Longer hours and little social interaction: The hidden downsides of working abroad
A man who thought he had landed his dream job abroad taking cats on walks has revealed the hidden truths about his new role. Josh Askew, 28, found himself working longer hours than expected after moving to Lithuania and embracing remote work. While he enjoyed the flexibility and lower cost of living, he also highlighted the challenges of never meeting his colleagues in person and the difficulty in making friends. These downsides serve as a cautionary tale for those considering working abroad.
The lure of remote work and a slower pace of life
Josh Askew, originally from Brighton, East Sussex, had been commuting between London and Vilnius, Lithuania, where his girlfriend was studying. After realizing the benefits of remote work during the pandemic, he decided to make the move permanently. He enjoyed the lower cost of living in Lithuania and the ability to take his two Bengal cats for walks during his lunch breaks. However, he soon discovered that his work-life balance was not as ideal as he had initially thought.
The unexpected drawbacks of remote work
Josh revealed that he found himself working longer hours than his colleagues based in offices. He explained, "There's no escape from it. You end up doing half an hour here and an hour there, and it all adds up." While he appreciated the lack of commute and the ability to enjoy a more leisurely and flexible lifestyle, he acknowledged that the lack of face-to-face interaction made it harder to form friendships and connect with coworkers.
The downsides of working from home
Josh's experience serves as a cautionary tale for those considering remote work or working abroad. Recent studies have shown that remote work can lead to increased feelings of unhappiness and isolation. Additionally, working from home has been linked to negative health effects, such as increased sedentary behavior and poor dietary habits. It is important for individuals to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision about their work arrangement, taking into consideration factors such as social interaction, work-life balance, and overall well-being.
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