In late 2013, I had a growing urge to change something in my life. I was tired of showing up to the same office every day, feeling like I was just going through the motions. It seemed like nothing would ever change if I kept living on autopilot. My work had become about earning a paycheck, not about passion.
I’ve always been searching for deeper meaning in what I do. I want to create something special, something that makes a lasting impact. Last winter, I finally acted on a dream of mine—to work from one of the most beautiful places I could imagine: Zanzibar. It wasn’t just about escaping to paradise. I wanted to continue working, but without feeling like I was missing out on life in the process. I believe to do meaningful work, you have to follow your inner motivation and, in doing so, create something that matters.
I also thought that working from a far-off place would give me a fresh perspective on my daily life and routines, helping me figure out what I really wanted.
After a breathtaking three-week vacation through northern Tanzania, I returned to Stonetown, Zanzibar, on December 25th to work for a month. I was exactly where I wanted to be, with plenty of time and space—but I found it difficult to focus. Stonetown didn’t provide the environment I needed to work comfortably or feel inspired. My small room had no real windows, and the little light that did come through was blocked by mosquito nets, with the neighboring house just 1.5 meters away, offering no view to speak of.
Inside, I had to rely on harsh fluorescent lights to see, which drained any spark of creativity. Worse, the humidity was unbearable. I had a towel next to my laptop just to wipe off the sweat that constantly dripped onto my desk.
I longed to work outdoors. I had a laptop with a solid battery and an internet dongle, ready to go—but working outside in Africa wasn’t as simple as I had imagined. There were no parks, only beaches or shaded areas, and if I did find a spot, people would inevitably gather around, either out of curiosity or just to chat. So, I had to explore other options.
Rooftops weren’t commonly used in Zanzibar, and cafes, while an option, didn’t always have the atmosphere I needed. During those first few days, I felt frustrated. Each morning I’d wake up wondering where I could work, and I’d spend hours wandering around Stonetown, lost in its maze-like streets, searching for a place to settle. I’d often walk until I hit the edge of town, then circle back, hoping to find a familiar landmark. It was exhausting, and my brain was working overtime just to establish a sense of routine in an unfamiliar environment.
Gradually, I began to find cafes where I could work and enjoy a decent cup of coffee. I started to remember the layout of the town and how to find my way home. Day by day, life became a little easier, and I could finally focus on the work I had come there to do.
What surprised me most about my time in Zanzibar was this: I had left to escape my routines, thinking they were holding me back. But the complete lack of any structure left me feeling insecure, as if I had made a mistake coming there in the first place. It wasn’t until I began forming new routines—simple things like where to eat, when to work, how to find my way—that I finally felt at ease. By the time I found my rhythm, the month was over, and it was time to fly back.
Looking back now, I realize it was the best thing I could have done. I developed a clear understanding of how I want to work and what I want to achieve. I didn’t stumble upon these new routines by accident; I built them because they helped me reach my goals. Even better, I was able to take these routines with me to new places, allowing me to work more efficiently and feel happier than I ever had before.
Some of the lessons I took away from Stonetown:
- I hate routines.
- I need routines.
- I can complain no matter where I am.
- It’s my choice to focus on the bright side—or not.
- Nothing is perfect.
- But everything can be perfect for a moment.
- If I know what I want, I can make it happen.
- Let go of expectations and live in the present.
- What makes a remarkable life isn’t the opportunities you’re given—it’s what you make of them.
If you’re interested in working without the constraints of a traditional office, I’ve put all the lessons I learned in Stonetown into my webinar: Officeless Office. It’s about breaking free from the norms and finding the freedom to work wherever you are.