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From 5 Hours in Traffic to Two Months in Japan: Jair Sandoval on Remote Work

February 26, 2026

Kathy Banach

Jair Sandoval joined our Finance team with a suitcase full of plans. He wanted more time for his family, hobbies, and a long trip to Japan. Remote work made all of it possible.

A Different Kind of Work-Life Balance

Before joining OTGS, Jair’s day was shaped by Mexico City’s infamous traffic. The opportunity to join a fully remote environment gave him something he hadn’t had in years: time.

I used to spend up to 5 hours per day commuting from home to work. During those years I actually broke my personal record of books read (almost 50 per year), but the work-life balance was very poor, and I didn’t really have time for anything but work. One of the things I value the most about working remotely (or from home) is definitely the time I get to spend with my family and on my hobbies.

But that was just the start. Remote work also made room for a long-awaited trip to Japan.

Shinjuku, Tokyo

Two Months in Japan, Done Right

Japan had been on Jair’s list for years. By the time he joined OTGS, he had already started planning the trip. And he wasn’t planning a quick visit. He wanted to explore temples, experience local festivals, and get a genuine feel for life in Japan. So he set aside two months.

Jair was determined to make both his new role and the trip work. From the very beginning, he was open with HR and his team about his plans. Together, they worked out a plan that would keep him available for calls, collaborative sessions, and project work, while still giving him the freedom to explore.

The biggest piece of the puzzle was the time difference. Jair’s solution turned out to be a natural fit for how he already liked to work.

I’ve always been very flexible with working hours, especially because I’m one of those people who concentrate better at night, when there’s no noise or distractions. So, to align my schedule with the Americas and Europe, I started working from late afternoon until past midnight. It was actually really comfy for me. Japan is one of those places where parts of the city are alive throughout the night, so I would often leave my room at midnight to find something for my “lunch/dinner”. And during the early mornings, I would choose where to go and spend most of the day exploring. I pushed the more nocturnal activities to the weekend to avoid losing the full experience during workdays.

Dotonbori, Osaka
Hanabi Festival (Hololive 8th Anniversary: “Shiny Sparklers Symphony”)

Taking In Japan, One Day at a Time

The plan worked. With his schedule sorted and his team fully in the loop, Jair had the mental space to really enjoy the country he was in. That included some experiences he won’t forget.

I had the chance to enjoy my first Hanabi, a summer fireworks festival, and visit some iconic places, both modern and traditional. Sometimes I would even take a break on the sand at the beach at midnight, just enjoying the peace and security of a place that really values order and social coexistence.

Fuji-san! (Mt. Fuji)
Tōdai-ji, Nara

The Trip List Goes On

Japan showed Jair that the planning pays off. With the right preparation and a team that communicates well, working remotely from another country is very much doable. 

There are still many places I want to experience while working remotely, both in Mexico and abroad. Being able to work from different cities and cultures helps me stay motivated, refreshed, and curious. It is one of the things I appreciate most about being part of a remote-first team like OTGS.

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