DISQUS

Stacy · 11 months ago

Thanks for this! I really enjoyed it. I'm at a crossroads right now and this gives me another road to go down.

Anne Wayman · 11 months ago

ah... I did this once, before laptops, almost before pcs - all with pen and paper... now if I could just find a laptop or a way to handle my carpel tunnel on the road... any suggestions?

<abbr>Anne Wayman´s last blog post..Freelance Writing Jobs Monday January 19, 2009</abbr>

Bob Redpath · 11 months ago

Thanks! I found your post on StumbleUpon -- love it. My wife and I (and 2 kids) are preparing to become digital nomads this year. I'm especially thankful for discovering the term "digital nomad." Now I can stop referring to it as midlife crisis. I plan on reading my way through your archives soon.

Gennaro · 11 months ago

Lake Attitlan is such a beautiful and relaxing spot. It's amazing how inexpensive the accommodations are there. I spend quite a bit of time on San Marcos La Laguna and I recommend it highly.

<abbr>Gennaro´s last blog post..8 Presidential Inauguration Locations To Visit</abbr>

Chris G · 11 months ago

I believe there's a HUGE market for well thought out, well narrated, HD-quality, "day in the life of a traveler" videos. The production itself can be (and should be) of fairly amateur nature, but like your blog entries, there has to be a point. Essentially just take your blogs and add HD-quality video behind it.

Yeah, there's editing, but with a laptop that's now a whole lot less time-consuming. No, you wouldn't make a fortune, but the networks are crying out for more and more HD-content, and this would be cheap and fresh. And yeah, people have done this and failed. But you've got that unique ability to put together a mini-production in one of your blogs - great start to yank you in, well laid-out and interesting content, and at times an ending to the blog with a truly movie-like finale. Put some video behind this and flog that.

Like it or not, YouTube is exponentially more popular than books these days. Sad, but true.

Collins P · 11 months ago

Great Article Christine. Another great way to warm up your boss to you working abroad is on a temporary basis or for half your work week.

Many times a boss will run for cover and immediately say no, but warming them up and asking them to let you try it for a couple weeks part time is a great way to prove how productive you can be.

After those couple weeks, tell them no more office, and show them how much your productivity goes up when your working from "home."

It's a modern day fantasy to work and live abroad, and the greatest thing? It's possible.

Chris · 11 months ago

Great stuff Christine, this is certainly the direction I am heading in.

Wondering about security though for all those expensive gadgets in $8 per night accomodation. Any tips?

<abbr>Chris´s last blog post..(My First) Video Update</abbr>

mich · 11 months ago

Ahh, this is something to ponder about for the future. Great post!

<abbr>mich´s last blog post..Old World Style</abbr>

Christine · 11 months ago

@Anne: Thanks for stopping by! I have your site in my reader, it's one of my favs. RE: carpal tunnel when traveling, I don't know of any laptops that address this, but I always try to arrange my work space so that my wrists aren't taking on any undo stress. Does anyone else have suggestions for Anne?

@Chris G: That's an interesting idea... I've been toying with the idea of doing some video.

@Collins P: Great suggestions for easing your boss into the idea. As an aside-- what some folks don't realize is that when you're out of the office, you need to communicate even more-- not less. I used to manage virtual teams and those team members who communicated constantly-- they tended to do very well. Those people who felt I should "trust" them and didn't respond to things quickly, usually had problems, even though this same behavior would be fine if they worked in the office. It's all about your attitude, but you're right, if you want it, it's possible.

@Chris: RE: the security of an $8 a night room? I travel with about $5K worth of gear on me at all times. But I don't advertise it, and I don't worry too much. After living in Seattle, Boston and Dallas for many years, I feel like I'm just as likely to get robbed there as I am in say Belize. As a tourist you're more of a mark, but if you keep a low profile (i.e. not getting drunk and waving fistfuls of cash around) then you should be fine. The $8 room was a private room with a lock. If I don't have a private room, I try to get a locker with a lock. If I feel uneasy, I just pack my small backpack with my gear (laptop, camera, blackberry) and take it with me (probably 10 lbs of gear total). If I feel uncomfortable with a neighborhood I don't go there or I take a cab home.

Stephen · 11 months ago

Great post! It is so possible to live abroad and work at the same time. Especially if your skills have anything to do with the internet, then you are pretty much free to travel as you like.

There is nothing more frustrating than knowing you could be just as productive, if not more so, at home as you are in the office. I think more corporations are realizing this, but it's a very slow realization. My wife used to get to work from home once in a while, in NYC.

Now I do it for us while living on the beach in Mexico. The best part is that since we live in another country, the cost of living is less than half, so I work about 16 hours a week consulting, and we are totally set! What's not to love?

<abbr>Stephen´s last blog post..Diving Frigate Bird- Photo Friday</abbr>

Peter Macfarlane · 11 months ago

I agree 100%. With easy access to broadband internet almost anywhere you go in the world, your options are unlimited for where you want to work and live. It just doesn't make sense working a job that you are miserable in anymore.

I have actually been writing about this on my website for the past 10 years. Living abroad opens so many doors to a person, not just from a financial perspective, but from a real quality of life perspective as well. Being wealthy means more than having money, it means being healthy and happy as well.

I hope people take to heart what you are saying, it can only improve their lives.

<abbr>Peter Macfarlane´s last blog post..Why the Rich are Running to Gold Bullion</abbr>

Christy · 11 months ago

This is just the information I needed! Thank you so much for posting this. This post has given me more motivation to make working remotely work for me. And yes Lake Atitlan is very beautiful.

<abbr>Christy´s last blog post..They Cry For Peace</abbr>

Lola · 11 months ago

Great breakdown Christine!

<abbr>Lola´s last blog post..Postcard: Church Hunting</abbr>

Mark Nagurski · 11 months ago

As someone who already works freelance from home it's certainly tempting to hit the road. I guess it's a combination of the practicalities and non-work commitments holding me back.

That said, a few more posts like that one and I may just convince myself.

Cheers.

<abbr>Mark Nagurski´s last blog post..<a href="http://www.iddictive.com/2009/01/20/howcastcom-how-to-videos-on-any-subject/" rel="nofollow">Howcast.com - How To Videos on Any Subject</abbr>

ADAC · 11 months ago

Interesting read. I plan on doing this in September of this year. I will be moving to the Dominican Republic. I'm looking forward to being able to spend less that 1/4 of the time I currently have to, to make a living.

<abbr>ADAC´s last blog post..Summary of Jeep Models and Options</abbr>

Seamus · 11 months ago

Intersting article. My dream which I have written down in numerous journals and say to myself 100 times a day is to live and work in Italy 2-3 months a year and in Los Angeles the rest of the time. I'm in the restaurant business in upper management and love being around food, but I want more flexibility.

My wife and I bought a small apartment in a little town outside of Rome and I have been very fortunate to visit Italy 12 times in the last 5 years, but normally for a week. It's way too short.

I will keep pursueing my dream.

Ci vediamo

LisaNewton · 11 months ago

Yupp, #3 is my goal. Great list............I love the list.

<abbr>LisaNewton´s last blog post..Travelin’ Local visits the East Coast</abbr>

soultravelers3 · 11 months ago

So glad to see you expand on the article I posted about digital nomads! I do think this is an up and coming trend and more people will be headed in this direction.

We have really enjoyed being trail blazers for this lifestyle as a family, traveling the world since 2006 and loving every moment as a 3 laptop family! ;)

The sad thing is, most people do not realize how easy, enriching and cheap this is! You tell 'em girl! ;)

<abbr>soultravelers3´s last blog post..Family Travel Photo-Spain</abbr>

LapTopNomad · 11 months ago

Diesel powered Digital Nomad in Asia / Middle-East for the past 3 years....

A few important variables to be a digital nomad

- Visa length
- Reliable Internet connection
- Power for your laptop
- Backups of your work

Best match is India - 6 month visa and horrendously cheap 24hr GRPS/EDGE based internet access. Power sucks big time due to load shedding, hardware / equipment available allover.

Read more at http://www.laptop-junction.com

Cheers,
LapTop Nomad

byteful traveller · 11 months ago

Excellent roadmap of tips. And good way to work photography into the content, too. It's interesting that you say many people have chosen the path with higher risk with the possibility of higher reward. The closest thing I've ever seen to a true travel blogger network is the newly created http://www.travelblogexchange.com/

But is it the only one?


@Peter
I completely agree. True wealth is having a wealth of time. So many people in America have some material wealth, but are extremely time poor and unhappy.


@Chris
Amen, brother! Most of the travel video podcasts are rather disappointing. I could only find 2 HD video podcasts that were travel-based on the iTunes store. There's a big gap in that market, and I intend to pursue that in the future. What about you?

<abbr>byteful traveller´s last blog post..The Crown Fountain Unites People of All Colors</abbr>

Tina · 11 months ago

Thank you! I'm a freelance translator but have to branch out now and think outside the box, and this inspires me! :-) Again, thank you!

<abbr>Tina´s last blog post..Tina’s language follies</abbr>

Craig Zabransky · 11 months ago

Recently downsized form my agency as a consultant, i plan to freelance and am starting to work remotely, I'll be going below the equator to experience summer soon...This post made me realize I need to make my pans with more speed and that it is possible. Thank you. Stay adventurous.

Sara · 11 months ago

My husband and I call ourselves international telecommuters because we are able to work on our own from anywhere. This is an excellent post not just because it's informative but because I feel like you get it. So many people we meet think we are crazy and just wasting our vacations...if only they knew.

<abbr>Sara´s last blog post..What Foolish Travelers We Once Were</abbr>

Brian Pasch · 11 months ago

I look for nomads to hire that are good web developers and/or SEO technicians. I have people working from their homes doing web design in Dreamweaver, Expressions Web and Wordpress. I encourage that lifestyle and anyone who loves to work while traveling or at home is welcome to send their resumes.

Brian Pasch, CEO
Pasch Consulting Group

<abbr>Brian Pasch´s last blog post..Dog Ear Publishing - A Case Study in PPC Ethics</abbr>

byteful traveller · 11 months ago

Brian, you actually LOOK for nomads? What's the perceived business advantage of hiring that type of person? Flexible hours?

<abbr>byteful traveller´s last blog post..Is Navy Pier a glorified shopping mall?</abbr>

Camels &amp; Chocolate · 10 months ago

Great post! And I just got back from Lake Atitlan, too! Though for the first time in years, I didn't take my laptop, as the trip was purely for pleasure!

<abbr>Camels & Chocolate´s last blog post..Taking the Plunge in the Great Barrier Reef</abbr>

SammyK · 10 months ago

I love this style of work. I've been doing the whole remote-working-while-traveling gig for over 4 months now and I'm loving it. Yeah, it gets annoying sometimes when you move around a lot because your always worried about finding internet access again. But like you said, just travel slower!

A few months back I wrote an entry about my work while traveling and have a pic of me looking like a bum because it was near the only WiFi spot I could find in town:

http://difted.com/blogs/web/makingwebsiteswhile...

wandermom · 10 months ago

I work remotely more often than I like - and that's within the US.
I'll be on the road with kids next month working 50% - including hosting daily team meetings for the two teams I'm managing in my current consulting position. All I need is an internet connection, a phone and a laptop. I'm so glad I chose an undergrad in CompSci way back when...

<abbr>wandermom´s last blog post..WanderKids at Golden Gate Bridge 2009</abbr>

Earning Income Online · 10 months ago

I think you have it right mid article...the key is multiple websites. Of course you can slug it out with everyone else, but developing very tight niches is best. It take more time, but the rewards are there over time.

This is why so many people give up. It's lots of training and lots of work.

Skype Telephone Reviews · 10 months ago

It's not that easy, but it's also not that hard. You do have to be tech savvy. Your photos make it an attractive proposition.

Lake Atitlan · 10 months ago

Welcome to Guatemala. I moved to Panajachel 8 years ago. I can almost see my house in your photo! the lake is spectacular.

Corbin · 8 months ago

I love your posts - very inspirational. Seeing that photo of your "office" - That is going to be me soon. After coming back from a RTW trip I somehow found myself back in a cubicle. I intended it to be a short stay, but somehow have managed to be here 6 months already.

I'll see you out there though, just a matter of time. Laptop in hand. Keep up the awesome work!

Alice · 7 months ago

As a person trained only in customer service, what are my options for getting a telecommuting job or digital nomad job? I am interested in traveling all over, but have no clue where to begin with work from a distance. I am willing to take a class and train in something before I leave. Any suggestions on what would be good to train in? I like computer work, but don't know how to build websites or anything like that. Thanks for the help!

Alice

20HrWorkWeek · 6 months ago

Hi!

Great post! Great blog!

Great post! Great blog!

I’d like to suggest another Option, and that’s to find a business that 1) already has products, 2) an online presence, and 3)a proven business model. These kinds of businesses are out there. And I’m not talking about the penny-ante multi-level stuff. Real businesses. My husband and I found one and just plug and play anywhere in the world. The key is simply doing your due diligence to determine if the business is right for you

My husband and I are devoted LUXURY digital nomads. Being frugal was simply something that we weren’t interested in. We are currently on an open-ended world life tour and are focused on living our lives NOW, not later.

Thanks for your inspiration!

Don and Karla

<abbr>20HrWorkWeek´s last blog post..May in San Francisco</abbr>