Rolling remote with Jonathan Kalan
Jonathan is the co-founder of Unsettled, a remote working community that facilitates work-based experiences in destinations like Bali, Peru, and Argentina. The team at Unsettled makes working and traveling abroad easy by organizing participants’ housing, workspaces, and activities.
Even when he’s not traveling with the Unsettled community, Jonathan truly lives the lifestyle. He’s visited over 70 countries and is a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie. As a side gig he runs Folia, a company that makes 100 percent compostable, biodegradable, and chemical-free plates out of leaves found in India while directly supporting low-income rural producers.
Below Jonathan shares the productivity habit he swears by and the gear that allows him to be present while on the move.
Quick-fire profile
How many years have you worked remotely? 10+ years
Where are you based? I’m based in Brooklyn, but most of the time I’m living Unsettled.
Where do you spend most of your remote work hours? In a coworking space. My go-to when I’m at home is Prosper Gowork in Brooklyn. It’s a super affordable, no-frills coworking space with a great community!
Are you most productive in the morning or at night? Early bird
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Jonathan’s workspace setup
What type of desk and chair do you use?
Whatever’s at my local coffee shop or coworking space
What features do you like most about your work space?
It’s anywhere I want it to be. That’s the best part.
Remote work pros and cons: Jonathan’s take
What are the biggest pros and cons of remote work for you?
Pros: schedule flexibility, travel flexibility, better work-life balance
Cons: less focus
Working from home tips and tricks
What software technologies do you use on a regular basis?
What habit allows you to be more productive during the day?
Exercise. I swim or bike daily if I can, it gets me out of the house/office and gives me a mental reset.
What are the 3 items you can’t live without while working remotely? (If you have a brand you love, please name them!)
- Noise canceling earphones are essential
- Apple EarPods as well for taking calls while biking or going between meetings
- A backup iPhone battery charger
Answers have been lightly edited and links were added.
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