Ideally, you’d never have to think about your work while on vacation. You’d simply enjoy your freedom, soaking in the sun, exploring new locations, and having the time of your life. However, things rarely turn out quite so idyllic.
Whether you’re taking a vacation in the middle of a big project, taking over for a sick coworker during your days off, or simply working as a digital nomad, you’ll likely have to face the fact that you’ll sometimes have to work while vacationing. That’s often much easier said than done.
Look at tips that will help you enjoy your working vacation and allow you to do your job without hiccups.
Plan ahead
The key to having the best vacation while simultaneously working is planning. If you decide to wing it, you’ll spend all your vacation days stressing by your keyboard and getting no rest.
Therefore, you’ll want to create a detailed itinerary for every day you’ll spend on vacation. If you know you will book a day-long cruise on Tuesday, plan to do a few extra tasks on Monday or leave some more time for work on Wednesday. If you like spending early mornings walking on the beach, plan to spend a couple of hours working during the afternoons.
Take on only as many tasks as you know you can handle
One of the biggest mistakes people make when working on vacation is over-committing. For instance, many companies have started offering flexible work arrangements. That includes work-from-home opportunities but can also provide work-from-anywhere options. It means you travel anywhere and take your work with you. However, users may try to prove something when they are out on vacation. That could mean working more than usual.
Furthermore, it’s much more challenging to focus on working when you know that your travel companions are out having a grand old time or that you’ll miss out on a fun experience. You’re more likely to start procrastinating, make mistakes, and do a poor job.
So, to ensure that neither your work nor your free time suffers, try, and take on only as many tasks as you know you can handle.
Upgrade your security
You don’t have to worry much about your cybersecurity at the office. You must ensure you don’t click on any suspicious links and follow your company’s cybersecurity policy. The IT department usually handles all the rest.
However, your cybersecurity is your responsibility when you’re away from the office. You’re liable for any potential consequences if you accidentally connect to an unsafe network, expose sensitive client information, or leak data without paying attention.
You’ll want to take your cybersecurity more seriously while working on your vacation. Make sure you always use a VPN for PC or other devices you use to execute work tasks. A Virtual Private Network guarantees a secure connection even on unknown networks. It is a must-have tool for anyone traveling abroad. After all, you do not want to have your passwords or personal information stolen just because you connected to unknown Wi-Fi.
Research co-working spaces
Finding a co-working space is the best thing you can do for yourself while working on vacation. It will make it significantly easier to focus on your job and create clear boundaries that let you stay productive and enjoy your vacation time.
A co-working space presents an abundance of benefits, allowing you to stay free of distractions, mentally (and physically) separate work time and playtime, and leave your work behind when you get back to your hotel.
Avoid working from your hotel room, coffee shops, or restaurants if there are no shared co-working spaces in your vicinity while traveling. Instead, look for public libraries or bookstores. They’re generally quieter and allow you to focus better.
Stick to a routine
If possible, develop a functional routine and stick to it when you must work while vacationing. Depending on your preferences (and your boss’s demands), you might want to try setting some time aside for work every morning. Once you’ve done all the tasks in the morning, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your vacation until the following day.
If you prefer, you can also try working in bursts throughout the day. However, even in this instance, it’s best to have a specific routine – working from 9 AM to 10 AM, 2 PM to 3 PM, whatever works for you.
The routine will help you stay organized and productive and help your boss and coworkers know precisely when they can reach you every day.
Final thoughts
No one likes working on their vacation, but sometimes, it’s a necessity. If you plan correctly, avoid over-committing, amp up your cybersecurity, find a dedicated workspace, and develop a routine, it will be much easier for you to have your work time and enjoy your playtime. Just don’t forget to go offline occasionally and make the most of your vacation.
