The importance of flexibility at Orca Scan ✈️

As a tech company, we’re keen to be at the forefront of new tech and new innovation, and we love to experiment with new ideas. All of our team work fully remote, giving everyone the opportunity to work flexibly from anywhere they wish. We know that this choice has allowed us to grow our team across the world whilst strengthening our abilities to support customers globally.

Offering a flexible working environment also allows the team to grow and develop, both personally and professionally because they feel more motivated during their working days as they can fit this workload around their lives. Not the other way around. We spoke to avid traveller, Diego, about his experience working remotely for Orca Scan whilst exploring his favourite countries.

A little bit of context: Meet Diego 💛

Name: Diego Molero Marín

Age: 28

Degree and Master: Computer engineering

Current role: Software Senior Engineer

Orca-Anniversary: November 2022

How long have you worked at Orca Scan?

In late 2021, I met John in Malaga at a co-working space. We became friends, and eventually, I started helping John with a few Android issues and little projects for Orca Scan in my free time. In late 2022, I decided to join Orca Scan full time 🙂 So, to answer your question, almost 1-year (part-time) plus almost 2 years full-time.

What is your role at Orca Scan? What does it entail?

The official role name is Full-Stack Senior Software Engineer.

As a full-stack developer, I’m not an expert in any specific field, which means I’m able to understand and work in almost all of the technology areas of the business, like databases, mobile applications, infrastructure, backend, frontend, and testing.

What is your favourite thing about working at Orca Scan?

I have more than one, but if I have to choose only one it would be the flexibility.

Which at Orca Scan means: not having a strict schedule, being able to work remotely from anywhere in the world and having the trust and support from colleagues.

Why is having a healthy work/life balance important to you?

It’s everything to me. When I have the perfect balance I feel very efficient; I have good ideas, I enjoy work a lot, but I also know that i can enjoy my life outside of work more and disconnect. It keeps me motivated and happy.

Do you think you’ve got a good work/life balance? If yes, then why do you think that is the case?

I travel every 1-3 months, so I have the best balance. All I want to do is find a place with good weather, a good community and some sports that I can do each day to maintain active.

Rumour has it you love to travel. Where is the best place you’ve been?

Recently, I was in Vietnam for 2 months, and I really liked it. It’s a destination outside Spain that I will definitely visit next year. It has everything: the people, the weather, the culture, the food. I felt so welcomed in such a different country that I know i have to go again.

Is there something that you’ve learned while travelling that you’ve managed to bring into the workplace?

I struggled with socialising before I started travelling. I don’t consider myself antisocial, but working hard, doing exercise and dealing with daily home tasks was enough to do; I didn’t have the energy to socialise. Eventually, I became sad; my life was boring, and it was hard for me to break this routine.

When I go to co-living spaces, I am surrounded by very interesting people with similar energy and lifestyle. They come, stay a few weeks and go. I learnt that I needed this environment to grow. Not only am I happier, but I have also improved my English, as everyone usually speaks English in these environments. I am more open minded and tolerant, have improved my social skills, I network, play new sports and activities, I’ve learned new recipes, and more! Thanks to travelling and using co-living spaces.

How do you manage your time so you can complete tasks and explore the country you are in?

During my days, I don’t usually explore. I prioritise going to the gym or doing sports, going to a co-working space to work, socialise, cook and eat well. It’s during the weekends when I travel more around the country I’m staying, but I’m not a fan of travelling far because, on Mondays, I want to return to my base so that I maintain a good balance with my work, health and travels.

Do you feel supported by the Orca team in finding that balance between work and life?

Absolutely, yes; from the very first moment, the team not only agreed with my trips but also told me that I was a good influence on others to keep doing what they like whilst working. It’s super nice to see that they understand you can be travelling and happy but also work hard and be serious about work.

What advice would you give to another member of staff wanting to travel and work at the same time?

I would recommend going to a co-living space, especially if it’s your first experience travelling and working. Also, take it easy; don’t go too far for the first time; see how it goes and see what matches you best.

How can employers make it easier for staff that want to travel and work?

Logistically, I just need my laptop, but I do need the support and trust of the company to enjoy the experience. Everyone should understand that travelling doesn’t mean you are avoiding your responsibilities. I think the happier you are, the better you will perform and enjoy your job. I appreciate every day I can combine travelling and working together.

What are your travel plans for 2024?

So far, I will go to a co-living space in Valencia (Spain) for a month, and then go to Cadiz (Spain) for 2 months so I can surf. I really like the summer in Spain. I want to visit Cambridge in the summer too, but I also have to go to Greece in August for a wedding. I’m sure more plans will come 💃

If our interview with Diego about working remotely at Orca Scan is of interest to you, and you’d like to work with us, please contact us with your CV, or check out our job opportunities, and let’s talk business! 📩🚀