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Writer's pictureIbn Abdus Salaam

Balancing Work and Paradise: Remote Work from Lamu, Kenya

By: Ayyub Abu Faatimah



Introduction:

Working remotely has opened up new horizons for professionals worldwide, allowing us to blend our careers with personal passions. Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of waves on the Kenyan coast and spending your evenings watching the sun dip below the horizon while sipping on a refreshing mango lassi. Welcome to my remote working adventure from the idyllic paradise of Lamu, Kenya.

Leveraging AI for Work Efficiency:

In Lamu, I've been able to harness the power of AI to optimize my work process. Despite the breathtaking scenery, I've been laser-focused on delivering critical projects for my clients. Leveraging AI tools, I've seamlessly moved through the design and development stages, ensuring that I meet my deadlines and exceed client expectations.


Embracing Challenges in Paradise:

However, this picturesque work setting does come with its unique set of challenges. Maintaining a stable internet connection has been paramount, especially when my work requires real-time collaboration with clients across different time zones. The tranquil environment of Lamu belies the effort that goes into ensuring uninterrupted connectivity, which is a lifeline for remote work.

Moreover, adapting to the local electrical specifications was another hurdle. My US-based devices were designed for a different voltage, and ensuring they functioned correctly without damage required careful planning and the use of voltage converters. These challenges have underscored the importance of adaptability and preparedness in remote work settings.



A Day in the Life:

My days in Lamu are a blend of productivity and serenity. Mornings might find me drafting a user procedure to align with contract specifications, ensuring every detail is meticulously covered. As the day unfolds, the clear blue skies and warm breeze provide a backdrop for focused, efficient work, thanks to AI's support in streamlining tasks and automating processes.

But work is just part of the story. As the evening approaches, I often find myself on a sunset tour around the island, the colors of the sky reflecting in the calm sea, a mango lassi in hand, contemplating the beauty around me. This is more than a break; it's a moment that recharges my creativity and passion for my work.

Or perhaps, I start my day with a leisurely donkey ride, moving from town to town, the simplicity and tranquility of the environment enriching my soul. Then, as twilight sets in, I execute a potentially disruptive configuration on a device that sits 7,615 miles away in an equipment closet on the eastern seaboard. The distance is immaterial; my focus and the technology at my disposal make it seem as though I'm right there in the room.


Spirituality and Reflection:

Living in Lamu also allows me to connect deeply with my spiritual side. The call to prayer, the Adhan, resonates from a nearby masjid, marking the rhythm of the day and inviting moments of reflection and connection. As I walk to the prayer, making my Adhkar, I am reminded of the profound words from the Quran:

"إِذْ تَتَوَفَّاهُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ ظَالِمِي أَنفُسِهِمْ فَأَلْقَوْا السَّلَامَ مَا كُنَّا نَعْمَلُ مِن سُوءٍ بَلَى إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ"

"When the angels take their souls at death, and they are wronging themselves, the angels will say, 'What were you in?' They will say, 'We were oppressed in the land.' The angels will say, 'Was not Allah's earth spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?'" (Quran 4:97)

These moments of spiritual grounding amidst the natural beauty of Lamu remind me that the world is indeed vast and filled with opportunities for those willing to seek them.


Conclusion:

Working remotely from Lamu, Kenya, is more than just a change of scenery. It's an experience that blends the demands of professional life with the beauty of the natural world, the efficiency of modern technology, and the depth of spiritual introspection. Here, the balance between work and life isn't just a concept; it's a daily practice, a journey of productivity, discovery, and inner peace.


IBNTEK - February 2024

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