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Once you’ve settled into your new surroundings it will be time to set up shop. You’ve got the stuff you need and you’re in a place with the right infrastructure to get your systems going. What we haven’t talked about is the human element of your mobile office. As the mind behind the machine, you are the most important factor in making this baby work. So it will be important to keep in mind some factors that may affect you.
Time Zone Issues
Let’s talk about two elements of time zone issues you’ll be contending with. First are issues of jet lag that we have previously mentioned. When it comes to getting started with your profession from abroad it’s important to give yourself a cushion of time between arrivals to the day you open your virtual doors. If you are arriving in a foreign land for the first time with little to no support systems allow yourself at least a week to adjust to the new time zone, settle into your new surroundings and get your bearings. If you can afford two weeks–even better. By no means think that you will land in Timbuktu on Wednesday and meet with your clients on Thursday. This would be setting yourself up for failure and worse, jeopardizing your relationship with your client. If you are arriving in a place you have previously visited, staying with friends, or have other support systems in place you may be able to shorten this cushion. However, even with a great support system allow yourself several days for adjustment.
The second aspect of time zone issues will be keeping time zones straight for making appointments and meetings on time. This can be especially tricky if you travel during time zone changes such as the switch out of daylight savings. Be aware that not all countries switch and if they do, they do not all switch on the same dates. You may also be dealing with international date lines so that your U.S. Friday meeting occurs on Saturday where you are. One of the easiest ways to keep track of these differences is by investing in a time zone clock for your computer desktop or a watch that allows you to see both zones. If you have to deal with more than 2 time zones, the computer desktop clock is the simpler way to go. Don’t piss off your best customer by calling him at 3 am! (One great time zone clock is found at ZoneTick.com.)
Your Travel Companions
It may be that you are traveling with a companion, spouse, or children. Bear in mind that while you are conducting business, they will need to be occupying themselves somehow. It is imperative that you have a frank discussion with whoever travels with you about the fact that you will need to continue working once you arrive at your destination. Discuss what types of activities they might like to do during your working hours so that all parties are satisfied with the situation. Alternatively, use time zone differences to your advantage squeezing your working hours into early mornings or evenings and being free to see the sights with your companions.
Balance
Remember that you didn’t travel half way around the world to recreate the same rat race you came out of. What is the point of being on a beautiful island if you do nothing more than gaze out the window at it from your desk? Take a serious look at how much work you can cut back on in your new location based on exchange rates. You may find that you can live a comfortable lifestyle working 20 hours per week. If so–go for it! As it says below, Maximize Your Experience! Take time to see your new country, to get to know your neighbors or maybe take a class. Savor this unique experience you’ve worked so hard to create.
Transitions
You may be a mobile nomad, going from place to place every few weeks. If so, treat your transitions as you did your first arrival. Remember that you may run into unexpected events such as trains that are late or lodging that doesn’t work out. Try to free up your work schedule for a couple of days after each transition so that you and your clients are not stressed should one of these occurrences happen.
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