#WFAnywhere With Content Creator and Influencer Aysha Harun
With so many of us working from home in 2021, your office may look different—and that’s probably a good thing. According to a recent poll conducted by The Times and Morning Consult, 86% of remote workers say that they’re satisfied working from home and only one in five want to return to the office. As an increasing number of employers adopt flexible remote-work policies to keep employee satisfaction high and keep up with the changing times, we’re launching our #WFAnywhere series in partnership with Alaska Airlines to spotlight how remote workers balance work and play while working from anywhere (#WFAnywhere). Ahead, content creator and influencer Aysha Harun, shares the destination she’d love to travel to right now to #WFAnywhere, her #1 tip for avoiding distractions while working in a new environment, and more tips on how to #WFAnywhere.
Where would you love to travel to right now to #WFAnywhere?
I’d love to book a trip to Hawaii! Who wouldn’t want to work beside a breezy window by day and take a leisurely stroll along a postcard-perfect beach by sunset? I’m also conscious that Hawaii has set high standards for COVID safety and is closely following CDC guidance for keeping visitors as well as locals healthy and safe, which is very important to me. I’m of the mindset that it’s important to travel safely and thoughtfully at all times, not just during a pandemic, which is something I think we’ll see more of in 2021 and beyond.
Why is it important to change up your scenery after being in quarantine?
Staying home during quarantine really took a toll on my mental health. I think as humans we naturally feel the need to be social, and personally speaking as an extrovert, I REALLY missed being around people. As much as I love working from home and having a flexible schedule, it’s so important to get outside and soak in some vitamin D, fresh air, and experience something new. Especially if you work in a creative field, it can be difficult to feel inspired when you’re always in the same environment. Switching up your scenery is good for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being and even a quick and safe weekend trip might give you all the inspiration you were craving while locked inside!
Where are you currently based while working remotely?
I’m currently based in sunny Los Angeles! Thankfully, I’m used to the work-from-home life as I’ve been a full-time content creator and influencer for nearly four years now. However, with the pandemic, things have definitely changed a lot and I’ve spent more time than usual at home due to in-person events and conferences being canceled.
What do you love about working remotely from Los Angeles?
I used to live in Toronto, Canada so there is definitely a huge benefit to now working in Los Angeles. The fact that it is sunny and warm most days is the biggest bonus because my mood is directly impacted by the weather. I used to experience major seasonal-depression when living in Toronto during the long winter months because the sun was barely out and it was always too cold to leave the house. Here in L.A. the sun shines brightly into my home every morning and leaves me so inspired to create content. I also love that I can take my work to go and find a cute outdoor workspace all year round, whether that’s planning a fun photoshoot for Instagram or plowing through emails at an outdoor patio. The weather alone makes this a great city to work remotely, but having access to so many different activities on top of that takes it to the next level!
What are some of your favorite spots to work from or visit safely when you take a break from work?
There are so many places I love to visit on the weekly here in L.A. My favorite spot for a caffeine boost is Alfred’s on Melrose Place. I am a matcha-addict and they make THE best-iced matcha latte. I love grabbing my laptop and working out there for a change of scenery, and when I’m done, I love to hit up all the cute shops and boutiques along that road.
My go-to for lunch is Taco’s Tu Madre in West Hollywood. The amount of times I’ve ordered from there during quarantine is a little embarrassing, but now that they’ve opened for dining, I love heading there with a friend and enjoying some tacos and mocktails on their gorgeous patio. They also have AMAZING vegan options so there is literally something for everyone. Highly recommend their crispy shrimp bowl, squash blossom taco, mango margarita, and the street corn, but everything I’ve tried there is 10/10!
Living in L.A. means having constant access to the gorgeous beaches so I love heading down to Will Rogers State Beach and getting some fresh air and steps in at least once a week. It’s a bit quieter than the other beaches and the paved boardwalk is so perfect for walking, running, or biking along the coast. I always keep a blanket in the back of my car, and anytime I need some relaxation, I love finding a quiet spot in the sand and watching the sunset. It’s been one of the main things keeping me sane this past year and allows me to reconnect with myself while enjoying the peaceful sounds of the ocean.
What precautions should people take before they leave to ensure a safe trip both while they’re traveling and once they arrive? What tips can you share?
I think it’s important to read up on the CDC guidelines for wherever you’ll be traveling to for the best and most accurate safety tips. Also, taking a COVID-test and monitoring your health before leaving on a trip is safe both for yourself and for others. I’d recommend getting tested as close as possible to your trip and having anyone that will be accompanying you do the same. If possible, avoid super crowded trips and instead opt for something more secluded like a weekend in nature, or a COVID-safe beach trip. Once you arrive, find activities that allow you to social distance from others like renting a boat or hiking, and ensure you’re still taking those cute-AF masks everywhere you go!
When you travel for work, what are your in-flight must-haves for ensuring your flight is as safe and comfortable as possible? What recommendations can you share?
My in-flight must-haves include double-masking—usually a disposable mask underneath a cute reusable mask is my go-to. I also love to carry both liquid hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes to disinfect the area I’m sitting in and anything I’d potentially touch like the seat belt, TV-monitor, remote, window, armrests, etc. I prefer to have a meal before getting on the flight so I’m not removing my mask throughout, and I like to bring my own bottle of water with a straw to quickly hydrate when needed without having to use the in-flight food service.
Are you a work-from-the-air kind of person, or do you use this time to disconnect?
I personally love disconnecting from everything while up in the air. Instead, I take that time to tap into my faith, meditate, sleep, listen to music, or simply look out the window and snap pics of the dreamy clouds!
What are some things you take with you to ensure you’re prepared to work (ie. can set up a virtual office when you arrive)?
I always travel with my MacBook, charger, and Air Pods so I can set up shop anywhere. I also always take my external hard-drive because, as a YouTuber, I always need the extra storage space. Given that I’m always creating content regardless of where I am, I also travel with my Canon M50 camera which is much lighter than my DSLR that I use for more professional videos and photos but still delivers amazing quality. I always carry an extra battery for an easy switch-out and also a mini tripod for both my iPhone and camera. If I’m feeling fancy, I also have a small portable ring-light tripod that can easily fit in my carry-on. It may seem like a lot, but I can usually fit all of this into a small section of my carry-on and I always ensure I have room for it because the content doesn’t stop for anything!
While being away from home as a remote worker is fun, it can also be challenging if you don’t plan. Can you share your top three tips for working remotely while traveling that set you up for success?
My top three tips for working remotely while traveling are:
Communicate with someone on your team that you’ll be working remotely. Even if you think it might not be important to let them know because you’ll “still be working,” anything can happen and it’s better if someone knows why you’re not answering those emails or calls right away like you usually do!
Make note of any timezone changes. Even if it’s just one hour, that hour can really throw off your entire day. Plan ahead and make sure your calendar accounts for the timezone change so you don’t end up accidentally showing up to (or missing) a Zoom-call an hour after it starts!
Designate a certain number of hours for work and try to get as much done within that timeframe so that you can still enjoy your travel. There’s no point in working remotely if you’re just going to stay indoors all day and not experience the environment you’re in. Go beast-mode for a couple of hours and then go out and have some fun outdoors!
Do you set up a “virtual office” in your hotel? How do you set yourself up for success to avoid/minimize distractions?
I personally don’t set up a virtual office due to the type of work I do. I’ll usually answer emails in bed or at the hotel/Airbnb desk and get outdoors to create content. I also try to utilize different parts of my hotel room or temporary-home for fun travel content. For example, the bathroom for fun “get ready with me” videos or travel skincare routines. I also do a lot of my work on my phone so technically the world is my office (as long as I have a charger!!).
What are some of the activities people can enjoy when visiting your destination during a WFAnywhere trip?
Beach day - Head to one of the many beaches in L.A. and enjoy the view! My favorite thing is driving down Pacific Coast Highway and taking in the gorgeous ocean view as you head down to Malibu. One of my favorite beaches down there is Point Dune. Grab a friend and plan a fun photo-shoot or just sit by the ocean and enjoy the sunset! I also really love Will Rogers State Beach and Manhattan Beach (great restaurants nearby).
Hiking - So many amazing trails in L.A. for some outdoor workouts! The go-to for me is Runyon Canyon as I’m not quite an experienced hiker yet. I love the paved road and the view at the top makes it all worth it. For an ocean-view hike, I’d recommend Los Liones Trailhead. Be sure to take a mask with you as they still require them to be worn! For anyone wanting the classic Hollywood Sign pictures, talk a walk through Lake Hollywood Park and the surrounding areas for an unobstructed view of the iconic sign!
Melrose Trading Post - One of my all-time fave Sunday activities is heading to the Melrose Trading Post in Fairfax District. It’s an outdoor market filled with small businesses and you can find really dope vintage tees, jackets, denim, furniture, jewelry—you name it! They also have some really great food trucks and stands inside—my fave is the Poke and Lemonade stand! I’ve found some really unique pieces there and it’s great to support small businesses at times like these.
Shopping - Of course there are some amazing shopping destinations in the city and who doesn’t love a little retail-therapy after work? Hit up Rodeo Drive for a more bougie, upscale experience in Beverly Hills. Melrose for a more street-style and vintage vibe, La Brea for all your Hype-Bae aesthetic needs, and Third Street Promenade right by Santamonica Beach for more main street stores.
FOOD!! - If you’re a foodie, L.A. is the place to be. There are so many amazing restaurants in the city whether you’re in West Hollywood, DTLA, Koreatown, Hollywood, or Santa Monica. My suggestion is to head to Yelp and look at what is in your area, but definitely try and experience Mexican food in the city because Cali does it best! Some of my faves include:
Tacos Tu Madre
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Elephante
Sugar Taco
HiHo Burger
Sugarfish
C&O’s Trattoria
Leo’s Tacos Truck
Jeni’s Ice Cream
Malibu Seafood
Jon & Vinny’s
Any additional advice or info you can share on working from anywhere as a remote employee or independent contractor?
Work hard, and play harder! Life is too short!
Note: During COVID-19, travel restrictions are prone to change. Always check before departure and follow local guidance. Alaska Airlines is committed to your health and safety, learn more about Next-Level Care.