My name is Jess, and I am a small business owner and freelancer in Dublin, Ireland.
I started Our Remote Life because I highly value the professional and personal connections that I have with people and places all over the world; they have helped me to create a life I love and allowed me to access a myriad of enriching work and learning opportunities. I wanted to create a network that will help others to do the same. Additionally, I see the value of having a regular routine and meaningful connection with others, regardless of where you live, your current life circumstances, and your own ability and capacity. There should be no shame in admitting that you would like more social connection, support with creating a sustainable routine or to better focus on your work, and to connect with more like-minded people. I hope that Our Remote Life can offer a space for connection, motivation, routine, and more to anyone who feels as though they might benefit from it.
Born and raised in a market town in Southeast England, I studied modern languages at Oxford University, before heading further north to Durham for a one-year Master’s degree and then even further away to Michigan for a PhD programme in French Literature. Along the way, I spent over a year studying and working in Germany as well as multiple summers working in France. I have also been fortunate to travel extensively in my free time for pleasure.
Since I finished my PhD in 2023, I have worked full time as a freelance writer and content developer. I have three years of experience of teaching French language and literature at the university level in the US (both in person and online), as well as a year of experience of online tutoring for UK secondary school students and three years of teaching English online to refugees as a volunteer.
I also have over three years of experience as a research assistant and educational content developer at various institutions and organisations including Oxford University, CESR Tours, and the University of Michigan (Center for Research on Learning and Teaching; Department of Sociology; and Wolverine Wellness).
I have also worked as a cleaner, waitress, tour guide, receptionist, and production assistant in the UK, France, and Germany, and was part of a self-governing, residential, community service-focused community in Michigan for four years. In my free time, I enjoy reading, painting, walking, discovering new places, and spending time with friends and family.
To the creation and development of Our Remote Life, I bring all these experiences of producing high quality work and being part of and shaping various in-person and online communities. I’m looking forward to building this community with you!