Out with the Cold, In with the New: My NYC to Florida WFH Story

I commuted to New York City from Long Island for years, digging my car out of the snow, driving to the train station, trudging to and from the train all the way to my office. It was a tedious ordeal and I dreaded it every time. Looking back, I realize that with this predictable chore awaiting me every day, I wasn’t at my best mentally, or even physically, as I often caught a cold! The truth is, I hate New York winters, and I always have. I thought that living through them was just another requirement to climb the corporate ladder, and maybe it was…but no longer. Remote work is here to stay.

Fast forward to today: I wake up each day in Florida, smiling as the sun shines through my windows. I walk or ride my bike almost every morning. I have delicious, fresh fruit year-round and here, I am even able to mostly eat farm-to-table. I spend hours outside every day, I’m becoming a decent golfer! For my first winter EVER, I am happy and healthy. Finally!

I have an office in my house, and I keep “office hours.” Here’s the thing: Discipline is the key to making it work.

The lure of the beautiful weather and outdoor activities is why I’m here, and while I sometimes feel that pull from my desk, I don’t lose sight of how to make my work situation sustainable. I still have to put in the hours and do my job, but now with limited distractions, non-existent water cooler conversations, and, best of all, NO COMMUTE. It takes me less time to accomplish what I previously would spend 8+ hours doing each day, and don’t even mention the time wasted in transit.

Making remote work for you requires certain conditions:

• Have a supportive boss and colleagues that are comfortable with you being remote
• Have a designated office in your home
• Establish a work schedule that fulfills your company needs
• Be self-reliant, disciplined, and IT-savvy
• Build friendships in your new location — socializing is still important
• Pursue the passions and hobbies that created your enthusiasm to want to work remotely, reward yourself

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