Think your home office is safe from Halloween hijinks? Think again, remote warriors! Just because your "water cooler" is your kitchen sink doesn't mean you can’t sprinkle some spookiness into your workday.

This October, transform your digital workspace into a haunted hideaway! Go ahead, don that costume for your Zoom calls (pants? Optional, but we suggest some kind of legwear) and flaunt your pumpkin-carving masterpieces in Slack. Why not curate a bone-chilling playlist together? After all, nothing says "I'm totally engaged" quite like a little “Thriller” in the background!

Want to take it up a notch? Ditch that mountain of laundry backdrop for something a bit more eerie—after all, remote work should be fun, right?

So, are you ready to embrace the ghoulish spirit? Grab your pumpkin spice latte, slip into that skeleton onesie, and let’s make this remote Halloween a fright to remember!

(P.S. Your cat dressed as a witch totally counts as a team member for the costume contest. We’re here for it!)

— Ric Pratte, Shellie Sullivan and Renee Smith

FEEL GOOD FLOW

No More Ghost Town Vibes: Your Spooktacular Guide to Banishing Remote Work Loneliness

Think working from home means turning into a workplace ghost, only haunting your Zoom meetings? Not on our watch! While some studies might paint remote work as scarier than a horror movie marathon, we're here to turn those lonely vibes into a virtual Halloween party faster than you can say "You're on mute!"

Sure, the stats show remote workers are twice as likely to feel lonely compared to their office-bound counterparts. But here's the thing: being remote doesn't mean transforming into the Phantom of the Home Office – it just means we need to conjure up some creative connection spells!

Your Anti-Lonely Survival Guide (No Magic Potions Required!)

1. Virtual Coffee Dates: Treat, Not Trick

Schedule regular virtual coffee chats with colleagues. And no, we're not talking about those zombie meetings that could've been emails. We mean actual, enchanting conversations where "How's the project going?" takes a backseat to "What's your Halloween costume this year?"

2. The Buddy System: Better Than a Ghost-Hunting Partner

Remember kindergarten field trips? Companies like Diversified are bringing back the buddy system – minus the matching Halloween costumes (though that could be fun!). Having a workplace BFF means faster onboarding, better retention, and someone to share those "Did this email sound like it was written by Dr. Frankenstein?" moments with.

3. Gen Z, We See You! (Even Without a Crystal Ball)

If you're part of the TikTok generation feeling extra lonely (79% of 18-26 year-olds report feeling isolated), you're not alone in being alone. Pro tip: Create a Discord channel for random chats, spooky meme sharing, and virtual Monster Mash dance parties.

Level Up Your Remote Game

The secret potion to remote work happiness isn't pretending we're still in an office – it's embracing the perks while actively building connections. Think of it like being the DJ at your own work-life Halloween bash: you've got total control over the playlist, but the best parties still need other ghouls and goblins to dance with!

Companies are getting creative too. From pulse surveys to reward programs, they're finding ways to make sure you feel more treasured than candy corn on Halloween night. The difference? You actually get to thrive!

Ready to transform your remote work experience from "The Shining" to "Casper the Friendly Ghost"? Start by reaching out to one colleague today – yes, even if it's just to share that hilarious skeleton-at-their-desk meme you've been sitting on. Remember: your home office might be solo, but your work life doesn't have to be a haunted house!

Feeling inspired to exorcise those remote work blues? Share this article with your virtual coven – because nothing fights loneliness like a good old-fashioned share-and-scare! #ThriveRemotely #SpookyWorkLife

CAREER QUEST

Job Search Hacks: Your Go-To Resource List for Remote Work Wins!

Looking for your next remote opportunity? Whether you’re ready for a change or navigating the job market after a recent setback, finding the right role can feel daunting. With many of us already enjoying the perks of remote work, it’s time to leverage that experience to uncover new possibilities! In our latest blog post, we’ve gathered over 30 of the best remote job sites tailored for those seeking their next gig. From full-time positions to flexible part-time roles, this resource is designed to help you find the perfect fit and continue thriving in your remote career. Click the link to dive into your next adventure! 🌍✨ 

Discover the best remote job sites here!

SKILLS & THRILLS

Rise and Shine: How Embracing Early Mornings Transformed My Remote Work Routine

5:30 AM rolls in dark and fast, but believe me, I welcome it like a long-lost friend.

Now, you might be wondering why anyone would willingly sabotage the most sacred time slot of an adult's day. Especially when you don’t have kids to wrangle into backpacks and your 9 AM start time feels more like a suggestion. Who needs pants when you can embrace the beauty of morning coffee that brews longer than your commute?

I get it—waking up early used to be on my "never ever" list. But before you think this is just a pep talk for early risers, hear me out. Here’s how I turned that dreaded morning into something magical—and why it totally works.

Start a Routine: Make YOU the Priority

My husband’s alarm goes off at the crack of dawn, whether I like it or not. A few years back, I realized this was actually a gift—an unexpected chunk of me-time. It began with a few quiet moments over coffee before he headed out the door. Then came leisurely dog walks, free from the pressure of rushing off to the office.

And just like that, I found my groove. I doubled down on my fitness journey, transforming those walks into longer outings, adding a light jog, and yes, even throwing in some bicep curls and crunches. The mantra became crystal clear: This is MY time. It’s the time I get to myself before even thinking about pushing the power button on my laptop.

Now, you might be thinking, “What does this have to do with working remotely?” Well, let me tell you: when your home morphs into your office, gym, café, and chill zone, it’s way too easy to roll over, flip open your laptop, and dive headfirst into work. The lines blur—and so does the time.

Set Boundaries: Prioritize Your Health

Setting firm boundaries is key to prioritizing your health, mental space, and those precious quiet moments. For me, that means silencing all work notifications until 8:00 AM. That’s right—no emails, no pings, just peace.

Let’s be clear: I’m not a hardcore fitness junkie or some gym shark flexing at dawn. I simply use this time to focus on myself—usually through movement, since I spend most of the day glued to a chair. Can you relate? Some mornings, I kiss my husband goodbye, whip up a nice breakfast, and scroll through the news or memes—always without those pesky work notifications. This time is sacred and absolutely crucial for my mental health, stability, and balance.

So, if you’re a remote worker looking to find your rhythm, take a page from my book. Healthy routines and solid boundaries are the secret sauce to keeping your mind balanced and thriving in this crazy remote world.

THE VIBE

Stay in the know

• Recruiters say that remote work has improved the quality of their talent pool

• Remote work is reshaping homebuying priorities

• Spotify is still all-in on remote work

• Chicago wants to enlist remote workers in rescue of downtown

• Remote Workers & Digital Nomads are changing the tourism industry

LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULTS

How frequently do you work from a location other than your home office?

THRIVING TRIBE CHRONICLES

Community Spotlight: Shellie Sullivan

We're thrilled to launch a new recurring feature that spotlights our community members and how they thrive in the remote work landscape. Through a fun Q&A format, we'll share their unique routines and tips, inspiring us all to embrace the remote lifestyle together!

What does your typical workday look like, and how do you make it uniquely yours?

My day starts around 5:30 AM, and trust me, it’s a magical hour. I head to my patio, which feels like a treehouse, coffee in hand, listening to birds and squirrels as the sun peeks over the ridge. It’s my morning meditation: journaling, setting intentions, and savoring that first cup. A few days a week, I’ll squeeze in a workout, but my secret weapon is a brisk 2-3 minute cold plunge. Nothing says “ready to conquer the day” quite like a mini Arctic adventure!

What’s your favorite way to take a break during the workday, and why does it help you recharge?

Breaks are non-negotiable! The key is to step away from my desk—even a 10-minute reset works wonders. I love running into my co-working buddies in the kitchen, where we have impromptu chats or assemble lunches together, sharing laughs and stories over coffee or water refills. Mid-morning, I often take a quick walk with a friend. That little escape clears my mind and recharges my energy, setting me up for a productive rest of the day.

How do you stay connected with humans and your physical community while working remotely? Any favorite activities or local spots?

Connection is key in the remote work game! I regularly join AVL Digital Nomad events—anything with live music or outdoor vibes is a win. Hatch, my co-working space is also buzzing, and I cherish those spontaneous coffee and lunch chats with fellow “hatchlings” and our Thursday evening socials. It’s the little moments of human connection that bring harmony and joy.

What advice would you give to someone feeling bored or burnt out from working from home?

If you’re feeling stuck, shake things up! Try a new workspace—maybe a different room or a cozy local café. Don’t underestimate the power of routine either; add fun rituals, like morning journaling or regular breaks. And, seriously, get outside! A walk or bike ride can do wonders for your mindset and energy.

What’s one software or piece of hardware you can't live without, and how does it enhance your remote work experience?

My adjustable standing desk and ChatGPT are absolute essentials in my remote setup. The desk keeps me moving and energized, while ChatGPT feels like my personal brainstorming buddy. Whether I’m generating ideas, organizing info, or seeking a fresh perspective, it fuels my creativity and productivity. Together, they make my workspace as comfortable as it is efficient!

What strategies do you use to maintain your mental health and prevent feelings of isolation while working remotely?

Keeping my mental health in check is essential. I schedule regular sessions with my executive coach or therapist to stay grounded. My daily rituals—like mid-morning walks, afternoon coffee chats, and post-work gatherings—fuel the social connection I need. I also lean into mindfulness meditation and stay active with Asheville’s vibrant Digital Nomad community. For me, it’s all about finding a healthy rhythm that keeps my mind and spirit uplifted.

What’s your secret sauce for thriving remotely?

My “secret sauce” for thriving remotely isn’t just one ingredient—it’s a whole recipe! It starts with a job I am passionate about, an intentional morning routine, a flexible approach to my day, and a curated circle of people who keep me inspired. I make time for meal prep on Sundays and build connections with my co-working community, fueling my work-life balance by prioritizing self-care and staying adaptable. I find new ways to stay motivated and bring fresh energy to my remote work life.

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