In today’s dynamic work environment, the concept of the third space has taken on new significance. Traditionally, third spaces referred to places outside of home and work—like coffee shops or libraries—where people could gather, connect, and find focus. Now, coworking spaces have redefined this idea for the modern professional, offering tailored environments that balance productivity, community, and convenience.

What is a Third Space?

A third space is a neutral, flexible environment that serves as an alternative to working from home or a traditional office. It’s a place where you can focus, collaborate, and be inspired without the distractions of home or the rigidity of corporate settings.

Why WorkAway Solutions is Your Ideal Third Space

At WorkAway Solutions, we’ve perfected the art of creating third spaces close to home, combining convenience with all the resources you need for productive and balanced workdays.

• 1.Proximity Without Compromise

• WorkAway offers coworking spaces conveniently located near you, eliminating long commutes while providing a professional environment where you can stay focused and energized.

• 2.Flexible Memberships for Modern Work

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As we transition into the fall and the academic spirit reinvigorates our schedules, it’s the perfect opportunity to realign our work habits and spaces for maximum productivity. At WorkAway Solutions, we understand that adapting to the season’s changes while maintaining efficiency can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve compiled essential tips to help you thrive during this back-to-school season.

Tip 1: Set Clear Goals

September Fresh Start! Embracing the back-to-school spirit is synonymous with setting new goals. Use this transitional time to define clear objectives and strategies for the upcoming quarter. Our coworking spaces are designed to foster creativity and strategic thinking, providing the perfect environment for you to plan and achieve your goals. Whether you're a freelancer planning your next project or a startup refining your business model, having a dedicated space to focus can significantly enhance your planning process.

Tip 2: Flexible Workspace Options

Find Your Perfect Fit with Part-Time Membership! Flexibility is key when balancing professional responsibilities with personal life, especially during the bustling fall season. Our part-time memberships offer the versatility you need without the commitment of a full-time office space. Whether you're kickstarting major projects or juggling multiple roles, having access to a professional environment on your terms can greatly increase your productivity. Choose to work in our inspiring coworking areas or maintain momentum from your home office, depending on your daily demands.

August heralds the arrival of “Work Like a Dog Day,” a celebration of our hardworking canine pals and the harmonious blend of diligence and play they embody. This day isn’t solely about toiling away; it’s about injecting our work routines with the spirited essence of our four-legged friends. Here’s how to incorporate a dash of canine-inspired fun and efficiency into your professional life.

Maximize Your Productivity

Dogs exhibit natural zeal and a sharp focus when they’re on a task. Channel this energy by setting concrete goals and organizing your tasks effectively at the start of your day. Employ productivity tools—whether digital apps or classic pen and paper—to keep your tasks aligned and manageable. Mimicking a dog’s determination, you’ll discover yourself accomplishing tasks with a newfound vigor. Discover top task management tools here that can elevate your professional productivity.

Cultivate Collaborative Spirit

Just as dogs flourish in packs, we excel when we collaborate. In the communal environment of a coworking space like WorkAway Solutions, you can exchange ideas and build insights through engaging dialogues with your peers from varied fields.

Summer brings sunshine, outdoor activities, and family fun, but it can also pose challenges to juggling work responsibilities. Here are some strategies to help you balance work and maintain productivity during the summer months.

Incorporate Breaks and Quality Time

• Regular Breaks: Take regular breaks throughout the day to spend time on something you enjoy or time with your kids. Enjoy a short walk, a quick game, or a few minutes of sunshine.

• Plan Fun: Plan and schedule fun activities in advance. This gives you something to look forward to and ensures you make time for relaxation and enjoyment.

• Incentives: Set up a reward system where you treat yourself to something enjoyable after completing key tasks or meeting deadlines. This can be a powerful motivator to stay on track with your work.

Set Clear Boundaries and Schedules

• Plan Ahead: Start each week by outlining a schedule that includes work hours, activities for fun, and family time. Flexibility is key, so be prepared to adjust as needed.

• Early Mornings and Late Evenings: Consider working early in the morning or later in the evening to give you some daytime hours to “play”. If you have kids at home, this also allows you to have uninterrupted work time while being available during the day.

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It's Small Business Week y'all!

For more than six decades, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) has dedicated this time to celebrating the spirit of America’s small business owners and entrepreneurs.

We celebrate all of our WorkAway members who have embraced the grind of small business ownership. We see your grit, determination, and sacrifices! Congratulations.

Our Desk, Office, and Lounge Members:

• AcademicFit
• Aurora Counseling
• Blessi Home Health
• Blue Ridge Bath Company
• Everest Home Improvement
• GEOINT SME
• Global Education Therapy
• Imani Holistic Counseling
• Kimberly Close-Jensen
• LaserFusionX
• MoneyWise Moms
• Paving Pathways ABA Services
• Shular Strategies Group
• Storm and Stream Solutions
• TMPTherapy
• VaxCalc

The Power of Introverted Leadership: Harnessing Quiet Strengths

In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, introverted leaders are redefining what effective leadership looks like. Far from the stereotype of the charismatic, outspoken leader, introverts bring a suite of strengths to the table that can profoundly impact their teams and businesses. This blog post celebrates the positive aspects of being an introverted leader and offers strategies to enhance these inherent qualities.

The Unique Advantages of Introverted Leadership

Introverted leaders possess a range of qualities that can drive success in thoughtful and impactful ways:

• Thoughtful Decision-Making: Introverts tend to process information deeply and consider various outcomes before making decisions. This reflective approach can lead to more sustainable and well-thought-out business strategies.

• Empathetic Leadership: With a natural inclination towards listening and empathy, introverted leaders are adept at understanding and valuing their team members' perspectives. This can foster a supportive and inclusive work environment, enhancing team cohesion and motivation.

• Strategic Focus: The introverted leader's ability to focus intensely on tasks is invaluable for navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. This concentrated effort can lead to innovative solutions and meticulous attention to detail, setting their ventures apart.

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With February here, a month celebrated for its emphasis on love, history, and cultural diversity, I find myself reflecting on the importance of diversity and collaboration. As a woman, a mom, a friend, a neighbor, and a part of the community, these observances hold a special significance but also bring ambivalence. While Black History Month gives us the focus to recognize and celebrate great contributions, it also gives me pause that we are not weaving it into the fabric of our education system and ongoing dialogue. I’ve always advocated for an approach that seamlessly incorporates the achievements and struggles of all diverse groups into our daily discourse, ensuring that the perspectives of all diverse communities are acknowledged year-round.

As a mom, I was a fierce protector of my children from negative stereotypes in books and other media while exposing them to books with images of people worldwide, mindful of showing them brown skin like theirs, all the different shapes of eyes, lips, and noses, and all different types of family structures—many of those books I had before I even thought about having my children. As a social worker working with children and families, those are the books I would bring to share with the families I worked with. Representation is important.

As the holiday season approaches, it's a time filled with joy, celebration, and reflection. For small business owners, this period also presents a unique opportunity to step back, recharge, and prepare for a fresh start in the new year. Here's why embracing the holiday spirit and taking a well-deserved break is not just beneficial but essential for you and your business.

The Power of Rest:

Running a small business is an exhilarating journey, but it can also be demanding. The holidays offer a chance to pause and relax. Taking time off allows you to recharge your batteries, leading to increased creativity and productivity when you return. Remember, a rested mind is a powerful tool in the world of entrepreneurship.

Quality Time with Loved Ones:

The hustle of business often means less time for family and friends. The holidays are a perfect time to reconnect with loved ones and create cherished memories. These moments are not just good for the soul; they also provide a sense of balance and perspective, reminding you of why you started your business journey.

Reflection and Gratitude:

Use this time to reflect on the past year's achievements and challenges. Acknowledge your hard work and the progress you've made. It's also a time to express gratitude to your team, customers, and supporters who have been integral to your success.

In the heart of every thriving community lies a pulse of innovation driven by daring and inventive entrepreneurs. These individuals see beyond the horizon, challenge the status quo, and tirelessly work towards crafting solutions that meet the evolving needs of society. At WorkAway Solutions, we don’t just observe this entrepreneurial gusto; we strive to be its nurturing ground. As a leading co-working space, we take pride in fostering a conducive environment that allows these visionaries to flourish, network, and propel their ventures to new heights.

The essence of entrepreneurship is about solving problems, creating value, and driving economic growth. It's about the brave souls who venture into the unknown, armed with nothing but a dream and the determination to make it a reality. Our community here at WorkAway is brimming with such individuals, and we are thrilled to dedicate this space to celebrate and support their endeavors.

Our co-working environment is designed to be a catalyst for entrepreneurial success. With a myriad of resources at their disposal, entrepreneurs find WorkAway to be a haven where ideas transform into viable businesses. Our modern facilities, flexible working arrangements, and a network of like-minded individuals create a synergy that is palpable the moment you step through our doors.

The holiday season is synonymous with family gatherings, festive celebrations, and a hiatus from the routine. For entrepreneurs, this period presents an opportunity to balance business operations while enjoying precious moments with loved ones. Here are some insightful tips on how you can ensure your business thrives during the holidays without compromising on family time:

1. Schedule in Advance: Utilize scheduling tools to book appointments, meetings, or service deliveries well in advance. Inform your clients about your availability during the holiday season, ensuring they have ample time to schedule their requirements.

2. Automate Operations: Invest in automation tools to manage routine tasks such as invoicing, email responses, and appointment confirmations. Automation will not only save time but also ensure a seamless customer experience even when you're off the clock.

3. Delegate Responsibly: If you have a team, delegate responsibilities wisely. Ensure that each member understands their role during the holiday period, and set up a clear communication channel for any urgent queries or issues.

4. Offer Special Packages: Create holiday-themed service packages or offer discounts to encourage bookings during the holiday season. Promote these packages early to allow clients to plan ahead.

At WorkAway Solutions, we pride ourselves on being more than just a coworking space. We are a community of passionate entrepreneurs, remote workers, and small business owners who come together to collaborate, innovate, and grow. One of our cherished members of this community is Everest Home Improvement.

Everest Home Improvement, known for its incredible home transformations, has been a part of our WorkAway family for five years. Their journey with us began as a small startup looking for a space to call their office. Today, they stand as a testament to what dedication, hard work, and a supportive community can achieve.

The recent renovation of our owner's house by Everest is a shining example of their craftsmanship. From the deck to the siding, gutters, and doors, every aspect of the renovation reflects the quality and attention to detail that Chris, Randy and their team bring to every project. But beyond the physical transformation, there's a deeper story here. It's a story of community and collaboration.

Having their office at WorkAway has allowed Everest to be at the heart of our entrepreneurial community. They've not only benefited from the modern workspaces and facilities we offer but have also been an integral part of our growth and evolution. Their feedback, participation in community events, and collaboration with other members have enriched our ecosystem.

With August being Wellness Month, I would be remiss if I didn't share my favorite local wellness spot!

Earlier this year, I started delving into the science of hormones, metabolic health, and reducing inflammation. I happened upon Deluge Spa after they had offered a meet and greet through the chamber of commerce. I couldn't attend the event, but shortly after, I booked my first infrared sauna session, and I met Fiona, the owner. And my life changed.

Fiona is super knowledgeable about all the aspects that I was researching, and we clicked right away. She was previously a pharmacist and now a functional nutrition provider and understood what I was looking for because there is WAS! In West Springfield. The whole time!

I've called it the best-kept secret because tucked away on Traford Lane, Fiona has two infrared saunas, a grounding room, therapeutic foot soaks, and is now offering Brain Tap, which is a whole notha level. She also has a metabolic reset program that helped me finally get my hormones more balanced.

The benefits of infrared sauna are plentiful and include reduced pain and inflammation, improved workout recovery, improved sleep, detoxification, boosted immunity, and so much more. I'm a confessed super user member and go 3 to 4 times per week, but I'm a little obsessed. You can benefit from a 20-minute session, though I usually do 40 minutes.

A recent article published in Fast Company highlights the transformative impact of local workspaces on carbon footprint reduction. According to the research cited, this alternative approach to work arrangements has the potential to cut emissions by a staggering 90%. These findings present a compelling argument for businesses to explore and embrace this paradigm shift, reaping benefits for both their bottom line and the planet. Read more...

Harvard Business Review released a new article last month "Research: How Coworking Spaces Impact Employee Well- Being". They've written in the past about coworking decreasing loneliness and now discuss coworking as a "third space". This term is being more commonly used as a space other than the office or home. A neutral space where productivity can flourish. Read the article here and we'd love to hear your thoughts.

Working remotely has AWESOME benefits like reduced commute time that allows you to hit the gym, spend time with family or hit the snooze button a second time.

In a survey done by Gitlab, 37% of respondents have optimized their lives to spend more time with their family or community. 30% are prioritizing the outdoors or exercise and health. And 26% are streamlining their schedules to reclaim more time in their days. (Git Lab)

While 38% of remote workers admit to regularly working from bed (Motley Fool), working remotely does not always mean working from home. One of the downsides to working from home completely, is social isolation which can manifest in depression, anxiety, and lack of motivation. Oftentimes these symptoms go unnoticed by employers because they see the “screen you” not the real you and are ignored by you because you don’t want to go back to an office.

It’s important for everyone who works from home to consciously find a way to connect with others at least a few times a week in a real way. Here are a few ideas to reduce the isolation of working from home:

With the start of the new year, we often have a desire to have a fresh start to increase productivity and focus on meeting goals. Whether you work from home, from a local coworking space, and office, or a bit of all three, having systems in place are key to keeping focused. Especially if you are moving between two places, it’s key to utilize technology in order to do your best work, regardless of your surroundings.

Take the time to create a plan to maximize your success. Organizing your business can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be!

1. Make a list of all of the tasks you do on a daily and weekly basis.
2. Add to the list of things that you would like to be done but you never get to that would help grow your business.
3. Highlight the items only YOU must handle.
4. Circle items that you can automate (more on this here).
5. What’s left? Do you have a process for these items that you can delegate these tasks to a team member or a virtual assistant?

A business process is a series of activities, steps, or tasks that help to achieve a specific organizational goal. It is often referred to as a workflow and comprises activities, decisions, and tasks that are necessary to produce a desired outcome. Business processes can be automated or manual, and they can be structured or unstructured. Business processes are essential for any organization to achieve its desired objectives.

Assess the systems you have in place. In each area of your business you have a process you go through when you do it, probably without much thought. It is often hard to think how you might make something easier or more streamlined because we are so close to our business and on auto pilot for many tasks. Consider enlisting a colleague or another small business owner to help to discuss how you are currently doing things. Pick one area to start with and make a plan to assess each one during the next 6 months.

Accounting - accounts payable and receivable, taxes paid, payroll

Marketing - graphic design, social media, print, digital marketing

Customer Service - email support, phone, text, social media

Communication - internal and external, staff, vendors, contractors

Automating business tasks can be a great way to increase efficiency, save time, and reduce costs. There are many software programs and services available today that can help you automate many of your business processes. From customer relationship management systems to automated invoicing and accounting, there are many options available to help you streamline your operations. Additionally, some services can even help you automate mundane tasks like data entry and document management.

The absolute best source for automating tasks all in one place is using Zapier, in our WorkAway opinion. Zapier acts as a tool behind all of your different softwares to move information from one to another and to create tasks that have logic to them. For example, taking new customer information from a form submission and adding it to your billing system, CRM, and creating email follow ups. This blog post gives you ideas on what types of things you can automate for your business.

Building the automations can be a learning, but starting with one or two will help and give you a taste for how it works. First start by making a list of all the software systems that you are using and think through what you are doing now as a manual process. Are you manually inputting customers into your email marketing software? Is there information that you update in a spreadsheet that could automatically be sent there? There are also many that are pre-set up for you to get started easily. It’s really endless on what you can do with these types of technology tools.

• Organize Year-End Accounting and Expenses

• Catch up on bookkeeping! If you need to catch up on your accounting tasks, do it now.

• Wrap up all outstanding bills and payments before Dec 31.

• Collect any past-due invoices.

• Review year-end financial statements to plan for tax savings.

• Based on your review, are there things you can prepay for 2023 to reduce your taxable income this year? (ad spend, equipment, subscriptions, etc).

• Any vendors you paid more than $600 to? Be sure to get their W-9 so you can do their 1099 filing.

• Meet with your accountant or tax professional to prepare.

• List any major purchases or fixed assets for the year to prepare for depreciation calculation.

• Complete end-of-year inventory if applicable.

• Hold an “Annual Meeting” if you are a Corporation or LLC, and record the date and time.

• Fund your retirement accounts.

• Review insurance and benefits and make any changes necessary.

Where we started isn’t where we are now. Members have moved away, a pandemic tried to wipe us out, and yet we are here and can celebrate making it to five years when more than fifty percent of companies fail by that point. Thank you to everyone who helped us grow and change to meet the needs of our area.

At the start, we had 80% open coworking, with a conference room and one team office. Now, we have 12 office spaces, 2 conference rooms, about 40% open coworking and serve more than 60 companies with business mailing addresses. We innovated to respond to the needs and wants of our customers and through that able to sustain our business and continue to offer great services.

Thinking about all of the people who have walked through our door, cheered us on, supported us, or who may have been our naysayers, we have grown and it’s so appreciated. Here are some observations that speak to what WorkAway has become.

1. COMMUNITY: In a coworking space, we all hail from different industries, backgrounds and roles, but our coworking colleagues become friends and part of our village. We celebrate together, mourn together and have each other's backs. Thank you to each and every person who has come through our doors to lend their spirit and support for the value of community.

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If you've been to WorkAway, you may have seen a lot of business books floating around. I often get asked what are my favorites or what authors I've been most influenced by. Here are a few that I recommend for anyone working on a team, profit or not-for-profit.

Without a doubt, Simon Sinek is a must-follow. You can catch some clips of some of his speaking engagements on YouTube and they are great. I also had the opportunity to hear him live in DC when he did his MIndSet Tour. His most famous book is Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action and also a great starting point.🤓 One of the main messages of the book is that people don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it. What's your "why"?

I have two all-time favorite marketing gurus, Seth Godin and Malcolm Gladwell. They both also have podcasts, but if you are looking for a more in-depth read or an audiobook these are my recommendations to start with.

This Is Marketing: You Can't Be Seen Until you Learn to See is the core of Seth Godin's years of work in the field and gets to the heart of doing work that matters. So many of his books would be in my top 10! Malcolm Gladwell has some great ones too, The Tipping Point is where I would start if you haven't read his work yet.

Google My Business mobile app is no longer a thing! It’s now all managed in search or on maps. Oh, and it’s also Google Business Profile now. 🙃

To get to your profile in search, type in “my business” into Google search or your business name. Your profile will come up and you can manage it from there. You will see an “Edit profile” button where it will allow you to make your updates.

To get to your profile in maps, go to https://google.com/maps and put in your business name, or on your phone open your Google Maps app and sign in with your business email address. In the top right corner, click on your icon and you will get a drop-down menu where you can go to your Business Profile.

It is now even more important to keep your profile up to date, as users will now stay on maps or search to view your photos, posts, etc. without the need to go to your website.

If you have messaging turned on for customers (which is recommended), be sure to turn on phone notifications for maps to get them in a timely manner.

It’s more important than ever to keep your hours, contact information, and relevant information up to date. Reach out if you need some guidance.

Google on!

CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management, fancy words for keeping track of your customers and potential customers. Some of you may be managing this on a spreadsheet, sticky notes or maybe even in your head.

A software tool like a CRM can help you organize the activities of your business related to sales, service and outreach. It will include name, contact information, a way to record your interactions, file storage, and more. Many will also allow you to create a “custom field” if there are other things specific to your business that you want to keep track of.

Some of our favorites include: Streak, Pipedrive, and Capsule.

Let us know if we can help!

There are several terms that are used for the use of a business mailing address. You will see virtual office, virtual mail, and business mailing address used interchangeably.

At WorkAway, our mail service would be considered virtual mail or a business mailing address. The main purpose to have a business mailing address for your business is to shield your home address from being public record when you file for you LLC, corporation or non profit. For these filings, you are not allowed to use a PO Box, so a business mailing address comes in quite handy. Also, if you are planning on government contracts, applying for business credit, or in some instances employee benefits must also be associated with a physical address.

The term virtual office tends to mean a package of services that includes phone service and call answering. We do not provide phone service, but you could use Davinci Virtual, Opus VO, or Alliance Virtual office and still receive your mail at WorkAway. We are providers for the mail service portion of their plans if you would like to have a package that includes phone service.

An important note: if you are creating a Google My Business profile, you may NOT use a virtual office, virtual mail, or business mailing address for your listing. Google requires that the address you use is where business takes place. As an alternative, use a "service area" for your business rather than a physical address.

As of Friday May 28th, Virginia has lifted capacity and distancing restrictions. Here are the key changes that you may notice at WorkAway…

• No capacity restrictions for meeting rooms

• Online booking for all meeting spaces

• More activity as people begin to feel comfortable in public spaces again.

What stays the same at WorkAway…

• Enhanced cleaning protocols

• Hand sanitizer stations for those who want to use it

• Coworking desks will remain spaced apart with dividers

• Molekule air cleaners will remain (hospital grade for virus and bacteria)

• Our same great community

We may not be completely on the other side of COVID, there are still mitigation measures that can help keep people safe. We welcome and respect everyone’s comfort level and choices in keeping yourself safe, masked or unmasked.

We look forward to continuing to build our community with safety and mutual respect, which has always been part of our culture from the beginning.

There is a new buzz happening in northern Virginia (but not the cicadas yet)! Spring has sprung and vaccinations are helping people to feel safer being out and interacting. While we still have a ways to go with COVID, it is a good feeling to see more humans and to get outside again.

At WorkAway we have been happy to welcome back old friends for coworking and office space and excited to meet new friends seeking a place to be their focus place. The common theme for all of the people I have met this month is that they are needing an escape from something. A puppy who wants to play all day, the juggle of two parents working in the same space amidst young kids at home, or the overwhelm of the chores that are always there nagging and feeling oppressive are just a few of the reasons people are feeling they need to get out. With coffee shops closed, we even had a mom come in one day for a day pass to read a novel. It was a treat from her husband to go somewhere where she could relax and have some time to herself.

Often when I talk to someone on the phone or they come in for a tour, there is a feeling of guilt that they can’t do it all, that they shouldn’t need to go somewhere to get things done and that others seem to be handling it better. What you have been attempting to juggle is not humanly possible.

Was your reaction to working from home, the best news ever? Chances are you are saving money on gas in the car and getting more sleep because your commute time is 90 seconds to your office. You might have more time in the day to cook, exercise, start a new project, or walk a new puppy.

You may also be feeling more stressed than ever with kids home from school for close to a year, juggling snacktime, virtual school, sibling quarrels, and your own work. Even though our coworkers or clients may be gracious and understanding about that background noise or kiddo popping in, it still makes us more stressed out and rising tensions.

Working from home can be blissful and can be super stressful. I did it for over 10 years and I was my productive self until I wasn’t anymore. Not that those years were all a honeymoon, but I was still connecting with coworkers on video chat and getting out of the house to see neighbors and occasional work meetings. Things changed for me when I was no longer seeing other humans at the bus stop in the mornings and realized that I hadn’t left my driveway for a week at some points in the winter.

In this new era of work, now more than ever juggling responsibilities, isolation, and loneliness are at an all time high. For most it was forced upon most with no guidance on how to navigate this new way of working. Just as schools are doing a hybrid model of part time at home and part time at school, it is extremely healthy for adults to do the same. Even if you still love working at home, the ability to be around others in a work environment has a way of sparking new ideas, increase energy and reduce stress. Even pre-pandemic, Harvard Business Review had published articles on the benefits of coworking, here’s one: Why People Thrive in Coworking Spaces.

As I sit here and reflect about my WorkAway journey, I have lots of emotions running through my heart and head. WorkAway opened just over 3 years ago as a passion project with a dear friend. We learned a lot in the first year and what our business model would look like. We met people we never would have met without coming together as a community. Coworkers who would become forever friends, people who were just passing through town and needed a place to work, and others who moved on to other adventures but we think of often.

There are stories. Lots of them. The depositions in the conference room when the “client” needed to be away from the windows. The sex ed video blogs that were filmed by a couple who were touring the country in a camper and educating young people. It has been an honor to celebrate births, new jobs and contracts, and growing businesses. We’ve bonded on the hard stuff in life, coaching each other through parenting challenges, decisions to close a business, and learning of loved ones' health diagnoses.

THIS is community. WorkAway is a place where community lives and grows and it’s amazing.

Recently, I was in a car accident, thankfully the car protected me and kept me safe, but it’s my tribe at WorkAway who had my back. As a solo mama for the last 10+ years and business owner, I’ve pushed myself through A LOT. The morning after the accident, still fuzzy from a mild concussion I sent an email to my WorkAway family to let them know I would be in late and why. While I was physically pulling myself together to make it into the office, emails and texts started coming in with messages that brought tears to my eyes. Notes of “we’ve got this, take care of you”, and “ we will take care of the office today, please rest. I felt supported and cared for and without starting the journey of WorkAway I would have never met these amazing people I call friends.