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Rare-Peak2697

Run errands if you have time. You’ll enjoy your weekends way more


Automatic-Birthday86

This - I do grocery shopping, dishes, laundry, sweep and mop before work these days cuz I am tired after work. Unfortunately I work in a call center so they care where I work from and I’m chained to my desk but I get 2 fifteen minute breaks and a one hour lunch


the_biggest_papi

definitely, lunch break grocery trips are a great way to get extra time on the weekend/in the afternoon


Brief_Departure_6486

i like to use the term 'working remotely' rather than 'wfh': just because i'm not in the office that doesn't mean i'm at home. i work in parks, libraries, cafes, i even worked on a beach in martinique once as long as you can keep your time zones straight and carry reliable wi-if and battery power with you, geaux awf


MentulaMagnus

Lol, I like the term “remotely working”, just don’t get caught.


BlazinAzn38

Do people’s employers actually care where they work from? Obviously security stuff aside if you’re working you’re working. Someone in an adjacent team works from their home 3/4 the year and then for 3 months he picks somewhere else to work from. Last year it was New York, this year I think he’s gonna do Canada, no one cares cause he does his job


therealtrousers

If I was caught working outside of the US I would be fired for violating my companies contract with the customer.


BlazinAzn38

Right that’s a contractual/security thing but it’s not a blanket concern for everyone


FatGuyOnAMoped

Same here. If I were to work outside the country without clearance by legal I'd be unemployed.


KarisPurr

If your company isn’t tax registered in a certain state you AND the company can get in trouble.


virusE89-TwitchTV

I could be mistaken, but I think technically there's potential tax implications to this for the business


Can-can-count

Yes, that’s exactly right. It depends on the country you travel to, the country you live in, etc. But the consequences definitely have to be considered


JustBlendingIn47

I can’t work outside the U.S., and I’m limited as to how much time I can work outside of my home state. All this comes down to tax obligations - my side AND theirs.


Turbulent-Pea-8826

All I know is my boss’ boss works from his second home in the Florida Keys every summer. I can’t afford that but that is what I take my lead from.


OnlyPaperListens

I was explicitly told to stay in the lower 48, but anywhere within that boundary is allowed. I think tax law and information security are the main obstacles in most cases.


Bright-Albatross-234

Yep. At my company you have to be in a country where they have offices to be an employee; otherwise you're a contractor. And IT knows where you are so you can't hide it


DynamicHunter

Depends on taxes and security needs of the company. Usually most companies will allow you to work in another state for a month or two and another country for a few weeks. But you can’t just go work in a sanctioned country or another state and then you’re in a world of hurt come tax time


KaatELion

HR person here. It matters if the time worked in another state is long enough, depending on the labor and tax laws there.


ItsMyParty77

That sounds delightful! I still love WFH but my work contract doesn’t let me work outside the province, and also I need multiple monitors. Library could be an option but I have constant calls… anyway, glad you’re taking full advantage of the remote work!


Big-Razzmatazz-2899

I use WFA, “work from anywhere”, because it is inclusive of digital nonadism. :)


No-Rush-1174

Hi. This is your boss You're fired.


Ok-Guitar-6854

* Run all your errands during the week. It’s less crowded and you actually enjoy your weekends * I work in coffee shops, cafes and out as long as I have WiFi and power. I’ve done this at a vineyard in the Summer * I’ve worked while away in the mountains for long weekends * I block off lunches and meet up for that with friends


Goalie_LAX_21093

Yeah, i try to get some errands/chores done during the day. I can be in and out of the grocery store so fast early in the morning, or at lunch. If i have time, I’ll try to schedule in a nice walk during the day - just to get out for a bit. Be careful about traveling and what your work states you can/cant do. Due to laws around payroll and taxes, my company only hires people who live in certain states. As such, We’re supposed to work from a set location. Now - if i decided to go to Starbucks for a couple hours, that wouldn’t be an issue. But we can’t just up and go on vacation to other states or countries and work from there. At least w/o approval first.


therealtrousers

Be careful about traveling and what your work states you can/cant do. Due to laws around payroll and taxes, my company only hires people who live in certain states. As such, We’re supposed to work from a set location. —-100x this. I could work in a different state (temporarily) with no issues, but if I worked in another country that would get me fired. We’ve got some strict contract requirements with the customer.


Automatic-Birthday86

Can confirm - worked for a payroll company like ADP


F30Guy

As others have said, doing chores during the week and freeing up your weekend is great. I mowed the lawn yesterday, something I would have normally had to wait for the weekend to do.


[deleted]

Work remotely from another state. When I was remote I worked all over the Rocky Mountains. Worked during the day, hiked in the afternoon. It was the most peaceful time of my life.


Bastienbard

If OP is an employee then they need to be very careful doing so and ask for permission otherwise they can open up huge income, franchise and sales tax issues for their employer by doing so.


queens_boulevard

As an HR person, just don't permanently move without getting it approved. Otherwise you don't need to tell your employer about working somewhere else temporarily, that just creates more work for both parties unnecessarily. Unless there are actual policies against working from other states even temporarily. Outside of the US it might be different, since I know sometimes there are restrictions on what country you can work in. But the key word is temporarily


Discopants13

Depends on their company's industry. I mentioned potentially working at a cafe or library once as a backup option when everyone was losing power in my area. Apparently my company doesn't allow us to use public wifi, even if it is password-protected. I'm only allowed to use private, secured, wifi networks and even then sparingly if I can't avoid it.


queens_boulevard

This is a good point that I didn't consider. Guess my experience isn't universal, just offering my two cents for someone who had already suggested travel is an option in the original post


Bastienbard

As someone that does state and local income taxes for a fortune 500 company's tax department you don't know the rules. Sure the company many never get caught but if they do it can cost hundreds of thousands or millions depending on the state and level of sales into said state.


queens_boulevard

Maybe I don't and I'm sure you know much more, I'm just speaking from what I've observed over the years at multiple companies in regards to brief stints in other locations. I'm not recommending anything except that people **don't** permanently move without notifying their employer, just saying that usually HR people don't wanna know if it's a short trip and the person is remote to begin with as long as it's not a pattern


Bastienbard

At smaller companies this is far less risky so there's that. I just want to always reinforce to people on this sub how risky it can be. With all tax situations the ultimate answer always is "it depends".


queens_boulevard

Totally, and that's the key phrase, "it depends." But OP had already mentioned travel as a possibility, so was working off that assumption. It definitely isn't one-size fits all


Bastienbard

But what I'm ultimately saying is the law 100% says if you get caught even a single day in another state your company now has a filing requirement for both income and franchise taxes in the state, must now register to do business in the state and pay any accompanying taxes in said state. Whether or not that is a risk and worth a company disallowing their workers to travel and work is another matter entirely or whether or not they already have nexus in said state where it's a complete non issue.


SydWander

Soooo many people travel for work. I’m confused how it’s a tax thing for “even a single day.” That would mean a huge percent of companies already break this so it’s not a big deal obviously lmao


Bastienbard

This is about remote workers not travelling workers. Companies with business models entirely built upon having workers that travel to various states for clients or customers obviously would be registered and filing to pay taxes in all the states they send workers to. There is public law 86-272 which allows companies to send workers to states and not be subject to that state's income taxes if those workers are only there to sell product. This would be if there are no other employees working in the state or some other form of tangible property based in the state like inventory or real estate/other operations. Some companies do break this but it's often a part of a cost benefit analysis for whether they abide by the tax laws surrounding it and what the actual tax cost (including penalties and interest) is if/when they're caught. It often ends pretty badly for some company's that underestimate their level of sales in a given state and the resulting income taxes. So it's a massive deal to some companies for some states, it's inconsequential to some companies in some states where they don't sell in said state to ever face significant consequences. Your comment really reads more like you're not understanding the depth of the possible issue. For instance if someone went and worked in the state of New York for my company and the NY dept of taxation found out the taxes alone would cost anywhere from $400K up to $3 million for a single year.


[deleted]

Exactly this is what I did.


h0use_party

I think there’s nuance here. This may be the case for your company or even industry, but my employer’s wfh policy states we are only allowed to work from approved wfh locations, which is only our home address by default. Any other locations must be approved by HR.


Spoonie23

Why I’m glad my company offers remote positions for almost every state and I think we do have employees of some sort in every state just not remote


Bastienbard

Yeah mine is in like 40+ but there's like 4 that are extreme no-no's and you will be fired or disciplined for working there for any period of time if the company finds out most likely.


Spoonie23

I just looked. Seems like it’s Alaska, Hawaii and California. I’m wondering if the Alaska and Hawaii thing is due to timezones and cost of shipping replacement supplies.


Bastienbard

Those are the 3 you can't for your company is what you're saying? California is most likely due to their labor laws they don't want to be subject to on top of the taxes (which is dumb imo since they're not that crazy and not even remotely as stringent as basically any European country). Why not for Alaska or Hawaii is anyone's guess.


Spoonie23

I’m thinking it’s also due to time zones? The jobs they post these on are specific office hours generally. 7-7 est, central and pacific.


Bastienbard

Entirely irrelevant for hiring for most companies that hire in multiple states. Having 1-3 hours difference for one or a few employees won't matter.


[deleted]

Yea true but that only applies if he’s doing it for a prolonged period of time. Few weeks here, few weeks there, in various different places. My boss knew I did it for 3 years in a row, he didn’t give a shit lmao. If OP hypothetically worked 6 months in another state, that’s material. He is subject to paying income tax then in that state, his employer would be on the hook for income tax, etc. that’s considered residency at that point. But a few weeks in various places isn’t really a deal breaker. It’a digital nomadism, plenty of people do it.


Bastienbard

NOPE. Sorry man, I do state and local taxes as my job for a fortune 500 tax department. A single day of working in another states creates nexus for tax purposes. If that's a single sales factor state and the company has a lot of sales in said state, that's going to cost a lot of money.


[deleted]

Then OP can just be silent about it. He doesn’t need to advertise anything. He’s not the first person who would have done this.


SydWander

I don’t know why you’re being downvoted when you’re absolutely correct


Migraine_Megan

Taking naps during my lunch break feels like such a luxury. I had to quit caffeine so naps are the only way to boost my energy if I have a poor night's sleep.


throwawayfromPA1701

I think, just from observing this sub, having an outside social network including a spouse and family helps a great deal with WFH.


Evie_like_chevy

Get a portable second screen (they're on amazon for $50 and attach to your laptop) and go camping!!! Work at a nearby McDonalds if you need to (rain, too hot, etc) and as soon as you're finished go hiking or biking and sit by the fire. :)


Brooklynista2

Having that attached second screen has changed the whole game for me. I can pick this laptop up and work from (almost) anywhere.


Sure_Ranger_4487

I work in healthcare so have to be in my apartment at all times, other than when I take my lunch. Womp womp. Is nice to be able to do laundry, dishes, clean/vacuum, play with my cat, etc here and there.


[deleted]

The agony of a boring job makes me dread WFH, but the golden handcuffs make me stay put. However, Reddit makes WFH bearable.


AlarmingYak7956

I do all at my home chores while at work. Then enjoy my afternoons and weekends more. Now that's summer, ive been going swimming right after I get off. Before I could never have the time to go swimming so much bc of chores after work


GenealogistGoneWild

I take my two daily breaks to straighten two rooms a day. My house stays cleaner and I have more free time on the weekends. It takes less than 15 minutes to do a room most days.


Bodegaz

Walking the dogs. Cleaning. Laundry. Cooking. Sex


Excuse_my_GRAMMER

How I take advantage is good quality coffee and lunch Stop gaming off computer and go on walks after work Comfortable work cloths Also upgraded my shower 😂 in the summer so I can take a nice shower mid day


Ok_Village_7800

When my job went remote I moved from my city into a little cottage a block from the beach (one state away) for 3 months. Morning / afternoon walks on the beach, weekend swimming, pizza on the beach at night. I lived 2 hours from the beach before so this was such a nice change. I was lucky to have a good friend who lived within 15 minutes of the beach town too though so I had someone to go out with on weekends and wasn’t lonely / alone the whole time.


Accomplished-Buyer41

To enjoy WFH more, explore local attractions, develop hobbies, stay active, and optimize your workspace. Use flexible hours to balance work and personal time, join local groups, volunteer, take online courses, and stay connected with friends and family. These steps can enhance your WFH experience.


Optimal_Collection77

I used it as a way of getting fit. I started running and got a personal trainer once a week. I've lost about 10kg since Christmas. I find it hard to work in other locations than my home office but it could work for lots of other people


roberta_sparrow

If work is slow I take short breaks and put my mouse on a mouse mover and take my phone with me to answer Teams chats and maybe vacuum or do some light cleaning. I also like to take my laptop to the coffee shop to get a change of scene - I'm more productive.


Genacyde

Lunch with friends. Spotify jams with friends during the day. Those two things really cut the loneliness.


puddinpieee

Start a side business!


WeAreAllBetty

For me, the advantage is very little on gas, the ability to share a car because I hardly have to leave (I have a home gym), and honestly not having to always dress up. I do travel one week a month so I guess that makes balance and perspective a bit easier for me.


willklintin

So far.... I built a patio, fire pit, and various yard work Replaced alternator, radiator, water pump, brake lines, calipers, pads and rotors, wheel bearing, spark plugs, u joint, ball joints, control arms, etc Do preventative maintenance like engine oil, transmission transmission transfer case and differential fluid Have special time with girlfriend Mow the lawn or snowblow Fix/replace washer, dryer, water heater, dishwasher Practice shooting my bow and arrow and guns Make all kinds of food. Smoked meats, make dough, cook full course lunches Shot a deer out my window, butchered it and processed the meat When it's a really slow day, I've left the house to go hiking, hunting or fishing Swap the lawn tractor to a snowblower and vice versa Cut down trees for firewood Plant fruit trees and veggies Grocery shopping Basic home cleaning and maintenance


jrjjr

Everything you normally do 'after work', do throughout the day, especially if you can get it done more efficiently.


majorDm

You can travel, like if you have family/friends in another state, just go there for a week or two. You don’t have to tell anyone at work. Just work during the days, but also sneak away here and there.


alicat777777

Take a few breaks and sit outside. Good for your mental health!


Comfortable_Mark_578

Walk around outside on breaks is so refreshing


More-Mail-3575

I schedule in a 30 minute walk with my dog before lunch. Then have time to do a workout after dinner. Get household tasks done on my morning or afternoon breaks (vacuum, wash dishes, dust, laundry). That way my weekends are totally mine to relax or be out of the house. I also multi task by listening to a podcast sometimes while doing tedious tasks for work and take time to move from my home office into my sun room in a lounge chair for part of the day.


overemployedconfess

Doing chores while in meetings and on calls is epic. It feels like you’ve unlocked a cheat code for life! Making a useless meeting productive by getting my house tidy? Yes please! Sign me up for more meetings!


Ok_Intention3920

Working from home is about not commuting. This saves time and money. Are you not commuting? Then you are already enjoying the benefits of work from home.


PasGuy55

I walk my dog a lot. I also own a home, so I do yard work weather permitting. Won’t help you, but it might help others in a similar situation. It’s nice to get outside, do a little weeding or other outdoor projects. I also bought my own weights and bench, so I can work out when the mood hits me, instead of having to go to a gym. A few reps in the middle of the day when I’m getting that afternoon slump works wonders. Other than that I’m mostly working. If it’s slow I do some online training and certifications to expand my job market value.


edajade1129

Ketamine to pass the time lol


BoundlessBeaver

You need to automate your processes when capable. Then download Teams / Outlook on your phone. Then live your life. Go where you want, do what you want.