Five Easy Hacks to Turn Your Work Desk Into a Permanent Holiday

For the first time, a generation (or, at least, a privileged segment of it), can work from anywhere, anytime, anyhow. Which means that joyous feeling of holiday mode can be as long as you have imagination enough to keep it going. No more confinement to white cubicles. No more bosses breathing down your neck. No more debating triple j's playlists while languishing in peak hour traffic. And, most gloriously, no more having to get dressed.

Yep, with a laptop under your arm, an ability to make the best of an awful to-do list and a few handy tips from us, you can turn your life into a permanent holiday. Here are five ways to make your working days equal parts business and Bahamas (just go with it).

GET A DECENT DONGLE AND HIT THE BEACH

With a good dongle or smartphone hot spot, connected to a quality service provider, you can consider any beach your office. Just don't forget to fully charge your devices before you get going. Pack a picnic blanket or, for even more flexibility, buy a light, portable laptop stand. That'll let you set up anywhere without wrecking your back and neck — and sand is a punish on laptops, so be wary. If you're in for a long day, a sun shelter can be handy too. Not keen to carry so much gear? Scope out beaches with picnic tables. Whatever you do, throw your swimmers into your bag — you'll need breaks in between typing and posting and emailing. And most obviously, don't leave your laptop on the beach while you're paddling.

FIND A BAR WITH FREE WIFI

Another advantage of escaping the office is that you can spend time in your favourite bar and be productive (i.e. make those dollars) at the same time. Nothing quite says boss like ticking off things from your to-do list and screening calls in-between cocktails — especially if you can make that happen on a lounge in a cosy bar. So, do some Googling or wandering, until you find a drinking hole with wifi, and you'll be channelling your inner tortured writer in no time. Of course, now's not the time to let things get out of hand. Be smart. There are deadlines to meet, after all.

Bench Accounting via Unsplash

GO CAFE HOPPING IN A NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD

Turn your work day into a travel adventure — in your own city. Even if you've lived in said city all your life, chances are there are neighbourhoods you haven't yet visited — or don't know so well. So, choose one that's unfamiliar and map out a bunch of interesting-looking cafes (oh hai, Concrete Playground can help you there) within walking distance of one another. Spend an hour or two working in each, before heading to the next one. To maximise your productivity, set clear, achievable goals for every session. Not only do you get to discover new places, you also fit in some walking, which, according to this report, might reduce your mortality risk by up to 46 percent.

Dave Meier

TAKE YOUR LAPTOP ON A DAY TRIP

Choose a place just out of town that you've always wanted to visit — but not quite got around to checking out — and take your laptop day tripping. If you can, opt for a destination that's reachable by train, so you can work while you're travelling. This option lets you roll the first three hacks into one — with some planning, you can organise time in cafes, bars, beaches and parks. Also, think about how you'll spend break times — getting outdoors for a dose of swimming, paddling, cycling or hiking can clear your head and help you concentrate better when you're back at your computer.

Henry McIntosh

PUT ASIDE SOME DOSH AND CHECK INTO A HOTEL

One of the challenges of self-employment can be keeping focused while working from home. Some people opt for offices or co-working spaces, but, every now and again, it can be fun to go for a total change of scene. So, treat yourself and check into a hotel or resort for a night — or several. This is an excellent option if you're working on a particular project or collaborating with others. Try to find a place with a pretty pool — there's nothing quite as refreshing as jumping into the water in between work sessions, brainstorms or meetings. An onsite cocktail bar can come in handy, too.