Blog — Remote Year
Product & QA Specialist, Doxie Mobile Scanners (http://www.getdoxie.com/)
Taichung, Taiwan
What are you working on for the year?
As usual, I’m learning more about the world and the people in it. There is always more out there!
For my day job, I’m working with the company behind Doxie Mobile Scanners to develop new products and make our existing ones even better for our customers. I like to think of myself as a problem-solver of sorts. My day consists of a mixture of project management, product testing, technical writing, customer support, and meme-posting in the company chat room.
I’m also doing a personal scrapbooking project on the side to keep the creative juices flowing.
Why did you decide to come on Remote Year?
I had started to consider a remote working lifestyle during summer of 2014. I wanted to see more of the world, but I also didn’t want to do it alone. When my coworker told me about Remote Year, it seemed too good to be true. The program had the community piece that was missing from my plans, so I had no more excuses. I set aside the pros and cons list I had made about Remote Year, and I decided to follow Jim Carrey’s advice not to “choose our path out of fear disguised as practicality.”
How did you find yourself in a remote role?
After I committed to Remote Year, I quit my previous job as a technical consultant in search of a remote role. Quitting without having a new job in hand was one of the most difficult but freeing decisions I’d ever made. I was very upfront in my interview process about my upcoming travels, and I decided to join the team at Doxie, who has been very open and supportive of my adventures.
Describe your perfect day
My perfect day would involve creating music or art, learning something new, and being with good company. It would be a day that is not planned, and it would be perfect because the present is more important than anything else.
Where/when did you catch the travel bug?
I’m not sure if I caught the bug as much as having the bug as a companion of my childhood. My family had the privilege to travel around as I grew up, and I also decided to move to a completely new country by myself when I was 18. I think being an international will always be a part of my identity.
What is your favorite spot on the globe for food/people/culture/music/etc?
Taiwan! I mean, I’m definitely biased, but it’s relatively cheap, the food is delicious, the people are friendly. What is there not to love?
What is one thing that should be taught in school that isn’t currently?
Empathy. It’s one of the most important life skills.
What are you working on for the year?
I am a consultant working on a number of internal strategy projects at Microsoft. The majority of my work involves tracking developments in the technology industry and specifically with Microsoft competitors and determining potential impacts to Microsoft’s business.
Why did you decide to come on Remote Year?
I always desired to work abroad and Remote Year eases that transition and provides many other added benefits. The program allows me to live on 3 continents and become a part of a diverse, innovative and warm community of fellow RY travelers, whilst continuing my career and the work that I love.
How did you find yourself in a remote role?
My team understands the personal and professional development opportunities available to me as a Remote Year participant. Plus, Microsoft is very focused on developing technologies to enable remote work and collaboration. These tools, like Skype, Office, and our cloud services, have enabled me to be productive from anywhere on the globe.
Describe your perfect day
A perfect day for me is experiencing something new, surrounded by family or friends (preferably outdoors!).
What is the dish you cook most often?
My go-to easy, yummy dish is a combination of tomatoes, feta, onions, chickpeas, and corn with lemon, olive oil, and salt. In general, I make a lot of fish, lots of veggie & chicken stir-fries, and then of course pasta with some variation of spicy sauce. I also make a bomb Apple-berry crumble.
Any advice or tips for others looking to bring travel into their lives?
There is always going to be a reason or excuse not to go, but life is short and there are too many fascinating and magical places to experience, so stop delaying and instead indulge!
My advice is to first allow yourself to daydream about visiting an exotic destination you read an interesting story about or saw an epic Instagram photo of. Maybe somewhere with family history, or just some place you’ve heard has great food, sports, or art. Closing your eyes and placing a finger on a world map works too! Get lost in the imagination phase of trip planning.
Next, all it takes is a bit of research and a commitment to one aspect – a flight, a plan to meet up with someone, a place to stay – the rest will follow. I’ve found that many of the best travel experiences are when you aren’t sure exactly what you are getting yourself into.
Ultimately you will never regret incorporating travel into your life. It makes you more tolerant and accepting, it expands your palate (for food among other things), it invigorates and gets your creative juices flowing, and, when the trip is over, it makes you appreciate returning home.
What recent innovation are you most excited about?
I’m really psyched about the innovative thinking being done in cities, applying technology to solve urban problems. Public organizations and private companies are collaborating to innovate on socioeconomic, public health and environmental problems – working to make growing city communities function more efficiently.
Crazy genius ideas such as freeways that convert energy generated by moving cars into electricity, public parks with free workout equipment, or old phone booths converted into WiFi hot spots — those are innovations that excite me and make me hopeful for the future.
What is the best saying/quote you know?
Playing in the rain is worth catching a cold.
What are you working on for the year?
I’m continuing my work with real estate investment platform Fundrise. We’ve built an online marketplace where anyone can invest in real estate around the US in an effort to displace a very broken and unfair Wall Street system. I head up all of our marketing efforts, which means I manage press outreach, customer acquisition and engagement, and generally look for new ways to get the word out about what we’re doing!
Why did you decide to come on Remote Year?
I was tired of playing it safe. I’m the type of person that usually does things by the book and I realized that life is much more interesting and fulfilling when you take risks. I didn’t want to wake up in 10 years and never have left DC or a desk. Remote Year was the perfect solution – a way to see the world without having to give up my work at Fundrise. And, now that I’m here, I’m starting to view Remote Year as a sort of surrogate grad school. In 7 weeks I’ve met 75 talented, interesting, genuine people, learned several new skills that directly relate to my work at Fundrise, and seen countries that I never imagined I would see. Pretty amazing.
How did you find yourself in a remote role?
I knew that I wanted to continue my work at Fundrise so I put together a plan that outlined every component of my job and how I would make it work (if not improve it) remotely. I’m lucky enough to work for a company that emphasizes individual learning and growth so the team agreed to let me give it a shot. The scariest part of the whole process was working up the courage to ask.
Describe your perfect day
Some combination of reading, eating Dominos, swimming, and spending time with close friends and family.
What is the dish you cook most often?
I make an incredible salami sandwich and have received many accolades for it.
What do you have a knack for?
Tripping.
What’s the most fortuitous or lucky experience you’ve had while traveling?
I recently ran into a friend from college who I hadn’t seen in years in the middle of a pool at a Hungarian bath house.
Where/when did you catch the travel bug?
My grandparents started an incredible tradition of taking every one of their grandchildren on a trip when they turned 16. I was lucky enough to go to Japan on my trip, which really opened my eyes to a totally different culture and how fun and interesting traveling can be.
What book should everyone read?
The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace
What film should everyone see?
The Shawshank Redemption
What is the best saying/quote you know?
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ― Oscar Wilde
What is one thing that should be taught in school that isn’t currently?
Personal finance!
What are you working on for the year?
I’m writing exclusive content about trends, lifestyle, entrepreneurship and travelling around the world for Social Media, Brazilian Magazines and my own blog www.pratserie.com.
I also started a new project with Remotes Kimmoy Matthews and Katelyn Smith – the Trio Travel Marketing Experience.
Why did you decide to come on Remote Year?
I used to work for advertising, catalogues and magazines as a Fashion Stylist. The role is very interesting but I always prefered travelling the world to research lifestyle and fashion trends.
I joined Remote Year aiming a big career change, so I can do what I love, exploring my storytelling and image editing skills.
How did you find yourself in a remote role?
It’s something completely new for me! I was used to be out on the streets and studios everyday, performing my work In Person. Now I balance my time between wandering around to perform my research and sitting in front a computer to edit the information Remotely. I’m learning in process how to make my living while experiencing this unique experience.
Describe your perfect day
Having a nice breakfast. Doing some exercise. Listening lively music while preparing to go out. Wandering a bit, observing the styles on the street, taking pictures, interviewing people, chatting, writing, researching, editing… Hanging out with some colleagues.
The best part of my Perfect Day is that it could happen anywhere in the world!
What is the dish you cook most often?
I love to buy fresh ingredients and cook right after it. My friends always ask me to prepare Moqueca (brazilian fish stew) and Caipirinha.
What do you have a knack for?
I’ve an eye for trends and a unique point of view to showcase my ideas. But I think my “talent”, so to speak, is to be spontaneous, unafraid of taking risks, being ridiculous or awkward.
What’s the most fortuitous or lucky experience you’ve had while traveling?
A couple of years ago, I went to Asia for the first time (this was my dream for a long time), then I saw myself like a celebrity in a small city I visited… everybody wanted to take a picture with me. I asked why and they said: because you are a tourist!
Where/when did you catch the travel bug?
This I think is in my DNA. Since I was a kid my parents could only put me into sleep by pretending we were on a plane. My grandparents did their first round-the-world the year I was born and they used to visit a different county each year. Then, while my cousins waited for the presents they’d bring us, I was more interested on the stories they’d tell.
Who is the most interesting person you have met while traveling?
I met a brazilian guy at my hostel’s lobby the day I’ve arrived in Helsinki. He showed me the city like an insider because he had some friends living there. We walked together everyday, day and night, and only by the end of the week we’ve added ourselves on Facebook. Then, we noticed we had a lot of friends in common… Actually, we had worked before on the same photoshoot (he was the assistant photographer) but we never REALLY talked to each other!
Any advice or tips for others looking to bring travel into their lives?
Just leave behind as much as possible preconceived ideas about people and places to find out what really happens there.
What book should everyone read?
I love books, from cooking books to dictionaries, I have no restrictions. My favorites change with time and life stages. I always recommend the book “Paixões” de Rosa Montero. Even people who are not that into reading can’t refrain loving it!
What film should everyone see?
I graduated on Cinema, love many movies so much I can’t choose only one. So I suggest “La Familie Bélier” which most recently got my support for the Ceasar Prize – the French oscars Don’t expect something “artsy”, it’s just a captivating movie with lovely french songs that keeps playing on my mind.
What is your favorite spot on the globe for food/people/culture/music/etc?
The first that comes to my mind is Italy but I’m always curious about Japan.
What recent innovation are you most excited about?
I’m quite low-techie… sometimes I think “there’s too much smoke for so little fire”. I hope to learn about the best innovations this year.
If you could have lunch with one person (dead or alive), who would it be? Why?
First that comes to my mind is Jamie Oliver (lol) But, seriously, I would appreciate having a meal prepared by him in one of the exotic places he’s been cooking. I’ve decided my trip to Scandinavia last year after watching one of his TV shows.
What about your current work inspires you?
It’s all about inspiration. I’m willing to inspire viewers with the images and stories I’ll be living this year.
What do you believe that nobody else believes?
That Styling is not some superficial job. We have to study people’s culture, habits, behaviours… to create an image that tells it all in as organic way.
What has been your biggest success so far?
When 4 magazine covers I styled were running for a major award on Brazilian press – and they all won as an exceptional achievement.
What is the best saying/quote you know?
“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans” – John Lennon
(and this year I feel like updating it: “Life is what happens when you’re busy following Google Maps”)
What is one thing that should be taught in school that isn’t currently?
Respect – that comes naturally if you learn how to put yourself in other person’s shoes.
Videos Ad Operations Manager, Dashbid Media, Adtech from New York, New York
What are you working on for the year?
I am working for a video advertising start-up called Dashbid. I will be doing operations work which mainly entails optimizing the ad source revenue for our video publishers. We help publishers make more money! I’ll be doing lots of data analysis and collaboration with my team to continue to refine and improve our software
Why did you decide to come on Remote Year?
I want to see the world. Monetary issues always seems to hinder me, so this was the opportunity of a lifetime for me. My coworker told me about the opportunity and I applied that same day. I was worried that my job wouldn’t be supportive of the opportunity, but they were overwhelmingly so. It all worked out.
How did you find yourself in a remote role?
My company is small and a few members of our development team already work remotely. The highest concentration of team members is in our unique office. Thankfully, all of our work is web-based, so working remotely in my role isn’t too much of a stretch. I cleared in with my CEO and here I am now in Prague!
What do you have a knack for?
I have a good handle on empathy. That sounds super weird, but I find it very easy to connect and communicate with others. I have a very relaxed and non-judgmental personality, which pairs well with my ability to really listen intimately and truly. I think it helps in forming strong inter-personal relationships.
Where/when did you catch the travel bug?
My first travel outside of the US was while studying abroad in Argentina. I loved the city, the nightlife, the everyday warmth and relaxation of the people. From that experience, I knew I had to continue doing it more and more. It was a very transformative time for me in terms of how I saw myself and the world around me. I want to continue to have those transformative moments.
What film should everyone see?
“Elephant” It’s definitely a weird and “artsy” movie, but I can rarely think of a film which has stuck with me in the way that this movie has.
OR
“Paris is Burning” because that movie is incredible.
What is the best saying/quote you know?
“Not the best, but one for the moment:
“We’re born naked, and the rest is drag.” – RuPaul
Corporate Communication Specialist, Polycom
San Francisco, CA, USA
What I do:
I’m a Corporate Communications Specialist on the Global Corporate Communications team at Polycom. Our team is responsible for all external and internal communications at the company, which touches everything from employees to branding, social media, PR, etc. I’m currently focusing on our global thought leadership campaign on the Workplace of the Future which explores the way people are shifting to new ways of working and using technology as the great enabler for this.
Why Remote Year?
I’ve always loved traveling but never really got the experience to the extent I’d like. I’ve always been fascinated with other cultures, languages, foods and destinations and have always had the travel bug. When I saw that Remote Year would allow me to focus on my career and my personal ambitions of travel, I thought it was too good to be true. You never think about making an actual lifestyle like this!
How did you find yourself in a remote role?
Polycom creates technology that powers human collaboration and allows you to work anywhere, from any device, however you want. I use our technology every single day, it allows me to be successful in my job AND enjoy the benefits of remote and flexible work. I’ve worked at for Polycom for over a year-and-a-half and flexible work styles are kind of in our DNA; we have a globally dispersed team and some of colleagues that I see over video every day, I haven’t even met in person! Remote work can be challenging at times since it requires a different kind of routine and new boundaries. I’ve been fortunate enough to have experience with this so coming on Remote Year was a great fit for me.
What about your job inspires you?
I love working for a company that creates technology that touches the lives of so many people. Whether it’s in healthcare, education, or business enterprise, our technology really improves the way people work and at the end of the day, their lives. I’m the biggest advocate of this since it’s allowed me to work remotely and take this incredible year to focus on things that are important to me. Describe your perfect day
Honestly, it’s any day where I can do this. To have the freedom to choose your own path and explore things that interest you, there really isn’t any better feeling.
Yes, EVERYONE should do it! Even if you think you don’t like to travel or aren’t comfortable with it, that’s an even better reason to go. I think traveling is really just about having an open mind and being willing to try new things, that’s the biggest benefit of travel. Even if you don’t have that much time, you can still learn and experience so many things to take you out of your normal everyday life. Find a way, make it happen.
Tolerance. Through exposure to different cultures, ideas, people and experiences. I think experiencing that at a young age is even more critical. After the first month of travel here, I’ve learned so much about different people and how we all fit together in the world. I think that’s really important. With the technology we have today, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be creating this experiences more often.
Member Services Coordinator at EMPEA, the global industry association for private capital in emerging markets from Washington DC, USA
What are you working on for the year?
I’m maintaining my typical role, in addition to fostering deeper relationships with EMPEA’s emerging markets private equity members based in RY locations and meeting local potential members.
Why did you decide to come on Remote Year?
My dream has always been to become immersed in many cultures throughout the world. RY allows us to experience new places on a deeper level than does typical tourism. The RY locations also fit well within the scope of my company and position.
How did you find yourself in a remote role?
I am lucky enough to work with a company who understands the value of Remote Year and generously allowed me to shift my role, which is typically not remote.
Describe your perfect day
My perfect day begins with quiet meditation and contemplation, followed by exploring new places and meeting new and diverse friends along the way. Any day that begins with a sense of uncertainty and adventure is pure perfection.
Where/when did you catch the travel bug?
I’ve always loved visiting new places, but my affinity for longer-term travel began with my university study abroad trip to Egypt in 2010. Experiencing different ways of life has expanded my perception of reality and offered new ideas that can be implemented into my life.
What book should everyone read?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is such a profound book for anyone seeking life purpose or at a major crossroads.
What is one thing that should be taught in school that isn’t currently?
Our youth should be strongly encouraged and supported in thinking and living outside the box. In the US, I had always learned that I could do anything to which I put my mind, but I still feel a sense of expectation to work in a typical “9-to-5” career, which has always felt very restrictive. I’m thrilled to see innovative initiatives like Remote Year, and I trust that this will inspire more people to fully enjoy their lives through alternative work- and lifestyles.
Ecommerce Entrepreneur from New Zealand
What are you working on for the year?
I currently import and sell products on Amazon and my own ecommerce store. I’m working on growing my brand and creating a presence online.
Why did you decide to come on Remote Year?
In the past I took part in a overseas internship teaching English at a local school. The programme brought in people from all over the world together. It was at a smaller scale of 5 people. The bond we had with each other over the 6 weeks in something I value very much to this day.
Remote year has a similar premise but at a bigger scale with more people and more countries which really peaked my interest. The type of work I’m currently doing is perfectly suited for this as well.
How did you find yourself in a remote role?
After working in the corporate world in New Zealand for the past 3 years I decided I wanted to start a business that would allow me to travel and work at the same time. After bootstrapping in Thailand for 3 months I was able to start a business that would pay me enough to keep traveling and work from anywhere with an internet connection.
Describe your perfect day
Starting off the morning with a good workout and then relaxing at the beach , topping it off with a nice dinner with some friends.
Where/when did you catch the travel bug?
I’ve kind of always had the travel bug but what really inspired me to work and travel was when I was on a trip to Thailand. I was learning how to do Muay Thai for the first time in Phuket. There were people much older than me who wished they had come out earlier who had been tied down with kids and responsibilities and those younger than me who were struggling with money and wanted to stay. I felt like I was in the middle not too young and not too old so why not give it a shot. I didn’t want that feeling of regret of not doing something when I had the opportunity.
Any advice or tips for others looking to bring travel into their lives?
Do it! It may feel scary at first but you’ll be glad you did if you give it a chance. You’ll learn so much more about yourself when you travel. It will challenge and inspire you to do other things in your life. You only live once!
What is your favorite spot on the globe for food/people/culture/music/etc?
Thailand is awesome! There is no place in the world like it. If you love martial arts, beautiful beaches, exotic food, friendly people and rich culture at an affordable price. Everyone I know that has been to Thailand has had an absolute blast so much so that some of them have moved there!
What is the best saying/quote you know?
If you are able to do what you love you’ll never work another day in your life.
You can also follow Kai on his blog www.AccordingtoKai.com