If you’re a solo operator, you’ll know what the expression “chained to your desk” feels like. When you’re the only one managing the work, you simply have to be available. Fortunately, there’s never been a better time to manage your own business because while the “chains” might still be there, your “desk” can be wherever suits you best.

“I attended a midweek soccer game earlier this year and found myself chatting to those around me before the game kicked off,” says Gabrielle Dracopoulos, Head of Customer Experience at Intuit QuickBooks. “One man, a small business owner, had the QuickBooks app open and was using the downtime before the game started to following up on some outstanding invoices… I love how this small business owner was able to access his invoices and follow up with his staff while on the go.”

A midweek trip to the footy sounds like a plan and it’s a good reminder that with the right tools, you really can work wherever you please. Just remember, many solo businesses are run almost entirely while out and about. If your local tradie was the clever footy fan mentioned above, he’s also invoicing between job sites and uploading his receipts as he goes.

“The QuickBooks mobile app is a fantastic companion to our online product that allows users to snap and store receipts, create quick quotes, send invoices, track their mileage while on the road and set reminders,” says Gabrielle. “With multiple app integrations we can connect seamlessly to other apps we know small businesses love and use while on the go – creating the ability to manage your books from your pocket.”

Even if you’re mostly working in an office, there will still be many times when you want to clock off earlier than you usually do.

“Small business owners don’t get into business to do their books,” notes Gabrielle. “We often hear that the books are what they do in the evenings or on the weekends, after spending their working days with their customers or doing the work they set out to do.”

If that sounds familiar, you’ll appreciate being able to slip into holiday mode and still get your accounts done. Whether that’s at 6pm while you watch television from the couch, or from a more enticing location…

“Heading into winter, I would love to be able to chase the sun,” Gabrielle says. “That may be an overseas trip, heading further north or a finding sunny spot in my local area. As long as I have power, an internet connection and access to good coffee, I am set.”

Strahan, Tasmania: Captain’s Rest

The perfect window seat office at Captain’s Rest. Image: Instagram | Captainsrest

While this place might not have the temperatures Gabrielle is after, it’s tucked away in a pristine World Heritage forest on Tasmania’s wild west coast. It’s basically complete tranquillity mixed with really good wi-fi. Captain’s Rest is where you go when you really, truly want to get away from everything… except your business.

 New York, USA: Manhattan high life

Doing your admin has never looked better. Source: Airbnb

Sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes to refresh you. Take your work to the corner dining table in your New York condo and those chains are suddenly feeling very loose indeed.

Anywhere, your van: #vanlife

Have laptop, will travel. Image: Instagram | climbingvan

Maybe a rolling office is more your thing? Take your work wherever you can find an internet connection and you’ll truly be living the #vanlife.

Venice, Italy: Palazzo

A luxurious and spacious apartment located on the main floor of Palazzo Vendramin Costa which once belonged to one of the most influential and important Venetian noble families. Image: Airbnb

Try not to get too distracted by the passing gondoliers and simply enjoy the parade. ” I actually get my best work done changing up my location and surroundings,” says Gabrielle. “It’s amazing what you can do when your surroundings inspire you and you take advantage of balancing life and work seamlessly.” Passeggiata, anyone?

Savusavu, Fiji: Maravu Paradise

Anywhere in Fiji would do, really. Image: Airbnb

If you’re like Gabrielle and want to chase the sun, you can’t go wrong working remotely from paradise. Maravu Paradise is a perfectly appointed villa with enough terraces to allocate a different one per day. Imagine doing your monthly invoicing from that cabana!

Normandy, France: Chateau de Montigny sur Avre

With 15 bedrooms and 5 baths, there’s plenty of room for your company to grow… Image: Airbnb

Perhaps a French chateau is calling you? Chateau de Montigny sur Avre is located just over an hour from central Paris and a lifetime away from your usual office.

London, England: Hotel Café Royal

Breakfast with a view. Image: Instagram | hotelcaferoyal

Holidaying while you work or working while you holiday? Putting your business in the cloud means there’s no need to find an answer. Just linger over the views of Regent Street from your room at the luxe Hotel Café Royal, eating breakfast while you upload your receipts.

Zanzibar, Tanzania: Jambiani Villas

That sun lounger is exactly where you need to work from. Image: Instagram | jambianivillas

A remote beach, a laptop and you. Could work really be this easy? Jambiani Villas says yes and if you’ve moved your business into the cloud, so can you.

Queenstown, New Zealand: Earnslaw Vista

Bet the four walls of your office are really starting to close in on you now… Image: Airbnb

In a word, jaw-dropping. There’s no way you won’t be inspired to reach for new heights while staying at Earnslaw Vista.

Back field, local oval: Your kid’s soccer game

Take it with you because you can’t take it with you. Image: Kampus Production via Pexels

Of course, being fully remote means no matter what you’ve got on your plate, you won’t miss the best view of all.

This article is brought to you by Kochie’s Business Builders in partnership with QuickBooks Online.