10 tips to make staying with family or friends an enjoyable working vacation.
Being able to visit friends and family is a major benefit of working remotely. If clear boundaries and expectations are not set upfront your working vacation can turn into a working nightmare. Here are 10 tips to help keep your stay fun and productive.
Keep your stay to a month or less
In our experience this is about the amount of time before you go from a welcomed house guest to an unwanted presence.
Explain what you need to work/live
How fast do you need your internet to be? What kind of office space do you need? How much privacy while working do you need? Would a toddler busting into the room mid meeting be a problem or a clever angle in your sales pitch?
Offer to pay
Look around on Airbnb to find a comparable stay, and offer to pay that. This offer lets them know that you appreciate you letting them stay, while showcasing that you do not wish to be a burden.
Stick to a schedule
Have a schedule and communicate this to your host so they know when you are working.
Invite them to spend time in their own house
Say “We are planning on staying in on Wednesday to cook dinner. Would you like to join us?“ This is a subtle way of saying even when we are here we don’t always need/want to hang out.
Be open to suggestions but do not ask them to be your tour guide
Before visiting make sure to plan ahead with a list of things you want to do. Share this list before you arrive, this lets them know what you like to do so they can make recommendations, while also letting them know you have your own agenda and won’t rely upon them for entertainment.
Have do not disturb guidelines
We use a hanger on a door to signal “Do Not Disturb”, but any clear signal is fine. The important thing is to discuss this beforehand. Say “I am going to put a hanger on the door to let you know when I am in a meeting so you don’t accidentally interrupt” not “You can’t come in.”
Its ok to say no
It is easy for your host to think “Oh good there is an extra set of hands around the house.” Help when you can of course, but don’t fall into the trap of becoming an unpaid handyperson.
Explain your job
They do not need the details, but some basic understanding is important. For example, throughout my day I have to juggle multiple tasks at a time. When I go to the kitchen, I am still thinking about all those tasks. If I stop and talk it breaks my concentration. You can also say I am expected to answer alarms in under a minute so if a ding goes off no matter what I must focus on that. A work day at home is still a work day and it’s important to have clear boundaries.
Be prepared to leave
If you feel like staying any longer could hurt your relationship, make up a reason and leave. The most important thing is maintaining your connection to your friends and family, make sure to prioritize creating space when necessary.
Bonus tip
Don’t forget to tell them any special dietary/health needs you have, this makes all the difference at family meals.