Although the pandemic has had a lot of impact around the world in recent years, there are also some positive aspects that Covid has brought: one of them is working remotely. For a large group of people, it is still possible to work from another location after the corona period is over. And because of this, there is a new group of buyers for us to hear from. In addition, we also see people with their own business or working as self-employed workers, for example, choosing to work from the sunny south for part of the year. This month, we asked some of these customers how they experience this:

Sonja Kornet in Canillas de Aceituno

You have had a house in La Axarquia for several years now. In the beginning, was the idea of working remotely for you as well?
"Not directly, at that time we started thinking about our retirement and liked the idea of being able to enjoy Spain not only 'later when we grow up', but also now (see earlier blog) Of course, for the frequency that we can be in Spain, it helps that I can work remotely. In the summer months, we rent out our house and the rest of the year we try to spend 1 week in Spain every 5 to 6 weeks."   

How do you like working from Spain?  
"It’s so nice. Of course, it's important to have a good internet connection. I am -together with my associate Monique- recruiter for marketing, communication and top digital talent. We place experienced people with an agency mentality with advertising agencies and companies. I sometimes jokingly say "I spend all day typing and chatting". Phone, laptop and good connection are then essential. And although we live "in the campo" in the mountains, those facilities are fine. In the past eight years, it has happened maybe three times that the power went out. Well, then you have to be patient but usually you are back up and running within the hour."   
   
What are the advantages for you of working from a different location? What disadvantages do you experience?  
"In the early years, I did find it inconvenient because I couldn't have 'live' meetings for an intake with my candidates, so during the week I was in Spain, I was mostly searching. But since Corona, it has become very common, that people do all meetings via videocall, so that made it more relaxed for me too. People often don't notice that I am doing the intake from another country.   

The only disadvantage I can think of is when I have to be in the Netherlands to visit a new client . It is mainly to be able to "smell, taste and feel" the company in order to make the ultimate match with a candidate. But even that is easy to plan because we often only go to Spain for 1 week."  

What would you like to give future home buyers and remote workers as a tip?  
"A good connection is important. Also make sure you have a place where you can work quietly, be it indoors or outdoors. Also, don't forget to enjoy your surroundings. A bit of a pitfall for me is that I am "always" working, feeling "guilty" for being able to work in the sun for a week in the winter months. These days, I can better let go of that and, for example, work from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and then go for a nice walk or "go down" to do some shopping, because that takes more (travel) time here than a quick walk to the supermarket in the Netherlands. Oh, and make no mistake, the sun is not always shining. The photo is from 2016 and it was in the month of May. In the Netherlands the sparrows fell dead from the roof, in Canillas de Aceituno it rained for a whole week. Something they crave now.... I would actually say: rent a house in Spain first and, above all, go and see if it works for you." 

Jonathan Toebes in Sedella

You have had a house in Sedella, La Axarquia, since last autumn. Was the idea of working remotely even in the beginning for you guys?  
"We were looking for a house where we could work and relax, so it was definitely a requirement that the house, surroundings and facilities would allow this. Important considerations are enough space, easy access and a good internet connection! Especially now that fibre-optic is available, this goes very well."  
  
How do you like working from Spain?  
"Very well, in the past few months we have worked from Spain twice (now the renovation is almost finished) and the next working holiday is already planned. Working in the Spanish climate and seeing the mountains directly from your office is fantastic. When you finish your working day/week, you are really away from it all, wonderful!"   
  
What are the advantages for you of working from a different location? What disadvantages do you experience?  
"The advantage is that you are really in a different environment and get out more after work. The climate also helps with this. In addition, the quiet life in Sedella/Spain is contagious. This works nicely. The cons are not there, provided you manage this. You have to organise your schedule in such a way that working remotely can actually work well. This is in your own hands."   
  
What would you give future home buyers and remote workers as a tip?  
"Look carefully at location and facilities. Don't skimp on the wifi. It's as simple as that. In terms of work, of course, everyone has their own requirements but mainly being sure of the right working environment is key. So think about what you need, and make sure this is in place before you start working remotely." 

Sanne van Schaik in Sedella

You have had a house in Sedella for almost 2 years now. In the beginning, was the idea of working remotely for you too?  
"For me as a sole trader, of course as for all other entrepreneurs, the beginning of the pandemic was incredibly exciting. I had only just started working for myself for a year when the world went on lockdown. What were my clients going to do, would my commissions stop? On the contrary, I got incredibly busy! And because I too started working entirely from home and there was no more travelling time, this fitted in perfectly. So it was during the pandemic that my Spanish dream started to take more shape. Because of this shift, I still continued to work partly or fully remotely for many of my clients. Since the purchase of my house in spring 2021, I have therefore been working regularly from Sedella."   
  
How do you like working from Spain?  
"At intervals of about 2 months, I always work from Spain for a few weeks and I wouldn't want it any other way. A good internet and phone connection is all I need to do my work. I start up early in the morning to be able to close my laptop in the early afternoon and enjoy the garden and pool. Or go out for lunch, drinks, padel or dinner with various new contacts I've made since staying in Spain."   

What are the advantages for you of working from a different location? What disadvantages do you experience?  
"By now, I have found my niche pretty well. I have a fairly tight schedule in the morning, so I can enjoy the sun and the surroundings in the afternoon. In the beginning, I sometimes found this difficult and was actually still working all day. What also works as an advantage for me is that I don't have any appointments that cost me travel time. I usually meet online and those meetings are much more effective.  

I can't really think of any disadvantages! By alternating working in the Netherlands and Spain, my weeks never look the same and that variation suits me well."  
  
What would you like to give future homebuyers and remote workers as a tip?  
"Make sure you have a good schedule and a quiet place to work. I have now created a corner in my cottage where I work from. This way, the rest of the house is for leisure and relaxation. And finally, also inform your colleagues, clients or customers about your planning. This will prevent you from still working all day."