Workation - From A(dventure) zu Z(OKU)

Workation – a term that may raise eyebrows, elicit cynical smiles, or leave others puzzled. But after my second workation, I feel compelled to share my experiences because this concept has proven to be an incredibly enriching period of my life.

Adventure

It was another great adventure. I wouldn't say it was a vacation. For me, the second syllable stands for "inspiration", allowing me to explore new locations and cultures while staying productive.

Location

The second time, I had the pleasure of choosing ZOKU as my ideal workation spot. With micro-apartments featuring their own small kitchen and bathroom, a rooftop co-working space, a bar, and a spacious terrace where I could answer emails under the open sky, it was a haven for productivity and rejuvenation.

It is helpful to have your own kitchen, not only to save a lot of money but also to have the opportunity to check out supermarkets in another country and try out new meals based on the local products.

Workspace

One of the keys to a successful workation for me is finding a suitable co-working space that caters to the needs of all parties involved. At ZOKU, we had a dedicated Co-Working Space we could use as we were traveling together. When I had calls or workshops, I ensured that I had the necessary tools to create an optimal workspace in the apartment. Simple adjustments, like using books to elevate my screen for video calls and adding a curtain as a professional backdrop, made a world of difference.

Connecting

What made my workation truly special was the sense of connection. Engaging in community dinners at the hotel and exchanging ideas with fellow co-workers created a vibrant and supportive atmosphere. Networking and building relationships with like-minded individuals enriched my professional journey.

At the same time, it was great to stay connected to the team as well as friends and family. Kudos especially to you Stefan, if you are reading this, for making it a very delightful experience for our plants at home ;).

Culture

Discovering the local culture was an integral part of my workation experience. I finally had the time to immerse myself in "normal" life and explore alternative neighborhoods. I marveled at the distinct architectural styles and embraced the sense of community in each area.

Libraries became my go-to places, offering a tranquil environment to work and a treasure trove of knowledge to explore.

Of course, we have been to plenty of museums. As we had enough time, we went during the week and had so much more space than on weekends. On Sundays when it was too hot and crowded, we spent our afternoons in the co-working space.

One of my highlights was an old hall that was refurbished as a community center. Everyday people from the neighborhood come there to dance and exchange:

I am very certain that I would not have discovered this place if I had only been here for a long weekend.

Duration

All in all, my four-week workation was the perfect duration for me to dive deep into the local culture while avoiding an extended absence from home. It allowed me to strike a harmonious balance between work and adventure, and I returned home feeling inspired.

Money

Managing finances is essential, and I found that setting a budget and transferring it to a dedicated bank account provided me with the necessary overview and freedom. It allowed me to make the most out of my workation experience, even though the last week turned out to be the most intense and expensive. The investment was worth every penny!

Projects

Moreover, workation goes beyond the realm of work. It offers a unique opportunity to choose a project to focus on and achieve personal goals during this period. The change in environment enhances creativity and motivation, leading to a more fulfilling work experience. For me, it was digging into all the books I read in the first 6 months of this year and thinking about where and how to use this knowledge.

For me, workation is so much more than just a buzzword; it's an enriching experience that broadens horizons, fosters personal growth, and ignites creativity. Share your thoughts: Have you embarked on a workation journey, or are you considering one? What would be your place to "workate"? ✈️🌴

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