With the hopeful end of the pandemic near, life seems to be returning to normal-ish. However, there have been lessons learned that may be valuable to a future cruising lifestyle…
Grand plans for the future need to be modified if we plan to depart for distant horizons in the near future. We’d hoped to bank a whole bunch of money to build up a cruising kitty, but COVID-19 had other plans. Now, cruising looks like it will need to be supported by some remote work along the way.
As our careers have altered to “work-from-home” scenarios, the obvious benefits are appearing from the experience. First, laptops are critical to our professional existences, along with phones and a solid internet connection. With these things, we seem to be able to generate around $3000 a month, so far – not a lot by shore-side standards, but more than sufficient to live a wonderful life afloat.
We already transitioned our electronics package to all 12 volt equipment. This was so we can run off batteries/solar panels. Our wireless router has a cellular modem built in, so when we unplug from the dock we are still connected when in range of the rest of the cellular world.
The rest is simply “figuring out” logistics. In the photo above, notice how Sanaz has made use of the galley dinette. First, she turned the table sideways to make it more desk-like. Add in her tea, candle, Bluetooth speaker for ambient music and a Bob Ross Chia Pet (yet to be sprouted), and her “office” is ready for her day. By looking at this photo, you can’t tell whether we’re off-shore or tied to the dock. Neither can her clients. The pajamas are, of course, part of any work at home scenario, regardless of boat or home office.
Her workday usually ends by 3:00 pm, then the dinette is quickly converted back to a dining table in time for dinner. A days work well done.