How I Made My Solo "Workcation" Feel Less Lonely
Our take
In her recent article, Emily Zirimis explores the nuanced experience of solo travel through the lens of her workcation in Los Angeles. While she celebrates the vibrancy of the city, she also candidly addresses the moments of solitude that can accompany such trips, particularly when work obligations overshadow leisure. This duality is something many of us can relate to, especially in a world where the hustle often takes precedence over personal connection. Zirimis’s journey prompts us to reflect on how we can cultivate a sense of belonging even in moments of solitude, a theme echoed in our explorations of emotional depth in self-awareness, as seen in pieces like What if the truth is that your consciousness holds all the answers? What if you are more unlimited and more powerful tha... and How do you use runway fashion in everyday personal style.
Zirimis’s reflections resonate particularly in today’s fast-paced society, where the lines between professional and personal life often blur. As she navigates her work obligations amidst the allure of Los Angeles, she illustrates how intentionality can transform solitary experiences into opportunities for self-discovery. By seeking comfort in familiar routines, such as enjoying a meal at In-N-Out or finding solace in the lush surroundings, Zirimis suggests that we can create our own pockets of joy, even when the external environment feels isolating. This approach not only enhances our travel experiences but also serves as a reminder of the importance of self-connection in fostering a sense of belonging, a topic we've recently explored in our article on emotional awareness.
Moreover, the idea of a "workcation" is more than just a trend; it reflects a broader cultural shift towards integrating work and leisure. As remote work becomes increasingly prevalent, this blending of environments invites us to redefine how we perceive productivity and relaxation. Zirimis’s narrative captures this evolving landscape, where the act of working in a new city can simultaneously serve as an escape and a source of introspection. In this context, her experience serves as a blueprint for others navigating similar circumstances, encouraging us to embrace the solitude that often accompanies our professional pursuits while also celebrating the small joys that can enhance our journeys.
Looking ahead, Zirimis’s article raises an essential question: how can we further cultivate meaningful connections with ourselves and others during our travels? As we continue to explore the balance between work and personal fulfillment, it becomes increasingly vital to consider our emotional well-being in these spaces. In a world that often emphasizes output over introspection, her insights remind us to take a step back and appreciate the beauty in solitude. By prioritizing self-awareness and intentionality, we can transform our workcations into not just opportunities for professional growth but also moments of profound personal enrichment. The journey is, after all, as much about the destination as it is about the inner landscapes we traverse along the way.
PS Photography / Emily Zirimis
Last month, I flew to Los Angeles for work, admittedly one of my favorite places to travel to for a work trip. And while an out-of-the-ordinary rainy day greeted me upon touchdown at LAX, the familiar line of palm trees and nearby In-N-Out still pulled me in like a warm hug.
I'm typically a pretty flexible traveler, but at this stage in my career, the novelty of a fast work trip can wear off. So this time around, I switched things up and stayed at the Moxy Downtown Los Angeles, a Marriott Bonvoy property, which is designed with solo travelers in mind. (You can check out other Marriott Bonvoy properties using Marriott Bonvoy points for your next solo work travel trip.) There are multiple restaurants, a pool, gym, and more amenities located within the same building as the Moxy and its sister property, the AC Hotel.
Fortunately for me, staying at the Moxy DTLA meant a fairly quick car ride from the airport (gotta love LA traffic), which made for a faster hotel check-in. A lovely concierge at the front desk welcomed me in the moodily lit lobby area, and went over the various amenities, again reiterating that I didn't really need to even leave the property if I didn't absolutely have to.
Michael Kleinberg, courtesy of Marriott Bonvoy
I'm not a big solo meal girl if I can help it, so eating dinner alone on my first night of this trip was out of my comfort zone (growth!) but the staff at AC Bar & Bistro was welcoming and the vibes were elite, so I felt perfectly comfortable. I ordered an appetizer of marinated olives, the hanger steak frites with arugula and chimichurri, and the Oaxacan Sour cocktail consisting of Banhez mezcal, lemon, egg white, and Angostura bitters.
While still running on east coast time, I woke up early the next morning and headed straight down to Bluestone Lane, conveniently located in the first floor lobby where I ordered two different types of toast: the peanut butter and berry toast with strawberries, raspberries, honey, and mint on multigrain toast, as well as the avocado toast, which came with cherry tomatoes, feta, prosciutto, and a sprinkle of chili flakes, also on multigrain toast. (I couldn't decide. Both were fab, no regrets.)
As I prepared for a day out and about in LA with a friend, I chilled in my room — with a corner view at that! The cozy room featuring a king-sized bed overlooking the city provided the perfect solo escape for a work trip.
Since I knew I'd have at least one day to myself in LA before work ensued, I made sure to make both plans with a good friend, as well as solo down time for myself. It was a good balance of activities, and I felt like I got a nice dose of both. We went to vintage furniture store Pop Up Home, stopped by the Damson Madder pop-up, walked Little Tokyo, and paid a visit to Erewhon, a no-brainer for an East Coaster like me. That delicious $24 Hailey Bieber smoothie? Fortunately (or unfortunately), it is good.
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Emily Zirimis is the associate creative director at Popsugar. Before joining the PS team, she worked as Creative Design Director at Teen Vogue for nearly six years. She holds a BFA in Communications Design with a minor in Art History from Pratt Institute and has been working in the digital media space since 2014.Read on the original site
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