Working on the Road
If “where are you going?” and “when are you leaving?” were the two most popular questions we got as we were preparing for this lifestyle change, “what are you going to do for work?” was a very close third. While my partner years ago strategically chose a profession that he can do pretty much anywhere, I found myself in a more difficult position. My fun part-time job at a small dog treat bakery in the picturesque town of Newburyport, MA had quickly become a full-time job, complete with an amazing friendship with the owner and coupled with a deep passion and commitment to her business. Whoops.
We’d already begun planning our eventual shift to full-time travel when I got the job, and I was very transparent with my boss, who was disappointed at the thought of me leaving but very supportive of me chasing my dreams. Side bar: Can I get a big amen for all of the incredible bosses out there? The shitty ones always get the spotlight but the good ones literally change lives. Here here!
Anyway, the longer I was with the business and the more invested I became, the less I could actually imagine myself leaving. I began to brainstorm ways that I could still be involved and work from afar, and started dropping hints. Finally she told me “Come up with a remote work proposal and we’ll have a meeting.”
I researched all of the different ways I could help the business grow from a strictly online capacity: social media manager, content creator, graphic designer, copywriter. Those were just a few jobs I looked at, and I rolled them all into one job description and we had our meeting. Turns out, we were completely on the same page! We discussed some of the different ideas we had and agreed I would take a little break between in-person work and remote work, since by that time we were in the thick of preparing and packing for our first outing in the Airstream.
I couldn’t stay away for long though. I started out slow, at just few hours a week, which gave us a chance to iron out the details and work out the bugs. I’m still learning how to balance work and life, which can be further complicated by spotty WiFi and travel days, but I’m genuinely enjoying it so far. It’s different than anything I’ve ever done, but I am so grateful for the opportunity and am fully embracing the chance to learn some new skills and stay connected to a human and a business that I truly believe in.
Obviously, not everyone finds themselves in the type of situation where they can adapt an in-person job to a remote one - we learned that during the pandemic. But it certainly doesn’t hurt to ask. The worst answer I could have gotten was no, which would have been totally fine. I just happened to get the best possible answer, “Yes!”
If you’d like to check it out, the name of the bakery is Quinn’s Canine Cafe. Again, the store is located in Newburyport, MA, but if that’s a bit of a hike check out our website at www.quinnscaninecafe.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram/Threads (@quinnsk9cafe). The treats are organic, locally sourced, preservative-free, and available to order online!