How To Work From Your Car And Keep Your Sanity

There a lot of things that appeal to me about freelancing. I like the varied content. I like the staying busy and being able to work during strange hours. Because, let’s face it, when inspiration strikes at 1 AM, it’s nice to be able to bill for those sleepless nights where a lot got done. But I think the mobility is probably the most appealing.

That’s the idealistic dream, right? Globe-trotting around breathtaking vistas while churning out appreciated, engaging, content. The perfect blend of working to live and living to work. So, if you, like me are presently stuck in your car during the corona-crisis, then here are some tips I’ve discovered to help keep you sane.

The View

As previously stated, one of the best parts of being in the car is that the car can go anywhere. It can park in front of a cement wall. It can park in front of a national monument. It can park in a parking lot or city space. It can go wherever you need or want it to go. So use it! Drive to someplace you want to be and start there. Furthermore, if you grow tired of that spot – find another.

One Car – Many Positions

There are a lot of ways to position car seats, car windows and arm rests. The combinations are probably definitely more than I want to count. So I can tell you that you don’t have to stay in the front seat!

Climb in the back and put your legs out. Open a car door and let the breeze in – providing everyone is six feet apart. My favorite position so far has been to recline the front seat, shimmy into the backseat and have my legs hanging over the reclined driver’s seat. It’s a bit of workout to get back there but once I’m there, I’m good for a while.

What They Don’t Know…

I’m just gonna say it: take off your shoes. Do it. Much like the opposite psychological effect of putting on shoes – which prompts the person to feel more ready to tackle the day – taking off shoes says “hey, I’m gonna be here a while.”

I’m not suggesting you be less productive. I’m not suggesting you surf Facebook more than work on those TPS Reports. I’m simply saying this is the equivalent of working on the beach. You’re own timetable. You’re own chosen view. Your own little world. You get to enjoy this bizarre new reality and treat yourself by releasing the day-to-day stuffiness. Kick off the shoes.

So there you go. I hope that these little tips help make your quarantine work a little less annoying. Remember, if you’re still employed and healthy, you’re doing a lot better than many others.

Oh, and one other thing. Watch how much you drink or be prepared to drive to the gas station frequently. This is a good time to switch to water. Cheers!