Year Two, Remote Work and a Bittersweet Reunion

TThis year marks my second year working remotely from Jamaica and the rhythm of island life has quickly become familiar - the roosters at dawn, children chatter on their way to school, music floating through the air, the SUNSHINE. But, this trip carries a different kind of weight.

After 11 long months, I finally reunited with my son. I’d been counting down from the moment The Boathouse gave me the green light and I booked my ticket. What made it even more emotional was knowing he had been here during Hurricane Melissa, facing days without electricity and more than a month without internet. Our only form of communication was cut off and that was incredibly hard! However, that first hug, full of relief, joy, and gratitude reminded me just how sacred time together truly is. It made our reunion feel even more precious.

Then there’s Hurricane Melissa. The impact of the hurricane is still visible - from conversations with strangers on the plane starting with, “Is everyone okay?” an echo of shared worry and heartache, to the sounds of hammering roofs being repaired and homes being rebuilt. Communities slowly piecing life back together, one zinc at a time.

Despite the loss and uncertainty, the spirit of Jamaica remains strong, resilient, proud, full of hope and vibes. 

Remote work has given me the flexibility to fully embrace this lifestyle while maintaining my career. Equally important, I have a supportive work team. Whilst working asynchronously across time zones, we still carve out time to meet once a week, keeping the office camaraderie alive and ensuring we stay connected. Knowing I have a team I can rely on makes working remotely feel less like distance and more like an opportunity to create flexibility without sacrifice.

This trip is a blend of joy and heaviness, of reuniting with loved ones while witnessing the challenges many are still enduring. But above all, it’s a reminder to cherish what truly matters, life, a healthy work life balance and rebuilding.

Jamaica, land we love. 💛🖤💚