Is a Workation the Answer to Your Lockdown Blues Once the Pandemic Is Over?

More than a year into the worst pandemic our generation has witnessed, the world has no option but to come to terms with the New-Normals. Lockdown and confinement have dramatically impacted our social lives and mental health. The urge for the change in environment is like never before.

In October last year, while we were still naïve about the pandemic, most of us were overwhelmed by the lockdown relaxations. I was mentally exhausted and probably at the lowest level of my productivity ever since I started working. I needed a vacation; South Goa was on my mind and incidentally I got a project which would allow me to spend almost a month in the mesmerising coastal state.

I was working for multiple clients during this time, here’s my experience and what you need to know about a workation:

1. What is a workation?

Work + Vacation, silly.

2. What's the perfect location for a workation?

This is subjective. You may want to spend time in the mountains, or beach, or in the middle of a jungle. Ask yourself, what's always been your calling? Select a place that has enough to offer, so that you have something new to explore throughout your trip. I chose South Goa because I'm a sea lover + I had shortlisted about 15 places to explore, which were more than enough to keep me excited throughout.

Tip: Please do not ignore, do a thorough research about the internet connection.

3. How long should a workation be?

I'd say at least month. 1 month is good enough for you to settle in a new environment. Anything less than that would seem like an extended vacation where you don't feel like working. Give yourself enough time and free yourself from the rush to explore and visit all the places, remember, you gotta finish your work, too. I met people who have been working in Goa for more than two years - that's for you to decide after experiencing it, provided you work allows you to operate remotely.

4. Stay, Food, Travel

Hostel/Hotel/Airbnb? If you're used to working in a quiet place and need your space, go with an Airbnb. If you're fine with hustle and bustle and can manage getting your work done, go for a hostel as it'll be cheaper. If you want your personal space but also not feel disconnected, most hostels have personal rooms too, you can opt for it, subject to your affordability.

Food: If you know how to cook, you're sorted. If you don't, don't shy away asking around the locals to cook food for 1 additional person, you get to experience the local cuisine + it hardly costs them anything and therefore they'll charge you very less. I asked the kirana store aunty next to my hostel for the same, she provided me fish fry, fish curry and rice for Rs. 50 per meal. I absolutely loved the food.

Travel: Most travel destinations have bike/car rentals available. Depending on your location, utility and affordability you can choose to rent a vehicle on daily, weekly or monthly basis. Put your desi genes to good use by negotiating and cracking good monthly deals.

5. What should I tell my boss/clients?

You have to be diplomatic here honestly. In most cases, I’d say, tell the truth. However, it did cost me, one of my clients thought that I won’t be able to put the same amount of effort from a vacation so they decided to discontinue. They were shocked by the concept and I won’t be surprised if they work from a vacation after the third wave, that’s what the pandemic has done. It was my first time so I decided to convey, however, I realised later that it would’ve hardly made any difference if I didn’t.

6. Will this affect my productivity?

Certainly, but the good part is, it can affect your productivity positively too. I recommend you to plan the Workation around a time when you feel the work is going to be lesser for a week. Once you set your routine at this new place, you should be able to manage your working hours with much more ease. Some people (including myself) tend to pressurize themselves if a certain level or productivity is not being met. Stick to your new routine and you should be good.

7. Finding the right balance

Indiscipline will cost you, trust me. The idea of a workation may get your adrenaline rushing but you have to balance it out by giving equal amount of time to your work. I learnt it the hard way. I stayed 5 minutes from beach and I’d find excuses initially to skip work and hit the beach. The piling work and missing deadlines left me with no other options but to be more disciplined with my new routine. Remember, your mind has expectations for both, work and vacation, if either of it is not met, it will leave you dissatisfied.

8. Don’t give in to peer pressure

Very Important! Before the rise of the second wave, Instagram was flooded with travel pictures. Traveling might not be your calling but the Social Media may force you to believe in it. Be it your decision to take a workation or to decide a place, your mental recovery is more important. I personally believe that your efforts (to improve your mental health) should bring satisfaction to you. Actions to please others will almost always affect you negatively.

9. The vacation in workation is the chocolate in the chocolate Ice-Cream

Don’t forget the purpose of your travel. If you end up spending a lot of time working and miss out on travel, adventure or simply enjoying the moment, you’re only gonna come back with regrets. Your management lessons in life will really come handy here, to draw the line where you need to let go off work. Feed your soul as much as your pockets!

The best part about my workation, I realised much later, was the sense of satisfaction I brought back with me. It was almost as if I left my worries back, I was less stressed, much more productive and happier in general. The concept worked out for me and yes, this indeed, was the answer to my WFH blues.

The situation currently Is grim, I really pray and hope for things to settle and for me, the light at the end of this tunnel certainly is another wunorkation!

It will take time for the suffering to fade therefore I urge you not to be insensitive even during your post pandemic travels.