Behind the Screen: A Day in the Life of a Remote Worker

At last, the moment has arrived!

A Day in the Life of a Remote Worker – AKA Me

As I was writing my previous blog, I was thinking, “What should I write about next?” And while sitting in a coffee shop before work, finishing up some tasks, an idea came to my mind. Let me do one of those “A day in the life of such and such that no one asked for” moments – hahah!

Jokes aside, I would like to share with you how my day looks as I work remotely. What are the perks? What are the disadvantages? Let’s find out.

European Espresso, Bosnian Breakfast, and Canadian Time Zone

First, it’s important to mention that I am based in Bosnia but work for a Canadian company, so my work starts at 3 PM and ends at 11 PM. Therefore, I often mention how I have a whole life that unfolds before my work begins.

So, what do I do before my workday starts? Well, I am an early bird – I usually wake up around 7 AM (even though those motivational gurus would insist that’s actually late, claiming they’ve been to the gym, had breakfast, and read a book by the time I wake up) hahahah – but I’ll stick with it – I am an early bird.

So, I wake up, do my morning stretches, prepare breakfast, read a book, prepare lunch for later since I won’t have time to do so due to meetings. By 12 PM, my morning routine is complete.

Where to next?

Café Chronicles and Marketplace Rendezvous

I think many remote workers will agree that working remotely can feel isolating at times. You spend a lot of time on your own and at home. Personally, I am more productive when working from home, but I had to address the feelings of loneliness and being stuck at home.

Then, I discovered this really cute coffee shop not far from my home. The internet connection is good, and many remote workers go there to work. However, the main reason I frequent this place is that they are the only coffee shop in the city that offers decaf cappuccino that actually tastes good! I have also met many interesting people at this place, and I always have someone to talk to, exchange experiences and opinions, and share a laugh.

I stay there for a few hours and take my team calls from the coffee shop, as well as any other scheduled calls around that time. By around 4 PM, I am ready for a stretch and leave the coffee shop. On my way home, I pass by a vegetable market where I usually stop to pick up anything I need for lunch that day or the week.

In-House Interactions: Interviews and Meetings at Home

I am at home, and then what?

It’s time for a series of introductory and technical interviews with candidates I recruit for our training program. Talking with numerous individuals throughout the day can be quite exhausting, so working from the comfort of my own home is the greatest blessing for me. Taking a 15-minute break to lie down on the floor, stretch, and enjoy a healthy lunch that I cooked is what personally makes working from home worthwhile. Having the opportunity to recharge in your own unique way is what enhances my productivity in the workplace.

After all the meetings, I slowly finish up the day by addressing any pending emails and checking off the tasks completed that day.

Background Battles and Headphone Heroes: A Call Quality Comedy

In the funny world of remote work, finding a good background and using noise-canceling headphones are like having superpowers. Let me tell you about a hilarious moment during a call when my background stole the show. There was this big photo behind me of a woman from a market in Sarajevo holding a big fish. Even though the camera tried to blur it, the software kept focusing on her face, making it seem like she was part of our call!

This funny incident showed me how important it is also to have good headphones. They help block out noises like someone grinding coffee in the background, which can be distracting during important calls. In the world of remote work, where every call is an adventure, having the right background and reliable headphones can make all the difference in keeping things fun and professional.

Remote work offers a canvas of diverse experiences, from morning rituals to coffee shop connections and virtual collaborations. Each day is a tapestry of challenges and achievements, where background battles and headphone heroes play an essential role. Closing the day, I appreciate the laughter and determination that characterize the remote work lifestyle. Navigating calls and meetings with humor and the support of reliable headphones, the remote work journey embodies resilience, adaptability, and a touch of comedy that brings color to the workday.