Words by Della Vreeland Images Supplied
The world wants to believe that the dreaded ‘C’ word is a thing of the past. Perhaps it is (apparently it is being downgraded from pandemic to endemic) and perhaps it quite isn’t. Either way, there’s no denying the trauma of the last three years has sown itself deep within our core.
That being said, there are many lessons we’ve managed to reap during the pandemic that will hopefully lend themselves to a more fruitful and wholesome lifestyle in the future. Of those is the ability to work remotely.
With the flabbergasting property prices in the city, combined with the rising cost of living, making the move to regional Victoria is fast becoming an alluring option for families, couples and singles alike. But what about those who don’t wish to leave their city jobs either because of the attractive salary, or the career opportunities provided?
Cue remote working. We’ve put together a list of reasons why the move to a regional centre will in fact allow you to be a more productive employee – not only benefiting your employer, but also your entire well-being. So you’ll have a pretty compelling argument to put forward when your boss asks you what your thinking is.
It’s called the internet
It’s the 21st century, so with a little bit of research you can find a pretty decent internet connection – whether the city slickers choose to believe it or not. So for those who have an office job, or at least the majority of their work entails sitting at a desk, making the move somewhere more affordable and less stressful is quickly becoming a no-brainer!
The traffic solution
According to a recent report, Melbourne outer-suburb drivers spent 79 hours in traffic a year. To think that you can not only move to an area that has little to no traffic, but that you can also beat the daily commute by working remotely – that has to say something about your overall mental health. Which leads us to the next point.
Mental health and overall well-being
Picture this. You’re working from home. Your mortgage is a fraction of the price of what you’d pay in the city – automatically mitigating your stress levels (plus you have a backyard. Winner winner). You have more time and money for holidays. You’re home for dinner at a reasonable time (not sitting idle on the highway all day, everyday). You’ve escaped the hustle and bustle and don’t need to spend your life keeping up with the Joneses. Yet you’ve still managed to maintain the city job you love. Is someone doing the maths here???
Increased output
Working from home means less distractions, which lends itself to further productivity and a whole lotta output – something your boss isn’t going to argue with. If you can prove that your output is just as good, if not better, then you’re well on the way to securing the relaxing regional life you seek. And if you’re required to head into the office on occasion, many regional cities offer great public transport services direct into Southern Cross Station.
How’s the serenity?
The tranquil surrounds of regional Victoria cannot be beat, and provide an idyllic backdrop from which to set up your work base. Whether you’re wafting the sweet ocean breeze, overlooking the rolling hills, or nestled within the lush native woodlands, the state’s landscapes offer such versatility and do wonders in instilling a sense of calm and composure. That can only be good for morale.
Time to spend with loved ones
If there’s another thing that COVID has taught us, it’s that time spent with loved ones is indeed a precious, precious commodity. To be able to work from home, knock off right at 5pm and spend the maximum amount of time with family and friends, really is a bounty. Too much of our lives are becoming occupied with the mundanity of the every day – waking, driving, working, sleeping. So to be able to add more meaningful elements of love, conversation, friendship and generosity into the mix cannot be understated.
Of course, there are many things one needs to take into account when working from home. How to remain disciplined (the laundry can wait) or how to maintain connections (it can be difficult not to have that constant face-to-face interaction). But really, it’s (literally) a small price to pay for the benefits of it all.
We wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.
