Remote working has been at the heart of MeetingPackage since the very beginning. The MeetingPackage team consists of professionals from over 20 nationalities, many of whom live worldwide.
One of them is Jukka Rippinen, who works as a HubSpot Specialist in MeetingPackage's marketing team. Jukka is responsible for sales and marketing automation and its smooth operation. He ensures the sales and customer success teams get the most out of our CRM and effectively use its latest features.
Jukka exploring one of his workcation locations.
"One of the most fantastic perks of working at MeetingPackage is the flexibility to work remotely. This winter, I traveled to Portugal for my winter escape. In previous years, I have worked in more exotic destinations like Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Morocco."
This year traveling to Portugal was easy since Jukka could begin his trip directly from Malaga, where MeetingPackage's annual kickoff was held.
Why consider working remotely from abroad?
"It's a great way to learn more about different cultures, meet like-minded people, and explore new places on weekend trips. Spending extended time in a new culture not only broadens your understanding of the world but also helps you appreciate what you have back home.
I love living in Helsinki — but only for about eight months of the year. I’m not a fan of the winter; the dark, cold months can be tough. Escaping the darkness for a while makes the rest of the year much more bearable."
How do you see working remotely in a foreign country?
Working from different surroundings has its own tricks; some things might surprise a remote worker. Time differences and cultural differences in open hours are something to consider. Here are our tips for remote workers to make remote work efficient and enjoyable.
- Find a Local Coworking Space: A coworking space is a must for extended stays. It provides reliable internet, ergonomic workstations, and sometimes an extra monitor, along with a clear boundary between work and leisure. Plus, they're great for networking if you're traveling alone. Try to choose one within walking distance from your accommodation so you don't spend money commuting. In Portugal, coworking spaces cost around 10-15€ per day.
Keep your working ergonomics intact. Also, remember to hydrate. - The Best Setup for a Smooth Working Experience: Equip yourself with essentials like a keyboard, mouse, and laptop stand. You spend long hours on your laptop, so do not compromise working ergonomics even though you are not at your regular comfy office.
A noise-canceling headphones with a proper mic that blocks background noise is essential for clear communication in meetings. Working from cafes and coworks might get loud and get you distracted. This is especially important if you work in sales or other roles involving many online meetings.
Also, ensure your stay location has dependable Wi-Fi, and consider a local SIM card for backup in areas with less reliable internet service. - Manage Time Zone Differences: Adapting to a time zone difference meant starting your day early or late to sync with main office time. Also, ensure that your calendar invites get updated to your local timezone to avoid awkward situations where you are waiting for the meeting to start 2 hours prior 😱.
Consider that coworking spaces might have later opening and early closing times, which could affect your preferred work schedule. This proved to be a problem, especially during drop-in visits. If you get a membership that lasts more than a week, it often includes a 24-hour access code. - Rent Out Your Own Apartment While You're Away: Consider renting out your furnished apartment while you travel. There's a surprising demand for short-term rentals in larger cities, which can help you avoid paying double rent during your time abroad. It possibly allows you to enjoy your remote work period even longer and helps to keep the plants watered back home.
- Prepare for Envy: Expect some playful jealousy from your colleagues, especially when you share updates about enjoying the sunshine while they are in the middle of a blizzard, even though it is already mid-April.
Bringing gifts and local delicacies back home to your colleagues often helps to soften the sharpest gags. (editorial note: Jukka has failed to bring treats)
Remote work can significantly improve your work-life balance and overall well-being. If you want to work with Jukka and other MeetingPackage travelers, check out our open positions. We wish every traveler a productive and enjoyable workcation. Safe travels!
