Remote Work for a Swiss Firm from NYC: Early Start, Family Time, and Generous Leave

Having dedicated my career to American companies, I sought new challenges after Hammerhead, the cycling tech firm where I led marketing and revenue, was sold.

I was introduced to Core, a company creating temperature monitors for elite athletes. My passion for growing businesses with robust tech offerings piqued my interest, especially as a former pro triathlete.

Before accepting the role of global VP and head of Core in April 2023, I traveled to Zurich to meet Wulf Glatz, Core's CEO and founder.

The office is remarkably international, and the widespread use of English was comforting. Seeing potential in their mission was invigorating. My role was entirely new. The Swiss team employs a hybrid model, and another US-based employee also works remotely.

I make trips to Zurich for about a week every two months by choice, syncing these visits with board meetings, team gatherings, and seasonal outings.

Even when based in the US, I engage significantly with colleagues. Another New York-based coworker and I occasionally meet to tackle issues, alleviating the isolation remote work can bring.

Embracing Swiss Outdoor Enthusiasm

Our company excursions are thrilling, surpassing those typical of American firms. We've embarked on mountain adventures, trail runs, and played sports like water polo and curling. Colleagues love discussing their weekend hikes and ski trips.

Adjusting to Swiss Work Hours

Working according to Swiss time frames requires a 4 a.m. start, given Zurich's six-hour lead over New York. I choose this schedule to coincide with my team's working hours. During early calls, I avoid disturbing my family by staying mobile and off-camera.

My official clock-out time is intended for 1 p.m., but as a startup, this sometimes extends. Afternoons are reserved for consultancy work with other enterprises. This separation clarifies my availability outside Core's hours.

I carve out quality time with my son by stepping out during the Swiss lunchtime to accompany him to school. A post-drop-off stroll with my wife follows before resuming work.

Balancing Work and Family During Breaks

Core's culture of taking lunch breaks away from desks significantly contrasts with American habits.

I strive to collect my son from school occasionally, indulging his love for soccer by joining matches. Working parents rarely have such opportunities while maintaining a full workday.

Navigating European Holiday Norms

Adapting to Europe's holiday traditions has been advantageous yet takes some maneuvering. At the outset, rebuilding meant a small team, and I didn’t use the 25-day leave provided by Core, but progress is made. This summer, I’m using two weeks consecutively—uncommon in the US.

European custom promotes extended leave in juli or august, presenting a challenge since this coincides with our athletes' peak season. We've just experienced a record month during the staff's large-scale absences.

Promoting holidays can sometimes misalign with business demands; hence, we seek solutions like cross-border support during colleagues' absences.

In earlier stages, lack of coverage meant being always reachable. However, during the most recent vacation cycle, only a couple of staffers needed to tackle issues when supposed to be off.

The Perks and Realities of a European Job in the US

With my wife’s career as a travel writer, our nomadic lifestyle has continued since our son’s arrival. At seven years old, he's already ventured to 30 nations across seven continents. It’s fulfilling to instill in him an understanding of international collaboration.

For the past two summers, Zurich family visits have been routine. Our son's friendships with the CEO’s son lead to shared activities like barbecues and lake swims. This bond places me closer to the CEO than any previous superior.

Aspiring remote workers eyeing European firms must gauge if early rising or frequent travel suits them as it does me. It's crucial to grasp expectations before committing.