In March was Working Remotely’s first group workshop in Valencia. It was a great group with wonderful ladies. One of those ladies was Marja, she wrote a guest blog about her experience. I am so glad that I decided to go on a workstation to Valencia this spring. To experience how it is to combine work and vacation in a totally different environment, with unfamiliar people. And age? That’s just a number, it’s about who you are and what you do. A work station is really not only suitable for 25 to 40 year olds. As long as you are open to your fellow travelers and do not stay in your own bubble, it is a very inspiring way of working. And just to mention my age, for me it is the best way to stay young. Let me introduce myself. I am Marja, 53 years old. I’ve been working in marketing communications in the broadest sense of the word for years, mainly online in recent years, including as a content creator. I have a boyfriend, but no children and I live in the Betuwe. Singing is a hobby of mine (from rock to jazz), besides that I like to dance and I love good food. And the sun is really important to me; it wouldn’t be strange if I moved to a sunny place in a few years. And my work? I’ll just take it with me, won’t I? 
Workation extra boost after corona year
I got through the first corona year just fine, I was already used to working from home 1 day a week, so for me it was not a big switch to do that for a whole week. Instead, I was excited and curious to see how this would work out. And we had nice sunshine in 2020, so the breaks in the garden were fine. The second year I was hoping for a repeat of sorts, with a sunny outdoor life I could also handle a lockdown quite well I thought. Unfortunately, 2021 went into the books as the year with far too few hours of sunshine and I felt more and more like a zombie. Enthusiasm and creativity disappeared like snow in the sun. To make matters worse, the short vacation to Mallorca in April 2021 was cancelled because at exactly that time the Netherlands had code red and flights were canceled. Anyway, after 2021 I needed new impetus, energy and inspiration. Coincidentally, I saw a message from Alieke on Instagram about the Workation she was organizing. Perfect timing as far as I was concerned, so I asked for more information.
Approval for group workstation
At home, I first consulted with my boyfriend. He knew I was in a slump and thought it was a good idea, because for now he himself had no time or opportunity to get away with me. But what would my employer think? I asked my supervisor at OHRA what she thought about going to Valencia on Workation in March. She thought it was a good idea and was especially curious about my findings. To give myself enough flexibility and freedom, I proposed to work half days instead of full days during the group Workation. However, I still had to request official approval to work from abroad. This approval mainly had to do with possible tax aspects and security. 
Optimal freedom and flexibility
Before going on a group work trip to Valencia, I was a little nervous. Not because I was afraid I couldn’t combine work and vacation, because I know I have enough discipline to do what is necessary. Besides, I had organized my work in advance so that I didn’t have too intense deadlines this week. But … at 53 years old, I was a little older than the other ladies, so I hoped that I would be able to connect sufficiently.
So what a relief it was that after a day together in the villa, age limits were no longer important.
Frankly, no one was concerned with age. They were concerned with talking, laughing, working, exchanging experiences, discovering Valencia together and eating good food. I got to enjoy a week of free spirits and different views on life. What I like about young people is that they leave negative baggage at home and look into the future with a backpack full of a zest for life. Very valuable to me.
From eating tapas to singing Eviva España
The week flew by. I usually started my workdays at Banana Beach bar. That way I had an early morning walk along the beach. With a good internet connection, delicious latte’s and good food, the hours flew by. Around 1 p.m. I then walked back to our villa and often had lunch at the beach with some ladies. Towards evening or in the evening the joint program started, although nothing was mandatory. If work did not permit it, for example, you could join later or skip it. But usually we were out with the whole group. 
So that week after the introductory evening at the villa, we enjoyed a flamenco evening over tapas, took a bike tour of Valencia, grabbed sidewalk cafes and took yoga class with Christa on the beach, under the palms ????. Hilarious was that I sang “Eviva España” with Spanish musicians during Las Fallas party! And of course an evening at the club was not to be missed; ‘Oops. I did it again’ singing and dancing to Britney and of course Latin beats. Recharged and with beautiful memories in my backpack I went back home, ready for a new working week in the Netherlands with renewed energy. What good did this week at the group workation do me! Curious about other experiences? For example as a company on workation, read What a workation brings Marketing Guys. Would you also like to meet new people and join us on a group workation to Spain? Click here for more info!
