Opportunity in the Outback: Remote Work in Rural Australia

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Remote work is not only about white-sandy beaches and hyper-tech cities buzzing with life. In fact, for several reasons, some remote workers choose something entirely different: rural areas. 

☕ Grab a cuppa, get comfy & enjoy this edition of the Remote Work Digest. Today we bring you the story of Kylie Magner and Wayne Robertson, two professionals that have chosen rural Australia as their location for remote work and both of whom I have had the pleasure to meet in person.

Introduction: Rural remote work has emerged as a prominent trend, revolutionising the traditional notions of employment and location. Several factors have contributed to the rise of rural remote work and its increasing popularity.

• With the proliferation of high-speed internet, video conferencing tools, cloud-based collaboration platforms, and other digital innovations, it has become easier for professionals to work remotely from the comfort of their rural homes. This accessibility has enabled individuals to enjoy the benefits of a rural lifestyle without compromising their careers.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has acted as a catalyst for adopting remote work across various industries and a motivation to choose more isolated locations.
• The desire for a better work-life balance, access to nature, lower living costs, and a sense of community motivate professionals to choose rural areas for remote work.

In the case of Australia, Jo Palmer , founder of Pointer Remote , which supports forward-thinking employers engage with the best talent from across Australia, comments:

“COVID has highlighted what many in rural Australia have been advocating for for years - that talent is not restricted by location. With more people relocating from the cities to work remotely, the voices for improved services that enable remote work has grown louder and louder"

Pointer Remote has supported over $23 million dollars worth of salaries into rural Australia, since it's inception in 2017.

Kylie Magner - Managing a Regenerative Farm in Ireland from Rural Australia

Kylie is an Australian who has spent a significant amount of time living in Ireland and is currently based in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales, Australia.

She runs a regenerative farm in Co. Tipperary, Ireland, which started as a project to produce ethical food for her family but turned into a successful business.

Despite being located in a remote area, Kylie can coordinate the farm's administration and management from Australia, thanks to reliable wifi and the installation of Starlink, a satellite-based broadband service.

“Managing a farm remotely, once the systems are in place, it’s about keeping the whole thing ticking along with accounts and administration”, explains Kylie.

Kylie speaks and presents about regenerative agriculture and she is also a writer and is currently writing a children's book about farming.

She also highlights remote work's significance for staying connected with the farming community, staying updated on practices, and inspiring other farmers.

>>> Digital nomad, Stella Venturosa, is soon reaching her third anniversary working remotely from rural towns!

Wayne Robertson - From Sydney to Ocean Grove

Wayne is currently the Operations Director at YPO, with a career journey that started with corporate roles in professional and financial services. Although he enjoyed strategic planning and collaboration, the commute and open office spaces in Sydney became tedious.

“Subconsciously, I think I started to push the boundaries way back – taking more and more “work from home” days to do focused work. And frankly, “I really enjoyed being in my own space at home”, he adds 

In 2016, Wayne didn't actively seek a fully remote job, but when the opportunity arose, he seized it. He now works for YPO, a not-for-profit organization focused on developing leaders through lifelong learning and idea exchange. He values the positive impact YPO aims to make and appreciates working for a globally distributed company.

Realizing the freedom of remote work, Wayne and his partner, Doug, sold their apartment in Sydney and moved to a coastal town.

>>> Explore Pawel's story about his PRIDE in combining travel and remote work as an LGBTQ+ couple.

Now, Wayne finds fulfilment in the simple pleasures of beach living and being part of a small community. For instance, his desk overlooks the ocean, providing inspiration and a sense of calm.

Wayne's daily "commute" now involves an hour-long walk along the beach, stopping for coffee and connecting with locals. These beach walks were especially beneficial for his mental well-being during Melbourne's long lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also cherishes the opportunity to spend each day at home with Doug and their dachshund, Josie.

When feeling bored or frustrated with work, he can take breaks, enjoy outings with his dog, or relax in the backyard.

Wayne's remote work experience has provided him with a fulfilling lifestyle and a deeper appreciation for the small joys in life!

>>> Meet Linda McCall digital nomading with her dog, Dakar.

Conclusion

The rise of rural remote work in Australia represents a significant shift in work dynamics and lifestyle choices. With the availability of digital infrastructure, professionals are embracing the opportunity to work from picturesque rural areas, seeking a better work-life balance, improved well-being, and a stronger connection with nature and community.

Both Kylie and Wayne's stories exemplify the positive impact of rural remote work, where the simple pleasures of a beach or countryside lifestyle and the freedom to work from anywhere converge to create a fulfilling professional journey. As technology continues to evolve and remote work becomes more prevalent, the trend of rural, remote work in Australia is expected to thrive further, opening new doors of possibility for professionals seeking a more fulfilling and serene work environment.

🙏 Thanks to Elisa Tarzia & Stella Venturosa González ✨ for their expert support in this article compilation.

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