After the long lockdown, I had a strong urge to finally get away properly again. So why not just pack up the digital law firm and work from the south during the summer holidays? No sooner said than done!
Back in Berlin, I am taking stock:
1️⃣ Who is a workation suitable for?
Actually, for everyone who works as a freelancer or is self-determined. However, employees who do not have a clear mobile working policy should better coordinate the workation with the company beforehand.
2️⃣ What should I definitely keep in mind when planning my workation?
Essentials:
✅ Laptop, tablet, and mobile phone
✅ Good Wi-Fi (with sufficient data volume if necessary)
✅ What happens to my incoming mail? (e.g., hire providers who digitize mail and make it available via an app)
Bonus:
✅ Undisturbed workspace, as working on the sofa or at the dining table among romping children is no fun in the long run
✅ For lawyers, I recommend the beA software certificate (saves having to bring the beA card reader) and an E-Post account, which can also be used to send registered mail digitally if required
✅ If there is still room in the suitcase: the obligatory ring light for the perfect video conference complexion
Insider tip:
✅ Noise-canceling headphones for when ambient noise cannot be avoided because the children can no longer bear to hear “Mom just has to work for a moment”
✅ Swimming pool & streaming service subscription for emergencies
3️⃣ What worked well this time and what do I want to do (even) better next time?
👍 First the positive: I actually read almost five books during the workation and have continued reading at home. I didn’t watch TV/streaming services at all, except for a few European Championship matches. As a rule, I managed to fit in a small workout every 2-3 days.
👎 What certainly has room for improvement: A better balance between work and vacation. Especially self-employed people feel like they are working 24/7 anyway. Good self-organization and/or discipline is therefore enormously important so that relaxation is not neglected. My family also made this very clear to me, as they were anything but enthusiastic at times.
➡️ For the next workation, I am therefore considering blocking fixed times for leisure and business (e.g., 1 week of work, 1 week of relaxation) and communicating this externally. As an absolute individual traveler, my heart bleeds, but next time it will probably be more of an all-inclusive package; otherwise, you end up doing justice to neither your family nor your work. Or perhaps just back to the classic vacation model?
What are your tips for a restful workation?