Happy Friday everyone — except for us workaholics, in which case it’s just 3 days until Monday!
The ability to work from anywhere in the world is a privilege that modern technology has gifted us. It’s a freedom that would have seemed unimaginable to past generations. Whether I’m working from my apartment in Tenerife or a high-rise in Dubai, it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come in blending work and life seamlessly, especially post-Covid.
But for me, this freedom hasn’t always come with a sense of gratitude. Instead, it’s often been overshadowed by a strange sense of guilt — as if I didn’t deserve it, or that I was somehow bypassing the traditional concept of “work.”
Looking back, I realize this feeling likely stems from my upbringing. Like many, I was raised to believe that hard work meant physically showing up — day in, day out. My parents and grandparents worked tirelessly, often sacrificing personal comfort to provide for the family. Their dedication left a deep mark on me, creating a belief that hard work equaled struggle and sacrifice.
My journey into remote work actually started with trading cryptocurrency, and the success I found there felt at odds with those deeply held values. I’d make significant money in just a few hours a day, but instead of enjoying the success, I was conflicted. I felt like I was betraying the lessons that shaped me — that value comes from effort and presence.
Recently, personal circumstances led me to confront these feelings. I sought hypnotherapy to address this internal conflict, and through those sessions, I revisited my childhood memories and the origins of my guilt. It helped me reframe my thinking. What I once saw as divergence from my upbringing, I now see as its evolution. My ability to work remotely isn’t cheating the system — it’s a testament to the hard work of previous generations. Their sacrifices paved the way for the freedom I now enjoy.
For those who know me, it’s no secret I have ADHD, and my unconventional work life actually allows me to thrive. The flexibility to set my own hours, work from anywhere, and create my own structure has made me more productive, confident, and happier than ever. It’s the key to unlocking my true potential, and it’s compounded my personal and professional growth.
Don’t get me wrong — I still work harder than almost anyone I know, and I have moments of self-doubt. Those habits are ingrained in me, and probably will be until the end. But the shift in mindset over the last 12 months has been profound.
For anyone who feels they don’t fit into the “traditional” way of working — whether through experiences like mine or your own unique challenges — I encourage you to embrace who you are. Follow what your heart wants. There’s no single “right” path to success, no matter what society teaches us from a young age.
