Asking opens up opportunities! I asked i-spark if I could work from abroad for a few months, and they said yes. So I took this opportunity to go South of Europe, where I currently reside in Portugal. Over a month ago my boyfriend and I packed our suitcases, made the necessary preparations and took the plane to Porto.
Day-To-Day
Settling in our new environment took some adjustment, but soon we found our day-to-day rhythm. Our mornings typically begin with a cup of coffee enjoyed while watching the sunrise from our apartment. Around 8AM, we start working on data and having meetings. The weekly meetings and our main communication tool Slack, give me the feeling that I am still connected to my colleagues and involved in the company. However, it is not the same as being in the office and I do miss those moments.
After a few hours of work, we have lunch outside on the patio. Then we continue to work until around 4 or 5 pm. When finished working we will stroll around the city, discover neighbourhoods and do some sightseeing.
In the evenings we either eat-in or choose a cozy restaurant.
Outside office hours
In this digital age there are many apps to meet other people. For instance, we recently attended a lightning talks event in Lisbon, hosted on Meetup. People could give a 5-minute presentation about a topic that they are passionate about. Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities for free activities such as yoga classes, kickboxing sessions and pilates. During the weekend we plan trips that are further from the city. We go on hikes, explore other cities and enjoy Portugal’s nature.
Was it worth it?
Definitely! So far, this experience has been great. I can’t believe it’s winter and we had our first beach day of the year. I am looking forward to the upcoming months and discovering more places. Next stop, Madeira!
