“Remote work has enabled me to reconnect with my roots.”

At Enate, we pride ourselves on giving employees the freedom to design a lifestyle that works for them, whether that means travelling the world, pursuing passions, or staying connected to family and home.

In this series, we’re sharing the stories of our team members who’ve embraced this flexibility in all its forms. This week, we’re catching up with Makarish Naik, Front-End Engineer at Enate, to learn how remote work has allowed him to reconnect with his hometown, pursue hobbies, and achieve a balance that many only dream of.

What’s your story?

I grew up in Bhatkal, a small coastal town on the western coast of India. It’s a unique place where the ocean meets the lush forests of the Western Ghats. Unfortunately, when it came to starting my career, Bhatkal didn’t have the educational or professional opportunities I needed. I moved to Udupi for six years to study, followed by another three years in Bangalore for work. While I was grateful for the opportunities these places offered, Bangalore was 1,000 miles away from home. I missed the connection to my roots.

The longing to return to my family and the peaceful life in Bhatkal never left me. After years of city life, I wanted to return to my hometown, be close to my loved ones, and enjoy the natural surroundings I grew up with. Enate’s remote-first approach made this a reality.

What does a typical day look like for you in Bhatkal?

I wake up at 7am and do some exercise, followed by breakfast with my family. I usually begin work at 10:30am, focusing on BAU tasks and checking in with the team. Around noon, I attend a sync-up with my colleagues to plan the day’s priorities. Afternoons are where the deep work happens, like coding or collaborating with designers and back-end engineers.

At 5pm, I take a break to play volleyball with my local club. It’s the perfect way to unwind, stay active, and bond with friends in the community. After dinner, I get back to work for a couple of hours, focusing again on deep work.

On weekends, I often go trekking in the Western Ghats, enjoy long bike rides along the coastal roads, or relax by the beach. This lifestyle just wouldn’t have been possible if I were still commuting in the city.

What motivated you to join Enate?

Enate stood out because it offered the flexibility I was looking for. I wanted a role that allowed me to work remotely, so I could move back home and care for my family, especially my father. The company’s culture of trust and respect for work-life balance aligned perfectly with my personal goals.

In other companies I’ve worked for, there was always an expectation to deliver unexpected tasks at the drop of a hat, often at the expense of personal time. At Enate, there’s mutual respect between employees and management. Whether it’s taking leave or adjusting my hours for family commitments, I’ve always felt supported.

How has Enate’s remote-first approach changed your life?

It’s been transformative. Living in Bhatkal, I’m surrounded by nature every day. We’ve got the ocean on one side and the forests of the Western Ghats on the other. I get to enjoy the the sea breeze and embrace slow living while staying connected to my career.

This setup has also allowed me to pursue hobbies I’d otherwise put on hold. I’ve joined a local volleyball club and learned to swim, something I’d always wanted to do but never had the time for. These activities have brought balance to my life, helping me stay healthy, happy, and more productive at work.

What advice would you give to others looking to balance work and personal life?

Find a company that respects your time and supports your goals. A workplace that offers flexibility isn’t just good for employees, it’s good for business, too. When people feel trusted and empowered, they are more motivated to work hard.

In your opinion, what needs to change in society when it comes to the world of work?

Here in India, many companies are moving away from remote work. While in-person meetings can sometimes lead to more productive outcomes, they aren’t always necessary. On the other hand, a completely remote setup can be negative, too. To make remote work more widespread, we need to strike a balance between the two approaches.

Additionally, employees and employers respect for one another plays a crucial role in the success of remote work. When a business offers flexibility in terms of working hours, employees should honour thisand not misuse it. Similarly, businesses should reciprocate the trust by respecting their work-life boundaries.

I believe this needs to happen, as remote work ultimately leads to happier, more satisfied employees. Instead of spending hours commuting, employees can spend that time focused on their own goals.

What’s next for you?

I’m looking forward to continuing working for Enate while enjoying the life I’ve built in Bhatkal. I also want to keep growing in my role as a Front-End Engineer and contribute to the company’s overall success.

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