Last summer, many friends assumed I took the entire season off, but the reality was quite different. Despite only formally taking 14 days off between May and the end of September, I managed to weave work seamlessly with my passion for travel, exploring 12 different cities.

My professional journey took an interesting turn in April 2022 when I traded my work base in London for an exciting venture in Dubai with Lean. Back in my London days, the proximity of diverse European destinations allowed me to indulge my wanderlust without the need for lengthy vacations. Weekends often meant impromptu flights on Friday nights, returning by Monday morning, seamlessly transitioning back into work life.

Upon relocating to Dubai, I initially fretted about the change in travel dynamics. Dubai lacked the array of nearby destinations that could be conveniently visited over a weekend. However, the flexible policies at Lean have been a game-changer for me. They've empowered me to spend quality time with my family and embark on various holidays throughout the year, all without compromising on work commitments.

Last summer was a testament to this flexibility. I temporarily returned to London, working from our office there, allowing me to reconnect with family and revive the tradition of spontaneous weekend getaways across the EU. The presence of a London office added an extra layer of connection as I could collaborate with colleagues in person.

One of the aspects I truly appreciate about Lean is the absence of rigid constraints on vacation days. This liberates me from the need to meticulously plan my entire year in advance, ensuring I have enough days off. The lack of limitations enables me to be more spontaneous in my travel plans, knowing that I can extend my time off if needed.

In essence, the combination of a dynamic work environment, the freedom to explore, and the support of Lean has allowed me to strike a harmonious balance between professional commitments and personal adventures.