using them – enter “vacation shaming”. It seems younger employees feel “vacation shaming” from their bosses and coworkers, believing they’re being indirectly discouraged from taking time off.

Millennials vacation days remain unused

The amount of people who use all their vacation days has dropped in recent years in the US. It’s become an increasingly prominent trend among the younger generation of workers. According to the annual Allianz Travel Insurance Vacation Confidence Index; as many as 25% of millennials reported feeling nervous when requesting time off, as opposed to 14% of Gen X’ers and 6% of workers aged 55+. There is a growing sense with millennials that they need to demonstrate commitment to the job – even if it comes at a cost to their mental and physical health.

Protecting their professional image


Unfortunately, these stats are even more common with millennial women. It’s reported only 46% of them used their full vacation time. Women are more likely to feel guilty, replaceable, or want to demonstrate “complete dedication” to their work. Women also worry about the effect of their absence on their job. They have fears of returning to too much work, or that no one else can effectively complete their tasks. Young women are more concerned with these fears than young men, with more men taking their vacation days. 

Vacations help employees and businesses


Not taking time to refresh and recharge can take a toll on your health, leaving employees burnt out and demotivated. Vacations actually promote improved mental health and boosted productivity. They make coming back to unsolved issues or extra emails worth the time away. Employees are also likely to come back with increased creativity and reduced exhaustion. Even though post-vacation blues can kick in once back in the office, don’t be discouraged from taking time off. The long-term benefits are well worth the struggle, even after the short-term benefits have faded.

Encourage learning vacations and retreats


While any time off can be rejuvenating, some vacations can do more for employees than others. Mastering new skills like new poses at a yoga retreat or taking a cooking class can reduce exhaustion in the days following your return. If your office is suffering from a slump, why not pitch the idea of a working holiday in a new inspiring space, to your boss? Getting the team out of the office and into a new environment – where they can learn, collaborate and explore – will have them returning to the office with new levels of creativity and productivity. 

Vacation days are part of compensation, and millennials, especially women, need to be reminded of this. Actively moving away from the mindset of advancing in a career, through fewer breaks, benefits the company and employee. Employers also need to set an example and encourage their staff to take time off. They need to promote a culture of happy and healthy employees, that bring their best to their roles.

Ready to start using using your vacation days? Get started below!


Written by Katie Tatham; Vancouver based traveler, foodie and outdoor enthusiast. Connect with her @kltatham.