Working on the Road with Kids

With increasing connectivity, the term office is becoming more abstract — even on a family vacation. Anyone who uses a computer for work can essentially do it from anywhere, at any time, with a few helpful tips.

Working while on a family getaway isn’t the first choice for productivity, but it’s often necessary. Families taking the kids out of school to travel or vacation for an extended period may need to work remotely to stay afloat.

Keep up with your day job while on the road with these tricks of the trade.

Lists Are Your Friend

Organization is key and whether you’re a visual or auditory learner, having a list of to dos is a great way to stay on top of everything. Get creative and be as broad or specific as you need. Have a daily list, weekly list and general assignment list so you can break down what you have due, when and even read your tasks aloud to organize your thoughts.

Use Your Calendars

Set reminders on your tech, but don’t overdo it. Sync your phone or computer calendar with your work email and have alerts remind you and help prioritize appointments and assignments. If you have a particularly busy vacation itinerary, block out time before planned tours, dinners, etc., so you’re not distracted during family and fun time.

Make Time

Speaking of time, working on the road doesn’t necessarily mean 9 a.m.–5 p.m. You’re going to need to make time where and when you can. Prioritize particularly important and time-sensitive assignments earlier in the day, trip or gap year to allow for ample time for the little things. Sticking to deadlines is the only way to stay in business in and out of the office, but getting ahead of deadlines is a great way to enjoy your vacation.

Invest in Tech

Having a personal hotspot and portable charger can be a game changer. If you find yourself traveling with spotty WiFi or cramming into a coffee shop to get connected, you can save yourself a lot of trouble with well-purposed tech.

Stay on Top of Calls and Emails

You can check, flag and organize your inbox all you want, but if you don’t respond to emails and stay connected from afar, you may begin to fall behind — or at least appear to be back at the office. Communicate as regularly as possible and make sure you maintain your work presence, even on the road.

Being able to easily access your work, colleagues and clients from nearly anywhere is a gift and a curse — do it right and make your work, work for you.