Risa August
Finding Freedom Through Remote Work
Risa August, a remarkable woman who wears many hats—author, speaker, Gestalt practitioner, and patient advocate tells her inspiring story on the Work From Home Forever podcast.
S3 E7 How Remote Work Helped Risa August Manage Her Health and Thrive – Work From Home Forever
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Meet Risa August
Based in Colorado, Risa’s journey into remote work began under unique circumstances that eventually changed the course of her life, both professionally and personally.
Risa initially worked for an equine Gestalt therapy company, where she served as an admin, managing the behind-the-scenes operations. The job required a daily 50-minute commute, which she was content with until her employer moved the business two hours away. Faced with the possibility of losing Risa, her employer proposed a remote work arrangement. At first, Risa was hesitant, valuing the structure that came with physically going to a workplace. However, she decided to give it a try, and soon discovered that working from home offered unexpected benefits.
One of the most significant challenges Risa faced was a health crisis. A few years into her remote work journey, she was diagnosed with a tumor at the base of her brain. This diagnosis and the subsequent treatments highlighted the critical importance of flexibility in her work life. Remote work allowed Risa to attend doctor’s appointments, manage her health, and still maintain her professional responsibilities. She could start her workday later when needed, or work from the comfort of her bed on difficult mornings. This flexibility was life-changing, and Risa admits she’s now “spoiled” by the ability to manage her work around her health needs.
Risa also shared how she maintains structure in her remote work life. Despite her initial resistance to change, she adapted by setting up a routine that balances work and personal time. She continues to engage in activities she loves, like fitness classes and biking, which helps her maintain a sense of normalcy and social interaction. Risa emphasizes the importance of being intentional with her time, scheduling activities that bring her joy and hold her accountable.
Interestingly, Risa’s experience with remote work parallels the themes in her book, The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike, which chronicles her journey of overcoming obstacles and embracing change. Just as she learned to navigate the challenges of her health and work life, her book encourages readers to see obstacles not as blocks, but as opportunities to pivot and grow.
For those considering remote work, Risa offers valuable advice: find what you’re passionate about and let that drive you. Whether you need structure or thrive in flexibility, tapping into your passions can make work feel less like a chore and more like a fulfilling part of life.
Risa August’s story is a testament to the power of remote work to adapt to life’s challenges, offering not just professional success but also personal fulfillment. Her journey is an inspiration for anyone looking to balance work with life’s unpredictable twists and turns.
Connect with Risa
- Website: RisaAugust.com
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Q&A with Risa
Why did you want to Work From Home Forever?
Initially it wasn’t a choice, but my employer was moving her company 2-hours away and valued me so much that she said, “I want to keep you and we will make it work with you working remotely”. I didn’t think I would like it because I enjoy some structure in my days. Now, I absolutely love it and can’t go back.
Furthermore, after being diagnosed with a brain tumor and rare disease, working from home allows me to stay in bed longer on those hard days and structure my work day around my medical needs. Also, it has given me more time to dive into my own creative endeavors and I now run my own thriving business as well.
How long have you been Working From Home, Forever?
Since 2017
What tradeoffs, if any, did you make in order to Work From Home Forever?
I used to have a routine of going to work, then going to the gym or some kind of exercise, then running necessary errands, or meeting up with friends. I live a bit further out of town, so I had to make a conscious effort to leave my house and get out for my fitness classes or meet up with friends and continue to do the things I love to do.
Especially now with my medical condition, sometimes it feel easy to stay in my sweatpants all day and not leave the house. I have also gained more time to take care of my needs like grocery shopping. Or, now I can sign up for classes after work and not have to stress about the drive time.
How do you manage work/life balance Working From Home, Forever?
I sign up for classes outside of my home to keep me accountable and motivated to leave my home. I make plans with friends and keep a calendar full of all the things I love to do. I also honor my down time in my home working on my own creative projects. I mostly keep to specific hours because I do really well with some structure. However, I love the freedom of flexibility when I need it.
What’s your best advice to others who want to Work From Home Forever?
Know your strengths and weaknesses. If you know you thrive with structure and deadlines, be sure to set that up for yourself and stick to it. If flexibility works better for you, figure out what keeps you on track/task while allowing for this. Be sure your type of work is conducive to a flex schedule because if you’re trying to build a certain business, much of the world works on a daytime 8-5 schedule so be mindful of the hours you keep.
What are your three must-haves to Work From Home, Forever?
1 – Trust
2 – Flexibility
3 – Wi-Fi
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