Smart Ways to Master Professionalism as a Travelling Freelancer
Freelancing while travelling the world can be an amazing opportunity.
Working from anywhere is unparalleled, yet staying professional while changing time zones, experiencing new cultures, and staying connected can be a balancing act.
How can clients respect you as a business professional while you jet off on new adventures? Below are some tried-and-tested strategies to ensure professionalism during this wanderlust:
Mastering Professionalism as a Travelling Freelancer: 7 Ways
Ways to Professionalism as a Travelling Freelancer #1
Stick to a Schedule (Even If You’re in Bali)
Freedom does not equate to chaos. One of the easiest ways to maintain professionalism is adhering to an organised and well-structured schedule. If your clients are located in different time zones than you, be clear about your working hours and respond promptly at those times. Sync up calendars so as not to miss any meetings. Yes, even that sunrise yoga session can fit in, just not during client calls.
Ways to Professionalism as a Travelling Freelancer #2
Invest in Reliable Technology
Nothing speaks unprofessionalism like being forced out of meetings due to poor internet connection or having your laptop stop functioning mid-project. Make sure you invest in a reliable laptop, portable Wi-Fi hotspot and noise-cancelling headset. Always have backup plans such as spare chargers, cloud storage for work related files and SIM cards in the area in the event something goes haywire with your technology. Having backup plans demonstrates you have everything under control.
Ways to Professionalism as a Travelling Freelancer #3
Master Hot-Desking
Hot-desking can be an incredible asset to remote workers, providing flexibility and access to professional workspaces. When using shared spaces, arrive early to secure a spot with strong internet connectivity and few distractions. Be mindful of others in keeping the area tidy while adhering to any space-specific rules. Bring portable tools, like a compact keyboard or foldable laptop stand, that can help customise the workspace for your comfort. And don’t forget staying adaptable, as hot-desking can help keep your productivity levels high.
Ways to Professionalism as a Travelling Freelancer #4
Prioritise Communication
When working remotely, communication becomes very important. Keep your clients updated on your progress, meet deadlines strictly, and never let emails sit idle too long in your inbox. If personal matters come up which prevent you from being present for some reason or another, make sure they know as soon as possible. Quick updates could prevent any miscommunication.
Ways to Professionalism as a Travelling Freelancer #5
Maintain Your Work Standards
It can be easy to be drawn in by the allure of travel, but your work standards should never suffer as a result of being away from a traditional office space. Strive to minimise distractions while proofreading diligently in order to provide polished deliverables.
Ways to Professionalism as a Travelling Freelancer #6
Dress the Part
Your clients don’t need to know that you’re relaxing in a beach bungalow during a video call, so dress like you would for work (at least from waist up). A crisp shirt and well-lit background can make an enormous statement during an online meeting.
Ways to Professionalism as a Travelling Freelancer #7
Set Boundaries
Travelling freelancers sometimes get the reputation for always being available. To avoid burnout and make sure your work-travel balance remains intact, set clear boundaries with clients regarding availability. Stick to working hours that work for you. Overworking can lead to burnout; the last thing you want when trying to balance work and leisure travel.
Life as a travelling freelancer can be exciting, yet professionalism should never take a back seat. By exercising discipline, using reliable technology, and communicating clearly with clients while upholding high work standards you can strike a balance between wanderlust and work that allows for enjoyable freelancing while meeting client expectations as an experienced professional.
Photos by Kateryna Ivanova
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