Going remote for a year
Photo: Contributed
A Kelowna woman is “going remote” for a year.
Communications specialist Michelle Hargrave is one of 75 people selected from 25,000 applicants around the world to spend a year working, traveling and exploring 12 cities as part of the Remote Year program.
She’ll leave Kelowna March 4 to join the group at its first stop, in Split, Croatia.
“I was at that stage in my career where I needed to refresh my mind and soul, to reignite my creativity and combine my passion for travel,” said Hargrave. “I took that scary leap of faith and trusted my dream, even when I didn’t know how it was going to come together. This program is intriguing, as you’re pushing yourself outside any comfort zone –but you’re not alone on the journey.”
Spending one month in each location, the group continues to work at their own jobs (or new ones), connects with local cultures and business networks, often forming lifelong, borderless relationships.
Participants pay to enter the program, but all travel accommodation and workspaces are included, along with community-building events.
“I’ve worked from home for a day or two, but this program takes the idea of remote work to a whole new level,” said Hargrave. “Business today is largely done over the Internet, or by phone and video conference, so there’s no need to work from a traditional office. Why not make your office anywhere in the world?”
Hargrave took a leave of absence from her regular work and launched a freelance business, Michelle Hargrave Communications, that she will work at for the coming year.
“I’m overwhelmed with the support I’ve received from my peers,” she said. “They’ve provided advice and cheered me on along the way.”
You can follow Hargrave’s journey at www.michellehargrave.com.
The group’s itinerary is:
- March – Split, Croatia
- April – Prague, Czech Republic
- May – Lisbon, Portugal
- June – Sofia, Bulgaria
- July – Belgrade, Serbia
- August – Valencia, Spain
- September – Buenos Aires, Argentina
- October – Córdoba, Argentina
- November – Lima, Peru
- December – Medellin, Colombia
- January 2018 – Bogota, Colombia
- February 2018 – Mexico City, Mexico
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