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Across Continents with Ilyes Bourigua: A Story of Adaptation, Adventure, and Remote Work

May 31, 2024

Kathy Banach

At OnTheGoSystems, we value the flexibility of remote work, but we also know that it requires teamwork, organization, and the willingness to adapt. Recently, Ilyes Bourigua made a big move from Tunisia to Canada – a change that was possible thanks to Ilyes’ dedication and our team’s support.

When Ilyes began considering the option of moving abroad to a different time zone, it required careful planning. For our global and fully remote team, it’s important to synchronize efforts and work together despite the distances.

We asked Ilyes a few questions about his relocation, the challenges he faced, and how he manages remote work from his new home.

Ilyes, could you tell us a bit about yourself and your background? 

Ilyes, his wife, and cat en route to Canada

I’m a dedicated supporter for WPML, proficient in French, English, and Arabic, and always aim to assist our clients seamlessly. Originally from Tunisia, I recently embarked on a new adventure to Canada with my wife and our cherished cats, aiming to broaden our horizons and embrace the joys of traveling and living abroad together for the first time!

We have a deep love for the outdoors and enjoy exploring new hiking and camping spots, which is why we feel so at home here in Canada.

How do you benefit from working at OTGS and what do you like the most about working remotely?

Engaging in remote work, particularly with the OTGS team, has been a game-changer for me. It provides a stable source of income while preserving invaluable family time and eliminating the draining commute and unnecessary expenses. 

Working alongside the OTGS team fosters remarkable synergy and a supportive culture. This results in a stress-free environment where mutual trust and reliability are paramount. 

OTGS also perfectly aligns with my lifestyle by granting me the freedom to work from diverse locations, enriching my professional experience with the adventure of exploring different countries.

Ilyes enjoying a hike and the beautiful Canadian scenery

Are there any other places you plan to work from?

While I see myself staying in Canada for the foreseeable future, I’m open to the idea of exploring other cities within the country while continuing to work remotely.

How did you manage the challenge of working in a different time zone?

Truthfully, the transition wasn’t smooth initially. I needed to synchronize with the European time zone both to ensure minimal disruption to the team’s workflow and to accommodate my personal requirements. This meant enduring a couple of weeks of starting work at 5 AM, which was definitely challenging. However, it proved to be immensely beneficial as it afforded me time after my shift to focus on securing accommodation and completing necessary paperwork.

Once I found my footing, I received invaluable support from my team, enabling me to transition to a more sustainable schedule, starting work at 7 AM. It’s been a game-changer for my lifestyle, and I couldn’t be happier with how things have turned out.

Ilyes and his wife appreciate Canadian autumn weather
…and their cat agrees

What was the approval process like for working in a different time zone, and who was involved in making this happen?

At the outset, I communicated directly with my team lead at the time. We talked about my relocation plans and I got a proper idea on who to discuss further details with.

Then, I engaged with our HR Manager, Laura, and Support Manager, Amit, to obtain their approval, as their input was crucial to the transition process.

Ilyes and his family in their new home in Canada

How has your team supported you during this transition?

The support and cooperation of the entire team during this period were invaluable. I’m truly grateful for the team’s understanding and encouragement regarding my decision to move to Canada. 

One of the biggest challenges I encountered upon moving to Canada was securing accommodation without any prior Canadian history or credit score. Additionally, landlords expect six months’ rent in advance as “insurance” for newcomers like us, which was a significant hurdle, despite being legally questionable.

Fortunately, we were fortunate to have friends who graciously offered us temporary accommodation. When the OTGS administration learned of our situation, they offered us some great support that made it possible to secure stable housing within just three weeks of relocating. It’s a testament to the caring and supportive community both within OTGS and among our friends.

With the BAMM program, I was also able to start my humble home gym and get some piano learning books, two things that I’m constantly practicing. 

Supporting Flexibility and Remote Work

While the challenges of different time zones and relocating can be significant, our supportive culture and Ilyes’ adaptability made it possible. At the same time, we recognize that some moves may require additional coordination or may not be practical for teams that need overlapping hours to work efficiently. Each transition is unique and comes with its own set of challenges, but at OTGS, we strive to support our team members through every step of their remote work journey.

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