Adam Lauer
Remote Year offered me an opportunity to push myself in ways that I felt wouldn’t be possible without the program. I wanted to challenge the way I lived my life, and I wanted to learn about the world and the people that live in it in a deeper more meaningful way.
DESCRIBE YOUR REMOTE YEAR EXPERIENCE IN 3 WORDS.
Life altering change
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?
I focus most of my energy on user acquisition and retention for mobile apps.
HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?
Before Remote Year, my position wasn’t remote. Sure, I worked from home occasionally, but for the most part, I went into the office. To be able to participate in Remote Year, I put together a business case and presented it to many leaders in my organization. I focused on aligning my company’s core values to the Remote Year experience. And it worked.
I have lived in Philadelphia (South Philly), New Jersey (South), South Carolina, San Francisco, Brooklyn NY, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, and Washington D.C.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?
There’s a quote that sums it up perfectly: “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine
WHO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR?
A better version of me. I hope to be more informed about the world and the people that live in it, and hopefully, I’ll learn a little more about myself, too. 🙂
WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
A typical day varies by time zone. I committed to working similar hours to my U.S. East Coast counterparts, and so, when I was living in South East Asia for example, I worked in the evenings. I thought it would be tough working overnight, but I loved it. Working overnight gave me the opportunity to do whatever I wanted during the day. I could go exploring, go swimming, or just relax. One thing I found early on was that I needed a few consistent things in my life to feel balanced. I needed to join a gym to workout, I needed to work, and I needed to take at least one nap a day.
I think travel is a part of who I am. My family moved around a bit when I was younger, and as I got older, I moved a lot. I moved from New Jersey to San Francisco for College and then to NY afterward, then South Florida for a few years. And before joining Remote Year, I was in Washington D.C. for a couple of years.
HOW DO YOU THINK TRAVELING WILL AFFECT YOUR CURRENT WORK?
I think travel will make me a better and happier person who enjoys working more, because I’m enjoying life more. I think that’s happening now, already.
WHAT BOOK SHOULD EVERYONE READ?
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
YOUR FAVORITE DIGITAL NOMAD HACK?
Taking condiments (in reasonable amounts) from cafes and restaurants for my apartment.
IF YOU HAD TO BE STUCK ON AN ISLAND WITH ANOTHER REMOTE, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
If I were going to be stuck on an island with another remote, it would have to be Noe Rios. I met Noe during my Remote Year, and we have become best friends and a little more 🙂 He gets me and has similar life philosophies. Plus, I’m a huge baby when I get sick, and he plays an excellent nurse.
WHERE ARE YOU IN 30 YEARS?
Living on a beach and running a small boutique bed and breakfast .
Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.
Getting up when my body tells me, putting on shorts, a tank and flip-flops, grabbing a cup of coffee and heading to the beach.
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD?
Always being on the go and not knowing what’s to come next.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD?
Always being on the go and not knowing what’s to come next.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?
Being authentic to who you are. When you’re true to yourself, you’re trying to be the best you, which results in happiness and success for you and others around you.
WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TALENT?
Creating the most fun “get to know you games” at meals and events.
I cannot live without my iPhone, laptop, and swiss army knife.
WHO IS THE MOST INTERESTING PERSON YOU’VE MET WHILE TRAVELING?
My tattoo artist in Bangkok. I decided to get a tattoo in every Remote Year country but almost missed getting one in Thailand. I had a four-hour layover in Bangkok from Myanmar heading to Cambodia and was determined not to leave Thailand without getting my second tattoo (was suppose to in Koh Phangan). Not only was I fortunate enough to find a great shop, but the artist was also willing to tattoo me without an appointment. Admittedly, there was some begging on my part 🙏🏽 If you’re ever in Bangkok (near DMK airport) go to Zatarn Tattoo Thailand รับสัก. The guys are awesome! Positive vibes, genuine dudes and funny. They even lent me a bike to ride down the street to hit-up the ATM. It’s amazing the people you cross paths with and the stories that get created.
YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE/ WORDS TO LIVE BY?
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine