The pandemic changed how a lot of us work.  

Maybe you were already working from home or had to quickly make the switch when the pandemic began. A lot of employees are going back to the office now, but companies have decided to make some remote positions permanent. 

Although working remotely was a challenge for a lot of people at first, they’ve adjusted and are maximizing their work-from-home life. Some employees are taking their work on the road, traveling occasionally or full-time. 

Many of us at OpMentors love to take our work on the road. We’re sharing some lessons we’ve learned along the way if you’re thinking about traveling while you work too.  

1. Purchase a Wi-Fi hotspot. 

When you’re working remotely, access to the Internet is a necessity. Most Airbnb spots and hotels have complimentary Wi-Fi. Campgrounds usually have Wi-Fi too, but it’s not always reliable. 

Although service can still be spotty, having a hotspot is your safest bet for Internet access. A lot of cell phones have hotspot capabilities, but using your cell phone quickly drains your battery. With a hotspot, you’ll have access to Wi-Fi without using your phone’s battery or data, and you can purchase as much data as you need for your workload.  

2. Pack extra chargers if you’re camping. 

Access to a power source is another must when working on the road. Make sure you take all of your chargers, and it never hurts to pack extras. 

Like Wi-Fi access, power supplies can be limited. Invest in battery- or solar-powered chargers. You can also save battery life by using devices that require less energy. For example, tablets or smartphones use less energy than laptops so work on those when you’re able. Decreasing the brightness on your screen or closing apps you’re not currently using also saves energy on your devices. 

3. Schedule your time. 

When you’re working on the road, the world is your oyster (or the landlocked parts of it anyway!). With so many possible adventures to take, this lifestyle requires some self-discipline and structure.

You must schedule your time so you’re completing your tasks for work while maximizing your time at each stop along the way. Make sure you have a good system for tracking projects and meetings and make a to-do list every morning before you start your day. You’ll also want to use a calendar to keep up with your check-in and check-out days at each location. 

Weather can change quickly so you’ll want a backup plan if you’re camping or driving long distances. Make sure you have a good app for weather updates — we recommend Storm Shield! 

You’ll want a good navigation app like Google Maps too. iExit is also a great app for finding upcoming exits for gas stops, rest stops, and restaurants. We also recommend sticking to the highways if you’re towing a travel trailer or motorhome. Trust us — we have stories!  

5. Find a Salesforce event near you.

While you’re sightseeing, don’t forget to also look for opportunities for vocational growth and connection. Salesforce offers events around the country like Trailblazer Community Groups or Dreamin’ Events easily found online. 

Although working on the road has its perks, it can also be lonely. Events that offer opportunities for networking and growth allow you to connect with and learn from others in your industry. 

Working on the road takes some getting used to, but these tips will help you make the most of the experience! Remember, our team is always here to help you on your journey to becoming a successful business too. Schedule a call today, and let’s talk about how we can optimize Salesforce and FinancialForce for your business no matter where you are.