As I bid farewell to the captivating land of Japan as my month of Working From Japan (WFJ) comes to a close, I wanted to reflect on my incredible experience. I can't help but feel a sense of awe and gratitude for the incredible experience I had during my month-long stay in Japan. It's been a whirlwind of emotions, sights, sounds, and encounters that have been simply unforgettable.
At the end of October, I embarked on Operation WFJ (Working From Japan) with equal parts excitement and trepidation. The prospect of immersing myself in Japanese culture while continuing my work as a digital marketer was both thrilling and challenging. However, fueled by the trust and support of my colleagues at Optix Solutions, I took the leap and set off on this extraordinary journey.
Almost three years have passed since my previous visit to Japan, and it coincided with the outbreak of the Covid pandemic. Back then, I had to cut my trip short, hastily making my way back to Heathrow just in time for the first lockdown. The desire to return to Japan has been brewing within me ever since, and now, I had been given the opportunity to not only visit my family and friends but also work from this beautiful country.
It all started a year ago when I discussed my annual leave plans with Robert Stevens, my manager. I mentioned my intention to take a two-week vacation in Japan, but to my surprise, Rob suggested I consider extending my stay and working remotely from there. Though the idea seemed challenging due to the significant time difference, Rob reassured me that we could make it work.
Nine months ago, I began envisioning how this "Working From Japan" (WFJ) setup could be achieved. I collaborated with Rob, and together, we developed a proposal outlining the logistics and ensuring that it aligned with our company's goals and values. Six months ago, I submitted the formal WFJ policy, which was reviewed internally and shared with our clients after receiving the green light from my colleagues.
As the departure date approached, I kept everyone informed and updated on my upcoming trip. A month ago, I sent out reminders and shared the finalized plans, along with any relevant updates to the WFJ policy. It's incredible to see how a forward-thinking, value-driven company like Optix Solutions not only supported but encouraged this initiative, treating mental health and quality of life as essential priorities.
I feel compelled to share my story for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the importance of careful planning and preparation. This adventure wouldn't be happening if I had left everything to the last minute. Secondly, it underscores the significance of communication in implementing strategies and plans. By being proactive and transparent every step of the way, we ensured a smooth transition to the WFJ arrangement. And lastly, as Harry Martin would say, "Teamwork makes the Dreamwork." None of this would have been possible without the trust and support of my colleagues at Optix Solutions.
These past few weeks have been an absolute whirlwind, surpassing my expectations in every way. Being able to extend my stay beyond the usual 10 days allowed me to create lasting memories, spend quality time with loved ones, and embark on unforgettable adventures - All through the magic of flexible working.
Hybrid working is not for everyone. It takes a lot of trust. First from the business in their employees, but also accountability from an employee to deliver results on the trust that has been granted.
One of the greatest joys of this extended visit was the opportunity to spend nearly a month with my in-laws. Being able to connect with them on a deeper level and see my sister and brother-in-law almost every other day was truly incredible. A particular highlight of this visit was watching the World Cup matches with my father-in-law, especially witnessing Japan's thrilling 2-1 victory against Germany - truly unforgettable.
Of course, no trip to Japan would be complete without indulging in the exquisite cuisine that this country has to offer. With the luxury of time, I could revisit all of my favourite dishes, knowing that such a culinary feast would be impossible during a short stay. From savouring sushi at renowned establishments to exploring hidden gems serving street food delicacies, my taste buds were in a perpetual state of delight.
But it wasn't just about family reunions and food.
The extra days afforded me the opportunity to catch up with old friends and reconnect with those I hadn't seen in years. In fact, I was astonished to discover that it had been over a decade since I last saw one of my closest friends. The joy of reuniting and reminiscing about the past was truly heartwarming, reminding me of the enduring power of friendships.
In the spirit of exploration, I even purchased a road bike during my time here, allowing me to embark on exhilarating rides through stunning landscapes that would have otherwise remained undiscovered. The freedom and exhilaration of pedalling through picturesque countryside and through steep mountain passes and capturing breathtaking views were experiences that I will forever cherish. If you're curious to see some snapshots from my journeys, feel free to check out my rides on Strava. The memories captured in those photos tell stories of their own.
Working from Japan wasn’t with out it’s challenges. Working with a time difference was a new experience for me. In November, the time difference between Japan and the UK was 9 hours, however, by clearly communicating working hours and setting expectations for when I was available for meetings, I was able to meet with my colleagues and my clients to seamlessly deliver work without interruption.
Among the many extraordinary moments the WFJ afforded me, one that holds a special place in my heart was being able to go to the cinema with my wife. It may seem like a simple outing, but it was the first time we had enjoyed such a leisurely activity together since the summer before the pandemic. The shared laughter and immersion in the big screen brought back a sense of normalcy we haven’t experienced for ages.
As I look back on this remarkable journey, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Optix Solutions for granting me this incredible opportunity. I extend a heartfelt thank you to Robert Stevens for his unwavering trust and support, and to my amazing colleagues for standing by me throughout this adventure.
Thank you Optix Solutions - It was the flexible working trip of a lifetime.
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