Home office with a difference
Working on the go – is that possible? From working spaces, working in the van and what happens on the way.
Before we left last October, I figured that I would like to work at least two days a week on the road. Many asked me how I would imagine it and if it would work. I usually answered that it will work out somehow – and I was right!
I have tried different models so far. In rented houses, in campers, in working spaces, in lounges on campsites, in apartments and in converted common rooms in hotel complexes.
An exciting working day with its challenges and rewards. Here is a little insight:
First of all, I'm a graphic designer. There is a lot of internal communication in my job: video conferences in the morning, agreements in between, amounts of data are pushed back and forth ... So very important for me: Internet! I was a little nervous if that would work. This is where Portugal surprised me! Internet is available almost everywhere. So at least I knew that I could use my phone as a hotspot. Video calls also work great with it.
Important: Internet brought with you, means via a German contract, only works for 4 months. Then we bought a prepaid card. It's possible everywhere, so it's not a problem. We chose MEO – € 40/30 days, unlimited internet. Great!
After I was somewhat calm about the internet, I looked around the internet for working spaces in the Algarve. And again I was pleasantly surprised. There are usually several options in the different cities. Costs between 10 and 15 € per day, I think that's perfectly fine.
Brief Info: Working spaces are rooms that are made available for working. They offer a desk and chair, internet and some drinks for a small price. You should note the opening hours. There are lunch breaks here and there that you have to stick to. In addition, there are often rules for telephone calls and conference rooms are sometimes offered. You can usually rent a desk space by the day, but occasionally there are weekly or monthly offers.
After looking at such a working space, our next challenge is: can we park our camper nearby and stay overnight? And if not, is there public transport I can take from there?
I've been in different situations and each had its own beauty. So I've already walked 20 minutes through a still somewhat sleepy town, on the way to work I've seen the sun rise behind hills or even behind the sea. Or I was greeted by the Portuguese bus driver in the morning and had the feeling of independence and belonging. I also used the bus rides to learn some Portuguese.
Arrived in the working space, different scenarios play out. Sometimes everyone there likes to work for themselves, sometimes there is a lot of communication. But no matter how, you get to know interesting new people, exchange ideas and if the opportunity arises, you go out for a coffee together at lunchtime. I always enjoy these moments very much.
During my research, I found that very different rooms are offered and one working space caught my eye. The homepage was beautiful and designed with love. The photos promising. I really wanted to go there! And so CoCreate in Portimão became my favorite place to work. Even the 10 day pass is worth it! Hanna and Jack are great hosts. They make sure that everyone feels comfortable and thus ensure a family atmosphere. I can only recommend ;)
In many places, however, there is no working space nearby or the plans are not going as planned. We ended up at a campsite because Amano was sick.
There was WiFi here, but only in the common room. So I grabbed my bag in the morning and walked there with the sunrise. I had let them know the evening before, so the room was open at 7:30 am. In german time 8:30. You should always keep an eye on the time difference. In such a lounge you get to know completely different people. The furniture is not made for 8 hours of work, but the internet worked – so what more could you ask for!
At other campsites with no wifi and no room, I worked from the camper. In Germany I got myself a table for the steering wheel. So I make the first calls and preparations in the driver's cabin and let Amano sleep a little longer ;) Because as soon as he's awake, he's so kind and puts up the awning for me, so I can work outside in front of the bus.
As soon as the sun is too blinding or it gets too loud outside, Amano pulls our bed up on ropes and underneath is a table, where I then continue to work on. (We are currently considering a solution so that I can convert our bedroom into a study myself.) This type of home office also works wonderfully, you only have to arrange it for the two of you. I have everything with me and we can have lunch together.
I initially tried the classic home office. We had rented a house in Albufeira for a short time. It worked very well from there, it was a fabulous start.
Later I rented a small apartment here and there. As a short break from camper life. Here, however, I was amazed for the first time by the experience that the Wifi did not really work well, even though I had asked. Luckily, my hotspot was able to help me out again.
The challenges of my new job make my everyday work exciting and varied. I'm always looking forward to the "new", but I have to admit that I'm always relieved when everything works well.
The work keeps me connected to Hamburg and the “familiar” a bit more. That gives me stability when the "new" is still in the process of taking shape.
Of course, I am a bit alienated from my work colleagues and my workplace. That's why I'm very grateful for our morning video calls and the many phone calls to make arrangements. This way we know what the other looks like, how they sound and stay connected. Whenever I'm in Hamburg, I stop by the office and work from there. Thank you that this works so well and that you support me in realizing my dreams.
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