Working remotely. The challenge of being out of the office for a week.

Family: The first challenge of course is family. Now that my children are teenagers, it’s so much easier for me to leave Brisbane. Mind you, there is still quite a bit of pre-departure preparation that needs to happen before I leave – shopping, appointments, school reminders etc. However I think we’re all gradually getting the hang of it.

Technology: The day before I fly out, it’s essential that I fire up the Mac Air. There’s two main tasks here:

1. Delete any rubbish the kids have put on it since the last time I used it. (Still trying to work out how to get this Steam App to not auto-open when I turn on the computer every time! Argh!)
2. Make sure all my apps are installed and have been updated to the latest versions. This actually takes a bit longer than I imagine it will. During any ordinary day, I’ll be updating Apps as I go, so I’m always a little surprised by how much I have to do in one go.

While the laptop is important to me being able to remain productive, it’s really my phone that is my most important tool when travelling. It’s my diary, camera, wallet, phone books, and modem. As well as being able to closely monitor emails. I don’t know what I’d do without it. Last year, on a few short trips, I didn’t even bother with the laptop, had my phone and managed to do everything I needed.

Making the most of your time away: Each time I leave Brisbane, I have a couple of different approaches to making the most of my time away. There are three different things I might focus on:

1. Make appointments with people I really want to catch up: Because I rarely leave Brisbane, it’s great to catch up with people I may have met online, clients or business colleagues. I’ve done this a few times in previous visits. I’m not a super networker, and I’m still trying to work up the courage to do this regularly.
2. Take some time out and explore: Yesterday when I flew in, we headed out to Bare Island at La Perouse. I wanted to go to the Blak Markets, but I missed them by a week. Disappointed at my dodgy time management, but it was still a great place to see. I also when to Circular Quay where I went to the Opera House to see a lecture. I was dumbfounded by the numbers of people there. There were thousands. It’s so different from Brisbane. Getting out and seeing parts of the city you’re in, adds something to your experience of travelling for work.
3. Stay put and keep working: Sometimes when I travel I treat it like a retreat or residential, I just stay still and get working. Without the distractions of family and office, it can be easier to get work done. So even though I’m in a lovely city that I could explore, it’s better that I just stick to myself and keep on working.