You need to be able to do the right thing even when there’s nobody standing over you making sure you’re doing your job.
– Tim’s perspective on having the right motivation and outlook towards remote work.
Meet Tim and Mary, happily married and working remotely
There are stories of remote work couples who have not only embraced the freedom of working from home but have taken it a step further, combining their professional pursuits with a love for adventure and nature. Meet Tim and Mary, a married couple whose remote work journey has transformed their lives in unimaginable ways.
Tim and Mary’s Remote Work Adventure
Tim and Mary, both remote workers, share a unique bond as a couple who not only work remotely but also venture into the great outdoors whenever they can. Tim’s career transition from a demanding 911 dispatcher role to a Salesforce administrator, inspired by Mary’s success, showcases the transformative power of remote work.
Remote Work and Adventure
One of the most intriguing aspects of Tim and Mary’s journey is their ability to merge work with adventure. They spend summer months on the road in their travel trailer, relying on Starlink satellite internet for connectivity. Their ultimate goal is to work remotely while traveling 4-6 months a year and snowbirding, embracing the therapeutic effects of nature.
On this episode we also discuss
- Tim’s Pivot and Salesforce Success. Tim’s shift from the high-stress 911 call center world to a new industry was motivated by a desire to find remote work like Mary’s. His journey into Salesforce administration began with earning his Salesforce certification and networking with organizations like Hiring Our Heroes, connecting military members with job opportunities.
- Remote Work’s Financial Impact. The financial benefits of remote work became evident to Tim and Mary as they calculated the savings on their daily commutes, saving approximately 10,000 miles and $2,500 in fuel annually, proving that remote work can bring economic advantages.
- Future of Remote Work. Tim and Mary foresee a rise in the number of “work from anywhere” enthusiasts at campgrounds, attributing this trend to the flexibility remote work offers and technologies like Starlink’s mobile satellite internet service.
- A Unique Work-Life Balance. Despite their shared professional world in Salesforce, Tim and Mary prioritize maintaining a work-life balance. They emphasize the importance of setting boundaries, engaging in daily routines, and preserving personal relationships.
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Connect with Tim and Mary
- 🔗 LinkedIn: Connect with Mary on LinkedIn.
- 🔗 LinkedIn: Connect with Tim on LinkedIn.
- Find out more about Tim’s employer, Children of Fallen Patriot’s Foundation, whose mission is to provide college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
Thanks for listening to our show!
If you liked hearing about Tim and Mary’s ability to combine work and travel, you may want to listen to episode 1.4 with Erin as she and her husband work and live from their 5th wheel RV or episode 1.9 with Allie as she house sit and worked throughout Europe with her young child.
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Q & A with Tim and Mary
Why did you want to Work From Home Forever?
- Mary: In the early years, it was to spend more time with the kids, and to be more flexible. It was also next to impossible to find a job in my area in my industry, that would pay well.
- Tim: My wife Mary worked from home for many years. It allowed her to take care of our children while I was able to sleep during the day. I worked grave shift for 25 years as a 911 Dispatcher. When I “escaped” public safety, I looked forward to a WFH opportunity like hers.
How long have you been Working From Home, Forever?
- Mary: Since about 2014…I worked for a tech company and often times had the ability to work from home. It was hit and miss based on who was in leadership as to how much we were able to work from home. In 2016, when I left the company, I decided I would never go back to working in an office setting.
- Tim: Three and a half years. In March 2020, the tech company I worked for told everyone to pack up their computers and head home. It was supposed to just be just two weeks to “flatten the curve” of COVID. After three months of holding the family dining room table hostage with my work computer, I realized I wasn’t going back to the office, so I made more permanent arrangements to work from home – FOREVER.
What trade offs, if any, did you make in order to Work From Home Forever?
- Mary: I haven’t really had to make any trade offs, since it’s been my norm for so long.
- Tim: I had the initial cost of buying furniture and supplies to support my WFH. But the cost was offset by not having to drive to an office in nearby town. I calculated I save over 10,000 miles per year on my car which translates into a savings of approximately $2,500 in fuel and maintenance.
How do you manage work/life balance Working From Home, Forever?
- Mary: Working side by side with my best friend helps. For the first 25 years of our marriage he worked nights in the local 911 dispatch center. When he left public service and went to work for a private company, we had our weekends, but still didn’t see each other much. When Covid hit, he came home to work thinking it was temporary. It’s been 3 years now, and we have a routine of working the same hours. He cooks breakfast while I have meetings. We can get laundry and other small tasks done. At the end of the day we go out and enjoy working outside.
- Tim: My situation is somewhat unique. My wife and I both work remotely. We have side-by-side desks, and work in the same tech industry – Salesforce. Though she works for “the mothership” of Salesforce in a consulting role, I work for a non-profit speaking the same Salesforce jargon in my role. During work, we can help each other with technical problems or work issues. When daily work is over, we love to spend time together working on our Montana property getting our hands dirty. Being able to use our brains at a desk all day and be physically active in the afternoon and evenings keeps us balanced. Plus, we have many friends and close family to spend time with.
What’s your best advice to others who want to Work From Home Forever?
- Mary: Check your motivation first. Why do you want to work from home? If you don’t like your job, maybe it’s the employer and not the environment. Will you miss the interactions you have with your coworkers? All questions to ask yourself before essentially working alone all day.
- Tim: Be intentional. Going to an office everyday builds a routine. A healthy routine to take care of your personal hygiene, stay in shape, dress nicely, and socially interact with others. With remote work, it’s important to also follow an intentional routine to maintain the same level of health, well being and social activity.
What are your three must-haves to Work From Home, Forever?
- Mary: Stable internet is a must. A quiet environment. Having a few furry coworkers that love a good belly rub is definitely something I would miss!
- Tim: A supportive family, great technology, and an endless supply of coffee.
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