Strangers in a Remote Land
What we learned from a year working abroad
I’m not going to sugar coat it: 2020 sucked — for a lot of people.
Overnight, our children’s schools and daycares took on the form of ghost towns after the mines had dried up. We changed how we interacted with one another and didn’t physically interact at all. Hotels hung their “do not disturb” signs from the front lobby. Visits to the grocery store became reminiscent of a bank heist with everything from careful timing to masks.
I can’t even begin to dream of some of the pain and hardships many experienced. One thing I can admit to is the increased exposure to people’s humanity. Being invited into their homes and living rooms via video calls showed all of us a side of each other’s worlds we wouldn’t usually get to see.
A new challenger approaches
With offices and places of work closing or going virtual, we found ourselves living the dream of rolling into meetings in pajamas. Hair unkempt while wearing sweaty tee shirts without a moment wasted from Zumba to Zoom. With only house plants to complain about our lack of hygiene, we were set free. But then, the honeymoon was over. The office wasn’t going to be opening back up in a few weeks. These places we secretly called our second homes, a comfortable and familiar place filled with tchotchkes and displayed pictures of loved ones, were gone.
“I started at the kitchen table, then tried the couch, but there was no good place to work.” Sabrina Ritacco said, “It wasn’t until I got my desk set up in front of my window where I can see my plants and people walking by that I felt settled. I didn’t realize how much I missed people’s energy. Even when not engaging, just having people around.”
I even heard stories that someone needed to, several times, take a call from their pantry just to try and get some privacy from their family in tight quarters.
“I miss the free food! Leftover pizza, baked goods — ” exclaimed Phil Boothe.
“Maintaining a team atmosphere was difficult and working through interpersonal conflict. It was hard to meet people organically. So I strengthened friendships outside of work and made an effort to visit more often and for longer.” said Kathy Yu.
Never mix family with Business.
Among the countless heroes that rose up over the past year, parents found a place alongside the unsung. “Trying to keep everyone focused and entertained. It made it really difficult to manage a job while being concerned with your family. I was really spent by the end of the week.” said Chris Blackburn.
“Dealing with the kid’s IT issues with schools being virtual, I was amazed we were still able to get so much work done. If you tell your team [you need help], they will understand. Accept what you have and talk to people. It removed a lot of pressure from me.” said David Lee.
“And always keep in mind that your partner is also working and trying to care for kids.’’ finished Chris.
So, what’s the Upside?
We are surrounded every day by half-empty glasses. Our minds seem to get stuck on that one piece of criticism we received in a near ocean of compliments. It’s hard to find the bright side in things, but I’m reminded of a wise woman once saying, “Nothing good lasts forever, but nothing bad does either.” So I reached out to my fellow co-workers for inspiration:
“Don’t panic, don’t work yourself to death. You’re not expected to crank all the time.” — Riley Bauer, Full Stack Engineer
“Schedule more [one on one meetings] early on.” — Mariam Farrukh, Full Stack Engineer
“Building a remote community requires active and intentional work.” — Phil Boothe, Engineering Team Lead
“I held the same schedule. I would even walk to the office to maintain structure.” — Andrew Swe, Full Stack Engineer
“Find some outdoor space. Get that espresso machine. Be patient. Things are going to be different. Stay flexible. Life happens at you fast.” — Jasmine Floyd, Sr. Product Manager
“If [a travel company] can survive the pandemic, anyone can. Prioritize the changes.” — David Lee, Sr. Quality Engineer
Now that we’ve seen the inside of each other’s messy rooms and have had meeting after meeting interrupted by barking dogs, screaming children, and cats, well, being cats, let’s never forget about each other’s humanity. Tomorrow, work not to benefit ourselves but to benefit each other. Even if they don’t wear the same uniform, park in the same lot, or even have a car to park at all, we are all neighbors.
Now what?
So what does that mean for the “regular workday”? As things return to normal, can we expect more flexible hours and micro office spaces? Or are we destined to return to our 3 1/2, grey, foam cubicle walls in between the usual 8 to 5 commute sandwich?
Two themes were unanimously clear while researching for this article:
First, returning to the office would boost morale on a social level, but don’t make it mandatory except for choice meetings and gatherings, maybe a few times a week, or maybe not at all. Ultimately, trust who you hire and trust them to make their schedules work. A good fit shouldn’t be dependent on where and how they work.
Second, talk to your employees before making any decision. People quickly realize that one size only fits a few. With lines blurring between work and living, and with the decision of when and where to work changing on a daily basis, does it make sense to put everyone in the same box again?
