Introduction:
Hey, I am Kate Shifman; I’m a passionate advocate of a location-independent lifestyle and personal growth through connection and wellness. I have been a regular keynote speaker, panelist, and writer on remote work and location independence.
After 10+ years in the corporate world, I made the jump and moved to Portugal, where I am building products designed to help others live their lives more fully. ArtHOUSE is a Co-Living + Co-Working space near Ericeira, Portugal, designed to help guests reset their relationship with themselves, the spaces they inhabit, and the environment.
Current Location?
I am based in Portugal and have been less nomadic in the last year or so because I need to stay close by for anything I may need to do in person for the Coliving space I am building in Ericeira.
Current Gig?
I am a digital marketing consultant with some of the top US agencies. Concurrently, I am building a Coliving space – ArtHouse Coliving – which will eventually be my main gig.
Where can we follow you on the Internet?
Tell us a little bit about your background & how did you get started with remote work?
I grew up somewhat nomadically between post-Communist Ukraine and New York bc my father moved to the US when I was eight, and I spent summers and Thanksgiving there. I moved to the US after high school and went to college in New York.
After a few years, I was a fashion photographer, covering Fashion Week in London, Paris, and New York, and eventually, I moved to London to start a photo agency there. That work took me all over the world, which was when I knew I couldn’t just live in one country.
Upon coming back to the US, a few years later, I did a stint at a couple of ad tech startups and eventually realized that I wanted to live a location-independent life (I didn’t know digital nomadism was a thing, this was 2013).
So I pivoted my career to working at media agencies as that sort of work would have given me a more comprehensive skill range to allow me to go freelance.
Eventually, this worked out. So, in 2016, I quit my fancy agency job and moved to Portugal.
Take us through your typical weekday?
Since my clients are in NYC, my mornings belong to me. Therefore, they are usually spent on self-care such as going to the gym, walks, cooking for myself, or creative work such as writing or strategy work.
From the late morning until early afternoon, I typically meet with my architect or contractors, reviewing proposals or doing research for the Coliving. And from about 2-3 pm Lisbon time, I’m online and working for my US clients.
What’s your workspace setup like?
I keep it light. No second monitor, just laptop, charger, and headphones. When I travel for longer periods, I bring my noise-canceling Bose over-the-ear headphones; for short trips or when I’m in town, I use the in-ear ones and Bose. Bose is a client, and I love the products (the in-ear ones were a gift).
I only recently discovered that I dislike working in the exact location or the same sitting position the entire day, so I arrange my schedule to switch those throughout the day. So I could start at a coffee shop, break for lunch, take a stroll, and then go home or to a coworking space.
What apps, gadgets, or tools can’t you live without?
My Bose headphones. Fantastical Calendar, Insight Timer app, Google Maps, Revolut, Slack.
How do you recharge or take a break?
Nature. Mainly the ocean – I live in Lisbon, so I very often jump in my car and head to the beach. Just being on the coast and breathing fresh ocean air alleviates stress. Working out is another excellent way to recharge and relax, as well as a sauna (in the winter). I love reading, so picking up a good fiction book is also a way to disconnect from the daily stress.
Aside: Learn more tips on how to work from home like a boss.
What working remotely really means to you?
Freedom. Taking back ownership of my time and freedom of movement.
How should one go about finding and getting a remote job?
I believe there are quite a lot of resources out there right now as the more forward- thinking companies are transitioning to fully remote. I don’t know exactly what those are because I haven’t looked for a job in a really long time.
What qualities would you recommend are a must-have for a person seeking a remote job?
Organizational and project management skills are a must. As a chaotic person, I can tell you that those can make or break the experience and impact your creative output.
What is the most challenging aspect of working from home?
I believe it is challenging to stay connected with your team/client when fully remote. However, I feel that face time is necessary to maintain a genuine connection. This is why the best and most forward-thinking remote-first companies hold regular team retreats in various locations.
On a personal level, working from “home” gets monotonous, which is why I think many people are eager to return to the office.
I also believe that Coworking needs to enter a new phase; let’s call it Coworking 2.0. Why escape the office to go to another office-like structure? With the need to connect as strong as the need to work, I see Coworking developing into more of a social club where members work, network, exchange ideas, and socialize.
Yes, it needs to be fully equipped with everything you need for a productive work day, such as monitors, call booths, etc. Still, there would be a range of workplace arrangements – indoors and outdoors – allowing the body to be in different positions throughout the day and adjusting to the changing needs for privacy or company.
Aside: Learn how to find a remote job?
What according to you are the pros and cons of remote work?
Isolation and loneliness are definitely the downsides. Flexibility and the ability to fit work into your life are among the main pros.
Want to work remotely like Kate? We recommend going over the list of top remote companies allowing work from home in 2022. Facing issues searching for a remote job and not knowing where to look?
We have the latest remote jobs posted in various categories to help you. Also, learn how to write the perfect resume and cover letter for a remote job and connect with like-minded remote job seekers in our LinkedIn remote community.
