Case Studies & Interviews
Chris
Interview Date
July 2024
Current Location
North Carolina
Age Range
Between 40 & 49 years
Profession
Architectural
Photographer
How long have you been
working remotely from your boat?
Over one year.
What type of boat do you live and work on?
⛵️ Sailboat
Workspace Setup
What productivity tools or apps do you rely on?
I rely on Notion as my primary organizer and Google Drive, Google Docs, and Dropbox for file delivery.
LINKS
What internet solutions do you use to stay connected?
Starlink provides my primary internet connection.
LINKS
Many boaters will use the Starlink Roam (starlink.com/roam) options.
What communication tools do you find most effective for remote work?
Zoom is fundamental for conducting meetings with clients.
I will also use my mobile phone for calls and enable wifi calling in areas where the cell signal is inconsistent.
LINKS
Describe your typical workspace setup on your boat.
I typically work on the salon table or the navigation desk, where a large monitor can be used.
I will also work outside in the cockpit if it's a nice day.
Work-Life Balance
What strategies do you use to manage your time effectively?
Honestly, this is one of my largest struggles, which is compounded by boat life.
I will often try to block my time, so I work in chunks on various projects.
While sometimes things may come up (like the weather) that require immediate attention, I find these are usually temporary, and I can pick my work back up later as needed.
It's very important to provide enough space around your schedule to allow things to happen—because they always do!
Setting these expectations ahead of time for myself, my family, and clients is a key component to avoiding stressful situations later.
How do you balance work and leisure time while living on your boat?
This can be difficult as living on a boat involves a constant to-do list.
That said, I find working through the morning offers the best opportunity for me to get things done while leaving space in the afternoon to get off the boat and explore, etc.
Sometimes, just working on the boat while up in the cockpit is a nice blend of leisure and work, as I can enjoy the outdoors while still being productive.
How do you handle business travel or meetings that require your physical presence?
I will find a marina/anchorage that is near an airport that is reasonably accessible.
I'll then hire an Uber/taxi to take me to the airport or, better yet, connect with an AGLCA Harbor Host or family/friends in the area to help provide a ride.
I've found that while sometimes expensive, marinas offer the best option for leaving the boat safely. There are more people around to keep an eye on the boat (if everyone in our crew is away), and it's easier to access nearby towns and amenities if they are available.
Challenges & Solutions
How do you overcome these challenges?
Setting reasonable expectations about pivoting is key.
Living and working on the boat can require a different mindset.
Sometimes, I arrive at an anchorage with plenty of time to accomplish work tasks, but the weather or sea state doesn't keep the boat still enough to feel comfortable working.
Then, it becomes necessary to pack up the laptop and head to shore in search of a more stable work spot.
What are the biggest challenges you face working remotely from a boat?
Distractions!
They are everywhere with a land-based work environment, but even more so with boat-based life.
The boat constantly requires attention, so it can be hard to prioritize work when something needs attending otherwise.
Can you share a specific incident where you had to troubleshoot a major issue related to remote work on your boat?
While there isn't really such a thing as a “photography emergency,” there have been times when weather, Starlink, and delivering large batches of digital files on time have been challenging.
In heavy wind and rain, consistent connection with Starlink can be dodgy, so being ready to pivot into a different solution is important.
Either connecting with the client ahead of time to adjust expectations or moving to a more stable location is often the best way to deal with this issue.
Personal Experience
How has this lifestyle change impacted your personal and professional life?
Being on the boat certainly opens doors to curiosity with clients and prospects.
I've conducted meetings while underway, and it is often an easy ice-breaker moment with those in the meeting who don't know that I live on a boat.
Learning to be incredibly flexible is important. While it does create stress when things aren't in your control (like the weather), the upside is well worth it.
What do you enjoy most about working remotely from your boat?
I easily have the best Zoom background when in meetings! :)
Other than that, it's the incredible flexibility to be out on the water while able to still make a living.
Do you have any tips for others considering remote work from a boat?
In the words of Captain Ron, “If it's gonna happen, it's gonna happen out there!”
Having the expectation that working on a boat will not run on a perfect schedule is absolutely key to a life-giving, rather than life-sucking, experience.
Create redundancies for your technology (I back everything up on my computer in various ways) and a plan of action for when things inevitably go sideways (which is literal on a sailboat) so you, your crew and clients can all be on the same page.
Future Plans
What are your future plans for continuing to work remotely from your boat?
For the next year or so I'll continue working and living on the boat.
Would you recommend this lifestyle to others? Why or why not?
Absolutely.
However, it's not for everyone.
You need to have a work position that will allow for the flexibility and adjustment that boat life ultimately requires.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience working remotely from your boat?
Get out and do it!
It might be uncomfortable at times, but the reward is worth the effort. Remember, you don't have to always live on the boat and work remotely that way.
You can make the choice to move on or off the boat as needed depending on your situation.
The flexibility of remote work creates the gift of choice, which is a great thing these days.
Learn more about Chris and his work by visiting his website for CM Images.
