A Kenyan man has opened up about the unusual rhythm of his working life after securing a remote position with a Chicago-based company, operating entirely on American hours from his home in Kenya.
Speaking to Business Insider, 32-year-old Jimmy explained that when it is 4 pm in Kenya, it is 8 am in Chicago, meaning his entire workday runs from late afternoon to around midnight Nairobi time.
Adjusting to an Unusual Schedule
The transition was not immediate. During his first month on the job, about three months ago, he relied on afternoon naps to get through the day. Over time, his body adapted, and the naps became unnecessary. He now prioritises eight hours of sleep each night, which he considers non-negotiable.
“If I don’t sleep well at night, I’m not going to function well the next day,” he said.
His mornings are unhurried. He wakes up around 8:30 am, prepares breakfast and reads a chapter or two from a self-help book before heading to the gym at 10:30 am.
He spends two hours there, combining 30 minutes on the treadmill with a 15-minute run, then works with a coach on a structured programme. He notes that arriving mid-morning means the gym is largely empty, giving him more personal attention from the coaches.
By around 2 pm, he is back home, preparing his main meal of the day. During his work shift, he keeps things light, snacking only on nuts and water. The two hours between 2 pm and 4 pm serve as a buffer for career planning, unfinished thinking from the previous day, or simply unwinding with music.
“I Feel Like I’m Not Stressed Anymore”
Before this role, he worked locally in Nairobi and spent close to two hours daily commuting. The mental load, combined with long working hours, left him feeling stretched. Now, with the extra time and a structured routine, he describes his state of mind as noticeably different.
“When I’m able to incorporate sleeping, reading, working out, and relaxing, I feel like I’m not stressed anymore,” he said. “I am sharper now because my mind is relaxed.”
Former colleagues have apparently noticed the change too, with some telling him he appears to be getting younger.
His personal life has also settled into a comfortable pattern. His girlfriend works similar hours, so they see each other on weekends. Friends and family know to reach him between 2 pm and 4 pm, before his shift begins.
“In Kenya, it is hard to find a remote job. It’s what so many people would wish to find. I thank God I did,” he said.
