The unexpected shift to remote work has opened doors to personal and professional growth that many never anticipated. For some, like myself, the transition wasn’t initially planned, but arose from a confluence of circumstances – a partner’s career opportunity and a global pandemic. Without these catalysts, the idea of relocating to a new city while maintaining my career might have remained just a distant thought. My life was comfortably established; friends, family, and work were all within easy reach. However, the ability to explore a new city without disrupting my professional life has been transformative, offering a refreshing reset and a new perspective on Work From How we can live and thrive.
This experience has underscored the immense value of being able to support my partner’s ambitions without sacrificing my own career trajectory. Remote work has empowered me to be a more supportive partner while preserving my independence and enabling the continued pursuit of my professional goals. This ability to harmonize personal and professional aspirations, without compromising either, is an invaluable aspect of work from how we can build fulfilling lives together. It’s a balance that feels truly priceless.
From Windowless Office to European Horizons: A Remote Work Journey
Before the pandemic-induced shift, my work environment was far from ideal. An office devoid of windows and a lengthy commute of up to 90 minutes each way were daily realities. Despite these drawbacks, the vibrancy of the gallery environment I worked in was a strong pull. However, the relentless pace of a full-time job combined with numerous side projects left me constantly drained. The sudden shift to remote work during the pandemic offered a welcome respite, allowing me to rediscover my natural rhythm, including something as simple as enjoying breakfast at a time that felt genuinely comfortable, rather than dictated by a rigid commuting schedule.
An unexpected turn of events – an eviction notice prompted by my landlords’ desire to convert my apartment into a home office – became the catalyst for a significant change. With 60 days’ notice, I made the spontaneous decision to move to Italy and live with my sister, embracing the opportunity to work remotely from overseas. This felt instinctively right. The isolation of the pandemic, confined to my apartment and working alone, had become increasingly challenging. While the prospect of packing, moving, and traveling during a global pandemic winter was initially daunting, the chance to be with family and experience a different way of life was compelling. It was a unique moment – when else would such an opportunity for remote work present itself so clearly?
The transition to working remotely in Europe proved to be remarkably liberating. After prolonged isolation, it felt like stepping into a more expansive world. In Europe, remote work is far more ingrained in the cultural and professional landscape than in North America. In Italy, it’s commonly referred to as “Smart Working,” and in Croatia, where I am currently based, it’s synonymous with being a “digital nomad.” The prevalence of affordable and unique coworking spaces here was striking. It became evident that work from how is simply integrated into the lifestyle here, making it seem more attainable and less of an exception.
For many, particularly in creative fields like the arts, the traditional 9-to-5 workday never quite fit. In the gallery setting, rigid hours often felt incongruous with the nature of the work. The autonomy to structure my own day has been incredibly empowering. Moreover, access to nature has significantly improved my quality of life. The shift from a windowless office to working near the sea has been a profound and positive change.
Reimagining Work and Well-being
The pre-pandemic work model, with its emphasis on rigid structures and commutes, was ultimately unsustainable. The pandemic merely highlighted existing cracks in the system, revealing a collective exhaustion that was already widespread. While the quest for balance continues, remote work has undeniably broadened my perspective on the creative possibilities of work from how we organize our professional lives. The freedom of being untethered to a fixed location and the ability to work from different cities and countries is incredibly appealing. Prior to the pandemic, I aspired to cultivate a global curatorial practice, and remote work has provided an invaluable pathway to explore this ambition.
In truth, remote work has facilitated a significant amount of personal healing that would likely not have been possible within the confines of the daily grind. While the relentless demands of essential work and frontline roles persist, for those of us fortunate enough to transition to remote work, the opportunity to slow down has been profoundly beneficial in numerous ways. Remote work is not just about location flexibility; it’s about rethinking work from how it integrates with our lives and well-being.
