Galloping Through Global Time Zones: Balancing Microsoft Work and My Passion for Horses

A Day in the Life of a Remote Worker, Horse Lover, and Canberra Volunteer

I not only own and run Lagoballo, I also nerd it up by working for Microsoft. A lot of people wonder what it is like working for one of the largest organisations in the world. When people ask what it’s like working at Microsoft, I think of two things: world-class software, hardware and innovation and, perhaps less predictably, world-class horses (ha ha!). As someone who's managed to blend my Senior Program Management tech career with a deep passion for horse riding, I’ve carved out a lifestyle that’s as unique as it is rewarding. My days start long before the sun is up, straddling international time zones and digital landscapes, before swapping mouse and keyboard for saddle, and finally returning to coordinate delivery of outcomes with colleagues from every corner of the globe in the afternoons/evenings. If you’re a professional, a horse lover, or a remote worker seeking your own work-life balance, let me walk (or trot) you through my journey.

Here are some various photos from my work trips with Microsoft that the general public won't usually be able to experience (yep, they have a pie-in-face day for the team—it's an American tradition and there are endless specialised cafeteria's everywhere!):

A Day in My Life

My alarm chimes at the sort of hour most Aussies would call “sparrow’s fart”—the pre-dawn start is thanks to my alignment with the USA international time zone. By 6am, I’m online, collaborating with American teammates over Teams, trying not to spill my cuppa as I navigate programs and projects across the Pacific. This early shift means I usually wrap up my Microsoft workday around 1pm, giving me the rare luxury of a full light-filled arvo ahead.

That’s when the real magic happens. Out in the paddocks, I’m greeted by Maestro (the steady elder), Thor (the cheeky powerhouse), and Gwen (the sensitive mare). Their whinnies and food nickers are a language all their own, and caring for them is as much a labour of love as it is a daily grounding ritual.

After feeding, grooming, cuddles (sometimes not entirely reciprocated lol) and play/in-hand/saddle time, it’s back to the laptop for a second shift with my teammates in Singapore, the UK, India, and beyond. The delightful twist? I rarely work with other Australians, which means I’ve become a true citizen of the world—and a connoisseur of global communication quirks.

The Joys and Challenges of Global Work

Remote work at Microsoft is truly international. My meetings have me bouncing from American directness to British understatement, with Singaporean courtesy and Indian warmth thrown in for good measure. Aussie slang (“No worries!”) is nearly extinct in my workday, replaced by an ever-changing mosaic of expressions, acronyms and accents.

Sometimes, my lingo catches folks off guard. I once signed off a call with “good on ya,” only to be met with stunned silence and a few polite smiles. There are moments of gentle humour—explaining the difference between a “thong” and a “flip-flop” never gets old—and constant learning as I adapt my communication style to suit colleagues around the globe. It’s a daily exercise in empathy and flexibility, for which I’m truly grateful. My two tricks-of-the-trade that sets me aside from others is I always end all my meetings with a different "Dad Joke" and I have a drinking bar as my Teams background (it's a definite conversation starter). It helps people laugh their way through their day.

Horses and Well-being: Maestro, Thor & Gwen

Outside the digital hustle, Maestro, Thor, and Gwen are my anchors. Whether I’m grooming their coats, enjoying a quiet trail ride, or simply watching them graze or being their pillow in the paddock, I’m reminded of the importance of slowing down and reconnecting with nature. Horse care is more than a hobby—it’s the heart of my mental, emotional, and physical well-being. They are my family and I want to give them the quality of life they deserve (and I can afford—YIKES!).

Managing menopause has been a journey, and horse riding has played a vital part. The physical strength required to ride, train and care for three lively horses keeps me active, while the emotional bond offers comfort during tougher days. There’s something deeply meditative about tending to animals; their presence calms the mind and lifts the spirit, especially after a tricky morning of cross-continental meetings.

Giving Back: Volunteering in Canberra

With flexible hours comes the joy of community involvement. I volunteer with ACT Parks in Canberra, getting my hands dirty planting tube stock and helping with conservation efforts. It’s hard work, sure, but there’s nothing like swapping stories with fellow volunteers while nurturing the bush. Knowing I’m contributing to local conservation adds another layer of purpose to my days, alongside the satisfaction of seeing new growth in the wild - both flora and fauna alike.

ACT Parks Rangers & Volunteers with me (you should see the Lagoballo cap there): the 1,400 tube stock planted behind us

Gratitude and Reflection

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that true work-life balance isn’t just about dividing hours—it’s about integrating passions. I’m grateful for the flexibility Microsoft offers, for the laughter and learning that comes with global teamwork, and for the peace my horses (and the Canberra bush) bring to life’s busy moments.

Whether you’re managing remote work, riding horses, or volunteering in your own patch of green, I hope my story shows that balance is possible—and often found in the most unexpected places.

Conclusion: Find Your Own Balance

To my fellow professionals, horse lovers, and remote workers: may you find the rhythm that works for you, embracing the quirks, challenges, and joys along the way. And if you ever need a break, remember—there’s always room in the saddle, or in the wide Australian bush, for anyone willing to give it a go.