“Living Among Cassowaries and Pythons: My Journey of Remote Work and Adventure” – Saxon Huggins

As a member of EO Queensland, I’ve had an incredible opportunity to reshape not only a business but an entire lifestyle. My journey to this point has been marked by a bold decision to move from the bustling city of Sydney to today the tranquil and exotic Far North Queensland. This leap has brought a profound shift in both my professional and personal life, blending business with breathtaking natural beauty.

When my family and I first moved from Sydney to Mt Buller, we reveled in skiing, hiking, and hunting—enjoying a lifestyle that was worlds apart from our city life. Our latest move to Far North Queensland has been a different kind of adventure. Here, we dive into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and live among the unique wildlife of the rainforest, including cassowaries and pythons. And yes, I’ve even developed a newfound appreciation for snakes!

Deciding to start a remote business came with its own set of challenges and rewards also. The upsides are undeniable. Our flexible work setup allows us to explore and experience life in ways we never could before. Our kids are growing up with opportunities to connect with nature and cultures that most only dream of.

However, embracing remote work hasn’t been without its hurdles. Let me share with you some of my insights on what I have learnt and how I have overcome them:

🔻 Feeling Cut Off: The absence of face-to-face interactions with our team, clients, and network can sometimes feel isolating. To counteract this, I’ve made a concerted effort to maintain connections and stay engaged through virtual channels. Eg. Virtually attending forum with my EO buddies

🔻 Communication Hiccups: Misunderstandings can be more common without in-person conversations. I’ve learned the importance of being extra clear and deliberate in my communications. Eg. Using AI meeting tools to summarise key and action points

🔻 Work-Life Blur: The line between work and home life can get blurry when your office is your living room. I’ve had to develop strategies to create boundaries and ensure downtime. Eg. Separate office space at home, working from co-working spaces, having clearly defined work v family time in the calendar

🔻 Tech Reliance: Our dependence on technology means that any glitches or internet issues can disrupt the flow of work. Staying prepared and having contingency plans has become crucial. Eg. We were one of the first people to have StarLink in Australia and use a generator should the power go out, like during Cyclone Jasper

One of the most valuable aspects of my remote journey has been my continued involvement with EO. Despite moving away from Sydney and missing out on many local events, EO has been a lifeline. The connections I’ve made through EO have been instrumental in navigating the challenges of remote business. It’s been enriching to engage with other EO members who are at various stages of their remote work journeys. We’ve even started exploring the idea of an FNQ Forum to enhance in-person networking opportunities.

Ultimately, remote work is about finding a balance that aligns with my lifestyle and business needs. For us, this transformation has led to a life filled with unforgettable experiences and a renewed sense of purpose.

If you’re considering a similar leap or just want to chat about remote work, I’d love to connect. Feel free to reach out through my LinkedIn profile or drop me a message. Let’s share stories, exchange insights, and support each other on this exciting journey.