From Canada to a Hungarian Vineyard: How COVID Turned Zoom Into Colleague

On January 25th, four years ago, the day before my 60th birthday, my family swapped the Canadian wilderness for a European homecoming as COVID-19 started flexing its global muscles. In hindsight, it was the right decision. But as we touched in Hungary, whispers filled the air—rumors that the government would be locking down Budapest. Great.

So, in true dramatic fashion, we packed up the kids and our essentials (for some reason, that included the plants), hopped in the car, and sped out of the capital like a scene straight out of a WWII film. Destination? Our vineyard at Lake Balaton. Because if you’re going to ride out a global pandemic, why not do it surrounded by a Vineyard overlooking the largest lake in Europe? “Poor man's Tuscany.”

For the next 18 months, we made a home in a tiny, blissfully empty village. As global statics attest, life carried on—albeit slower, more wine-fuelled. We were lucky to have space outside the city, a stockpile of food in the cellar, and an actual cellar full of wine. Homeschooling began, and work? Let’s say goodbye to 38 weeks of long-haul travel. Zoom became my new best mate, and let’s be honest, my life with the family got an upgrade.

While many people had it far worse, we were fortunate. No relatives or friends were lost to the pandemic, and the shift to online life worked in our favor. Costs plummeted, admin improved (thank you, Google Docs!), and my work-life balance found new legs.

Sure, I miss the in-person connections, and George, although we speak four times a day starting at 03.30 Vancouver time, I long for the lively WRN events in Vancouver. But as I sit in my sleek, well-equipped home office, I can’t help but think—wine and Zoom aren’t such bad companions after all. Here’s hoping for a Christmas reunion in Vancouver this year!

Tags: #Nicholas Jeffery #CEO Insights #Work Remotely

By  Nicolas Jeffery:  CEO / C0 Founder Impresario Partners Inc.