Well, anticipated personally but also work-wise we have learned a lot. This trip was not only an adventure in terms of exploring, getting to know new people, places and absorbing impressions but it was also about growing and getting out of the comfort zone. #sharingiscaring - so here you go with my TOP5 learnings:
Time management is key because being on workation does not necessarily mean reduction of working time but rather efficient, flexible planning of work and free time in order to perform at work but likewise get the best out of your free time to explore, learn and grow
The definition of work-life balance is very individual. My balance might not be another person's understanding of balance, so there is no recipe employers could learn of and build the master plan. Life situations are different, implying that working models need also to be adaptable
#keepsmiling - be positive and optimistic about things, making up your mind about whether things will work out or not is just a waste of time, just do it and you'll see
Be prepared for the unprepared and just take things as they come - whether on workation or not, unforeseen things can totally ruin your time plans - try to take it easy
#hybridworkplace is the way to go - why hybrid? Taking me personally, I have learned that I am neither the 100% office type, nor the 100% home office type, so #hybridworkplace is the go to option for me because I need the flexibility to bring private and work life in balance as I wish to and secondly, I still love having the option to work from the offices, see my team and colleagues and exchange with them face-to-face
#whatyouneedtobring
I think there are definitely some preconditions making it easier for some than for others to adapt to changing environments and work from any place - some characteristics for sure help in easily handling #hybridworkplaces:
- openness to people and new things
- positivity
- curiosity
- modern mindset, hands-on mentality
- adaptability, flexibility
#factsandnumbers
And for those feeling rather attracted by facts and numbers, here some random facts:
- ~9000 km - the number of km we drove in the van (ferry rides are not included)
- 1 broken window shield and 1 exchanged
- 8 countries, 21 places in 10 weeks (Take a look at the polaroid collection to see all the places we've been to on this #driveyourlife trip - while working)
- 10 times of charging and ~30 times of gas fueling
- 4 bottles of sun screen have been used up
- 15 different accomodations (of which 9 were AirBnb's, 4 hotels and 2 private accomodations)
- 3 times trouble with the police [not our fault :D]
- Countless lovely, open-minded people met and exchanged inspirational, interesting stories
#SPECIALTHANKS
I am beyond thankful for having experienced this, having taken the learnings with me and especially for having been given the chance to take my sister as travel buddy with me, this way intensively spending quality time that is priceless! - thanks diconium for offering that great chance I will always cherish with a big smile on my face.
Now #DYL might be over for me and my travel buddy, but is continuing with my colleague Eric who is gonna rock the Scandinavian route - well, what can I say, Eric ? This trip will truly be a one-of a kind experience, absorb every moment, enjoy it to the fullest and I am looking forward to read about your experiences made throughout the upcoming 2 months on the blog! #gogogo
Well, and for the last time:
many greets from us and thanks to everyone who followed our journey and shared their feedback and stories on #hybridworkplaces with us…have fun following the second route! :-)
Lisa & Vicky
DRIVE YOUR LIFE - #creatingdigitalchampions from everywhere