Blog — Remote Year
I was longing for adventure and travel. I’d been running my own coaching business full-time for about a year and realized I could be doing my work from anywhere–so I applied and the rest is history!
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?
Growing my business — I am a marketing + mindset coach for women entrepreneurs in the “live your best life” space. I help the women I work with to get their first paid clients (like, yesterday!) and create a stand-out online presence. You can learn more at www.thepursuitoffabulous.com
I’m also working on a few creative writing projects.
HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?
A year and a half ago I was working full-time while growing a life coaching business on the side and got totally burnt out (read: jam-packed workdays eating lunch at my desk, late nights + weekends hunched over a computer screen, popping Advil like a multivitamin due to chronic headaches and living in my mom’s basement to save every penny I could for my business).
I was chasing my dream…but my reality felt anything but dreamy.
I knew it was time for a big change so with the support of a coach I finally gained the courage to make the leap into full-time entrepreneurship.
Within 6 months I had surpassed my former corporate salary and things have continued to go well. But more importantly, I am now able to spend my days doing work that lights me up (rather than squeezing my passions around the edges of a jam-packed schedule).
HOW DO YOU THINK TRAVELING WILL AFFECT YOUR CURRENT WORK?
I think the fact that I’m living a somewhat unconventional life that really lights me up is inspiring to potential clients–especially if they would like to create something similar for themselves. So far it’s been good for business!
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?
Get clear on where/how you’d ideally like to travel first. Then begin taking small baby steps towards that vision (Google is your friend). And don’t let anyone tell you your travel dreams are out of reach–SO MUCH MORE is possible than it once was when it comes to the way we design our lives and careers. It’s very, very possible to work remotely.
I’ve lived in DC most of my life, lived in Nashville, TN for 4 years (went college at Vanderbilt, University), studied abroad in South Africa and then went back to DC. I’ve also traveled all around Europe, to the Bahamas, Israel, and Costa Rica.
WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR TRAVEL COME FROM?
Ever since I studied abroad in South Africa my junior year of college I’ve been hooked on travel. I LOVE meeting new people, exploring different places, immersing myself in new cultures and, of course, eating delicious food.
YOUR FAVORITE DIGITAL NOMAD HACK?
Dry Shampoo…my fellow girly girls will understand!
3 THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT ON THE ROAD?
Fast WifiLaptopA “go with the flow” attitude
WHERE’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE ON THE GLOBE?
So far it has been Stellenbosch, South Africa. But I’m really excited to go to Thailand in November (Koh Phangan looks like heaven on earth).
WHAT BOOK SHOULD EVERYONE READ?
The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte
DESCRIBE YOUR REMOTE YEAR EXPERIENCE SO FAR IN 3 WORDS.
ExcitingFun
Slightly Uncomfortable (in a good way).
Ok that’s more than 3…but I hate rules 😉
IF YOU HAD TO BE STUCK ON AN ISLAND WITH ANOTHER REMOTE, WHO WOULD IT BE?
My boyfriend, Leo Franco (we met on the trip!). He’s very fun annnnd something tells me he would be a lot better at figuring out how to get off the island/survive in the wild than I would.
YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
-Unknown
I’m a little bit psychic.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?
Helping women design lives + businesses they love.
WHERE ARE YOU IN 30 YEARS?
I would like to be doing similar work but on a larger scale and making BIGGER impact. I would also love to write lots of books and be on Oprah.
WHO’S THE MOST INTERESTING PERSON YOU’VE MET WHILE TRAVELING?
Hard to say–I’m constantly having unexpected + totally fascinating conversations with fellow remotes and think everyone here is super interesting in their own way.
WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
I typically kick things off around 10:30/11am (I’m not a morning person). On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays I’m on calls with my 1 on 1 clients and leading my group program for new coaches, Marketing Mastery.
On Mondays and Fridays I meet with my team (all remote), do my own marketing activities, and tackle any admin/business management tasks that need to be taken care of. I typically wrap up around 8pm and have dinner with a group of friends or go tango dancing (a hobby I picked up in Uruguay).
WHO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR?
A more competent + confident version of myself…with lots of good stories to tell and friends all over the world.
FOLLOW REBECCA ON HER INSTAGRAM, TWITTER AND WEBSITE!
I worked in NYC for 6 years but a new job located in Times Square did me in after 6 months. I needed a break from NYC and “real life.” I also want to eat my way around the world. So far I’m overachieving that goal.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?
Professionally? Working on being the first person in my company to work in a fully remote position. Hopefully I can pave the way for future digital nomads!
Personally? Getting out of my comfort zone. New York provides a pretty cushy lifestyle. Despite there being 8 million people there I hung out with the same 10 people. I want to do crazy things, eat weird foods (as much as that’s possible being a pescatarian), and meet people I would have never met on my own.
HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?
My company was cool enough to let me work remotely! It took some planning and preparation but so far so good!
HOW DO YOU THINK TRAVELING WILL AFFECT YOUR CURRENT WORK?
I think going into really different time zones will be hard. I work on a team so when we’re 12 hours off in Asia it’s going to be hard to collaborate on projects. Going to jump that hurdle when it comes!
WHO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR?
A better me! And hopefully not too much bigger, I can’t stop eating!
I’ve lived my whole life in New York. I grew up in a really small town upstate, went to college farther upstate and then moved to NYC. I’ve traveled to most of the Caribbean, Mexico, and a few parts of Europe. I’m a beach bum so this is my first real “culture” trip.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?
Just do it. Even if it’s a quick road-trip. Money, work, etc should not be things that hold you back from exploring.
DESCRIBE YOUR REMOTE YEAR EXPERIENCE SO FAR IN 3 WORDS.
Hysterical. Energizing. Exhausting.
YOUR FAVORITE DIGITAL NOMAD HACK?
I didn’t pack enough warm clothes (who would’ve guessed South America gets cold) so I’m currently rocking our decorative bed linen as a scarf.
WHAT BOOK SHOULD EVERYONE READ?
The 40 Rules of Love by Elif Şafak.
3 THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT ON THE ROAD?
1. Backpack. I started out my year thinking “”Am I really going to pack luggage inside of luggage?”” I’m now the owner of a $200 backpack and it’s a savior on weekend trips. Future remotes: pack luggage inside of luggage. It’s not crazy.
2. Peanut Butter. Apparently it’s not a thing Everywhere?
3. My iPhone. It holds my music and allows me to see the faces I miss the most!
Not getting distracted, I have to keep my standard hours so it’s hard to be at the office when people who have more flexibility get to go explore.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD?
Working from cafes, the pool (just kidding co-workers) or anywhere that’s not a traditional office.
WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TALENT?
I’m currently working on my impressions of fellow remotes. If you don’t ask me to imitate an Irish accent immediately after an Australian one I have it down pretty good.
WHERE’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE ON THE GLOBE?
This changes every five minutes!
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.
Waking up without an alarm – and no one bugs me for at least an hour. I’m not a morning person. The first person to bother me should probably have breakfast, preferably in a little hut over the water in Bora Bora with all of my friends and family. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and have a big cookout on the beach at night. Lots of wine music and a bonfire to wrap up the night!
WHERE ARE YOU IN 30 YEARS?
Hopefully on an island somewhere. Hopefully with some fellow remotes.
YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?
“As you start to walk out on the way, the way appears.”-Rumi
KEEP UP WITH SARAH ON HER INSTAGRAM!
It provided me the opportunity to both travel and network at the same time. I had already been working and traveling before either by myself or with a friend, however to know that there was a group that I could join, make friends with, network with, build business with, get inspired by, learn new skills from, all while traveling the world and enjoying it together with this very group, I personally don’t think there is a better opportunity out there than this.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?
I am working on a few things actually. I am growing both my eCommerce/Amazon business as well my Solar sales business. I am also currently working on a third project that I must admit I am most excited about that has the potential to really make a difference out there. I have partnered up with a couple people from the group to build it together and I couldn’t be more excited. Details to come….. 😉
HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?
I must give credit where credit is due. My friend April. I was talking to her about working and traveling and how important it was to me, and she suggested I look at this new business idea called Remote Year. I took a quick peek at the time but kind of brushed it aside for awhile. But the idea really started to resonate with me over time, and before I knew it, I applied, got accepted, sold basically all my major belongings including my condo, and here I am, couldn’t be more happy with my decisions.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?
This is really hard for people to both hear and accept, but it’s very simple, JUST DO IT. Take a chance! There is never going to be “the perfect time” and you need to just take a leap of faith. Put it this way, what is the worst thing that could happen?? You aren’t going to die. All that MIGHT happen is that you go travel, find out it’s not for you, and come home, and that would be the worst thing. But at least you gave it a shot, and you can feel truly proud of that, nothing is worse than not taking the chance. You never want to look back on life and say that you wished you would have tried something, by then it’s too late. Always remember that time is our most valuable asset. Not money.
I have now been to Central and South America, travelled thought most of Europe, and been all over and lived in SE Asia.
WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR TRAVEL COME FROM?
I can’t put an exact time or specific experience of when it happened, it just did. There is just something so extremely freeing when you travel like this that is unexplainable until you experience it yourself, and once you do, there is no turning back. Learning other people’s opinions, ideas, and cultures is so important and I feel it helps give myself a better idea for what is really going on out there in our world.
DESCRIBE YOUR REMOTE YEAR EXPERIENCE SO FAR IN 3 WORDS.
Balance is needed. 🙂
3 THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT ON THE ROAD?
All things Apple.Mexican Food.Mexican Food.
WHAT BOOK SHOULD EVERYONE READ?
I suggest getting audio books if possible, as it allows you to read/listen while doing things like exercising, going on walks, etc… here you go:
Vagabonding by Rolf Potts4 Hour Work Week by Timothy FerrissThe Icarus Deception by Seth GodinMeditations by Marcus Aurelius
Obviously a question that travelers are not “supposed” to give a direct answer to but here it goes. To me the most beautiful place I have ever seen is a place called Pileh Bay on the island of Koh Phi Phi Leh in Thailand. There is no way to explain it so my advice is to just go there and experience it for yourself.
IF YOU HAD TO BE STUCK ON AN ISLAND WITH ANOTHER REMOTE, WHO WOULD IT BE?
No brainer. Niraj. 😉
WHO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR?
I hope to continue to be myself. I am not here to try and change who I am, just maybe enhance it a bit. I do hope however that at the end I will have made some truly meaningful and important relationships with the people on this trip, and I can already see that this is happening, which is super special to me 🙂
YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?
“Visualization is everything, it is the preview of life’s coming attractions.”
– Albert Einstein
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, either way you are right.”
– Henry Ford
KEEP UP WITH RANDY ON HIS INSTAGRAM!
I’ve always wanted to travel but I never felt that my lifestyle — complete with work, financial responsibilities, and family obligations, etc. — was conducive to it. This program allows me to travel with a steady paycheck in a community of like-minded professionals, and gives me peace of mind when it comes to planning out most of the logistics. I’m able to focus my brainpower on work and side travel, instead of worrying about the hundreds of details involved in living abroad.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?
I’m keeping my full-time role with the company for which I’ve been working for the past two years, Mashable. During my time abroad, in addition to my normal duties as a Content Strategist on the Mashable Studios (Branded Content) team, I will also be writing editorially about my experiences abroad. The course of my typical day is spent writing, interviewing sources, on calls with my team and with clients, and planning logistics for whatever content/series/articles I’m managing at the time.
Time zones, at times, make the hands-on nature of my job a bit challenging, but I’ve been fortunate that my team and my boss have supported me in working out ways to make it work.
In my spare time, I’m dedicating this year to trying new things, and also trying to focus on more creative, personal writing pursuits.
HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?
I was able to convince my employer to let me turn my role into a fully remote position, though it’s not intended to be one. I’ve been lucky to have the support of my friends and colleagues along the way.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR CURRENT WORK INSPIRES YOU?
The pride and reward that comes along with completing something challenging.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST SUCCESS SO FAR?
Being able to pick up and start a completely new life three times: The first, when I left for college; the second, when I left my comfort zone in Miami after seven years to accept an internship in NYC; the third, when I embarked upon my current adventure with Remote Year. I’ve gained so much life experience and wisdom from every one of these major shifts.
In college, I spent a summer traveling around the Mediterranean on a study abroad program called Semester at Sea. I went to eight countries in three months, saw the pyramids at sunrise, went cliff diving in Croatia, experienced my first nude beach in Bulgaria, and danced the night away in Barcelona. Needless to say, I was immediately hooked for life.
WHAT’S THE MOST FORTUITOUS OR LUCKY EXPERIENCE YOU’VE HAD WHILE TRAVELING?
I’m not sure if luck has had much to do with it, but I have definitely been fortunate to find amazing people with whom to share my travel experiences. I’m beyond grateful for the diverse community I’ve been part of this year.
WHERE’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE ON THE GLOBE?
I think both Istanbul, Turkey and Buenos Aires, Argentina are incredibly diverse and stimulating. Japan is also completely wild, though quite a bit of a culture shock for Westerners. In the U.S., I’m completely enamored with Lake Tahoe, CA.
WHO’S THE MOST INTERESTING PERSON YOU’VE MET WHILE TRAVELING?
I had a professor on Semester at Sea who changed my worldview (in a class called ‘Theatre for Social Change’). She made us all call her Sybil. Though I haven’t kept in touch with her over the years, I still feel very much connected to the lessons she instilled in us over the course of the class. She’s the closest thing I’ve ever met to a truly free spirit.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?
Stop making excuses and just go.
YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?
“Go out into the world and fuck it up beautifully.” John Waters said this to the RISD graduating class of 2015 and it’s now my life mantra.
It’s not a book, but I recommend EVERYONE read the ‘Wait But Why’ article by Tim Urban on artificial intelligence. It’s a lengthy read for what is tantamount to a glorified blog post, but it’s extremely well written and poses some intriguing — and terrifying — questions about the future of modern technology. Allow two hours for the read and then 24 for the existential meltdown that will inevitably ensue.
WHAT FILM SHOULD EVERYONE SEE?
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
IF YOU COULD HAVE LUNCH WITH ONE PERSON DEAD OR ALIVE WHO WOULD IT BE?
I’d like to meet my grandfather on my mother’s side. He died when I was quite young, and I’ve only ever heard very inspiring things about his life and career.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE A KNACK FOR?
Words.
WHAT dish do you cook most often?
Eggs. In any form.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE THAT NOBODY ELSE BELIEVES?
There is no spoon.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.
Trying something new, or seeing something amazing in a part of the world I’ve never before explored. Maybe something adventurous or active during the day, followed by dinner in an exotic or unique setting, surrounded by close friends and quality vino. Variety is the spice of life, and balance is key for me to feel truly at peace.
KEEP UP WITH STEPHANIE ON INSTAGRAM, AND TWITTER!
Growth.
I’ve always grown the most when I travel. I get unplugged from media influences. I experience new adventures. I gather new ideas and perspectives.
However, traveling also includes a lot of hassles. I don’t like to plan things, coordinate transportation, book lodging. Remote Year takes care of all of that. I get stable infrastructure (housing, workspace, social events) with the added growth from traveling.
Remote Year also focuses on community. They host optional events for us. They help plan side trips. They’re here when we need them and stand by the sidelines when we want to be independent.
The community makes it feel like you’re traveling with 70 of your best friends and family. We work together. We play together. We grow together.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?
I’m creating an online course that teaches other people how to become successful digital nomads. Most people want to work while traveling. But it’s hard to make the jump.
People have to figure out:“How do I make money?”“How do I stay productive?”
“How to I find love?”
This course will answer these questions and more. It’ll teach people to how to transition their careers and lifestyles in a strategic way.
The course will also remove some of the biggest myths in becoming a digital nomad. For example, when people think of digital nomads, they think of freelancers. Most digital nomads on Remote Year are actually full-time employees. This means that for many people who want to travel and work, they don’t need to quit their day jobs–they just need to learn how to convince their employers to let them work remotely. This course is filled with in-depth interviews with real digital nomads who have made the dream happen.
People can learn more about the course at nomadcharles.com
After I decided on become a digital nomad, I did an inventory of what I’m good at, what I’m passionate about, and how I can make money remotely. The intersection of those 3 things ended up being teaching online.
Now I’m traveling the world, teaching two topics: “How to Design Better Products” through productcharles.com and “How to Become Successful Digital Nomads” through nomadcharles.com
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?
I’m passionate about teaching. I think online education is one of the greatest inventions of our time. It makes my day when my course gets a 5-star review from a student living across the world.
I’m a Close-up Magician. I bring a deck of cards with me when I travel. It’s my instrument.
I’ve performed at events ranging from intimate Yelp Elite parties to remote villages in the middle of the Amazon jungle.
I’m also a Magician Member at the Academy of Magical Arts at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. It’s one of the coolest places on Earth. Definitely visit if you get a chance.
YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?
“A good traveling has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” ~Lao Tse
HO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR?
I’m hoping to inspire 10,000 people to become successful digital nomads.
KEEP UP WITH CHARLES ON HIS INSTAGRAM, TWITTER AND WEBSITE!
I strongly believe that the act of travel–the physical movement, adjusting to new cultures, and forced expansion of our comfort zones–is one of the highest-yield personal growth opportunities in the world. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel a decent amount for work and pleasure, but have never lived outside of the northeast United States. I never thought that I would have an opportunity to live and work remotely while doing what I love, so when the opportunity presented itself I seized it.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?
I’ve spent the last four years working in and around politics, including campaigns, startups, and nonprofits. Opportunities to work remotely are pretty rare in the political space, but I was fortunate to find enough projects to make this year busy and sustainable.
HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?
Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good!
HOW DO YOU THINK TRAVELING WILL AFFECT YOUR CURRENT WORK?
It’s already making a significant, positive difference. Morale and productivity are up, and I’m tapping into new sources of creativity that I would not have otherwise found.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?
This lifestyle can seem out of reach for many people; I certainly felt that way. There is a Spanish phrase: querer es poder — want is power. If you want it, you can figure out. That seems simplistic, but it’s accurate.
WHO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR?
A more empathetic and creative person with a much broader definition of what constitutes success and a well-lived life.
Lived: New York, Rhode Island, Washington DC, Massachusetts
Traveled: Americas (Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile, and now Uruguay), Caribbean (Dominican Republic, Bahamas), MENA (Israel, West Bank), and Europe (UK, France, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Romania, Turkey)
WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR TRAVEL COME FROM?
Great question. I’m not sure, but I think it may be that because I am so immersed in American culture at work I feel a strong urge to get out and see something totally different whenever possible.
DESCRIBE YOUR REMOTE YEAR EXPERIENCE SO FAR IN 3 WORDS.
The right decision.
YOUR FAVORITE DIGITAL NOMAD HACK?
Travel with 74 ambitious, creative, and diverse people.
3 THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT ON THE ROAD?
Strong. Data. Plan.
Speaking of impossible questions! I’m sure this will change several times over the next year, but the Prince Islands in the eastern Sea of Marmara are a perfect day trip for anyone visiting Istanbul.
WHAT BOOK SHOULD EVERYONE READ?
That’s an impossible question to answer–over 300,000 books are published per year in the US alone. But I’ll tell you that the last book I read before accepting the Remote Year offer was The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
IF YOU HAD TO BE STUCK ON AN ISLAND WITH ANOTHER REMOTE, WHO WOULD IT BE?
I’ll let you know when I figure out who can do the best volleyball impression.
YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?
I try to listen to Ted Kennedy’s eulogy to Robert Kennedy at least twice a year.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.
That’s a tough one. I’d have to say April 25th. Because it’s not too hot, not too cold–all you need is a light jacket.
WHERE ARE YOU IN 30 YEARS?
Feeling as optimistic as I do now.
KEEP UP WITH AARON ON HIS INSTAGRAM, AND TWITTER!
1. We get to work & play while they organize? Sounds good2. There are lots of cuties and smarties on the trip? NICE.
3. You’ll get lots of mosquito bites and gain 15 pounds off of too much bread and cheese in South America? Wait, this one doesn’t sound so – oops too late I can’t get my deposit back.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?
Starting a travel and comedy Youtube channel that is everything but normal. Let’s be honest. Traveling is weird and gosh those digital nomads?
They are SO weird.
But truth be told, the purpose of this channel is to tell all the working warriors out there this: don’t quit your daydreams. If a tech marketing professional can let go of her super cute hipster shoes to travel around the world with close to no possessions hoping to make it as an internet derp…what are you waiting for?
(Hopefully not my next Youtube video cause I haven’t edited that yet.)
HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?
I went on Youtube, uploaded my first travel video and from that day forward I had a job. A job that currently pays me no money. Just some internet thumbs up.
HOW DO YOU THINK TRAVELING WILL AFFECT YOUR CURRENT WORK?
Everywhere I go, I’m usually recording or taking photos. Otherwise I’m brainstorming about how to share where I’m at with others. Traveling is different for me now. It’s not exactly a vacation, it’s my full-time job. But I love it so much. The kind of love where you hate yourself for one day for making this decision but then fall back in love with how determined you are to make everything work.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?
Inspiring people. And I believe laughter is the sweetest form of inspiration!
Sam, the co-founder of Remote Year. So that he can refund my Remote Year fees.
WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TALENT?
I’ll tell you if you swipe right.
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.
Wake up to hot men with buckets of Kentucky Fried Chicken. They call me Goddess and paints me the way Jack painted Rose. For lunch we eat Shin Ramen (side note: can someone deliver me some please) and watch romantic comedies. They try to cuddle but I’m like, “”NO GIVE ME SPACE”” and then I go swim in my pool of dollar bills. No water, just money.
My private jet comes pick me up and takes me to Taylor Swift’s house. She looks at me and says, “”you belong with me”” and I’m like “”UM, YAS QUEEN””. But then I remembered I left my pet persian cat at home so I jet back.
On the jet I take a nap and when I woke up I was in bed, in my pink cat PJ pants with drool all over my face. It was only a dream and it’s 5pm, I slept through most of my day.
Steal Like An ArtistEat, Pray, Love
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
WHERE WILL YOU BE IN 30 YEARS?
Probably sitting on the porch beaming with pride at how ridiculous I was in my 20s. And then I take a sip of whiskey.
YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?
Inspire by doing.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?
Shia Labeouf: JUST DO IT.
KEEP UP WITH TJ ON HER YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM, AND TWITTER!
When I first heart about Remote Year, I was in transition, trying to decide where I wanted to live after a few years of living in the Caribbean. I was thinking about settling down in a tech city like Seattle or Austin, but none of the cities I visited seemed right for me. Then a good friend told me about Remote Year. The combination of being able to explore while forming long term relationships at the same time was too good to pass up.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?
I’m working with a team of talented people based in Oakland, California on a variety of software projects for clients ranging from well known musicians, to a startup working on a cure for HIV, and another startup that makes it accessible for people to send science experiments into space. I’m excited to be traveling around the world while doing work that impacts people around the world in a variety of ways.
HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?
I started searching for remote jobs out of convenience when I was living in the Caribbean and didn’t know what was next. The number of jobs that can be done remotely is huge and growing at an incredible rate. There are tons of job boards for remote jobs in the software industry and in other industries as well.
HOW DO YOU THINK TRAVELING WILL AFFECT YOUR CURRENT WORK?
I think being in new and stimulating environments will enrich my work. Sitting in front of a computer for eight hours a day can be a little bit dull at times, but knowing that adventure awaits me every night and weekend keeps me interested and passionate.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?
Love and connecting people to each other, to the planet, to truth and to life.
I’ve lived in Ohio, and the Dominican Republic and I’ve also traveled all over the US, Panama and Colombia.
WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR TRAVEL COME FROM?
I actually don’t have a passion for travel as much as a passion for people. The thing that drives me to travel is the opportunity to connect with diverse people and enter into their lives for a brief period of time and see how the world looks from their perspective.
IF YOU HAD TO BE STUCK ON AN ISLAND WITH ANOTHER RMOTE, WHO WOULD IT BE?
Most of the people I’ve met on Remote Year would be great people to get stuck on an island with; everyone is so positive, tenacious and self-sufficient. But hopefully it would be someone with some mutual attraction because affection is pretty necessary for survival.
WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TALENT?
It used to be my ability to blow bubble rings under water, but now I’ll have to find a new one. Thanks.
WHAT BOOK SHOULD EVERYONE READ?
It changes all the time, but my recent favorite is The Prophet by Khalil Gibran.
YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?
“Que la curiosidad sea mas grande que el miedo”, which means “May curiosity be greater than fear”.
Spending so much time far away from people I love.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD?
Getting to visit people I love all over the world.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?
Stay curious. Ask questions. Listen. Learn. Don’t be afraid to look stupid. Opportunities are all over the place, but they aren’t going to find you, you have to go out looking for them.
WHO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR?
I see who I am as a constant evolution that won’t end after Remote Year, but this year I hope to grow in my ability to connect with and form genuine deep relationships with other people both on the trip and in the places we visit. I want to be someone who is deeply connected with others across culture and geography.
KEEP UP WITH JO ON HIS BLOG, INSTAGRAM, AND TWITTER!
I’ve lived abroad before and loved it, but I’ve never found the right opportunity to do long term travel. I don’t think I would enjoy travelling on my own, not to mention I had assumed if I did that I would have to take a break in my career. So Remote Year seemed like it had been made for exactly for me: a group of friends to go travelling with whilst still maintaining (and even enhancing) my career.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?
I’m a co-founder in a start-up, we are a sports-science technology company specializing in wearable technology for athletes and serious sports people. Think ‘fitbit’ for pro and semi-pro athletes with an added sport-science service to guide athletes.
HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?
Our team has had limited face-to-face time so far and we haven’t fully launched yet, so now is the easiest time to work remotely before things really kick off.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?
I guarantee there will always be reasons not to go travelling, once you accept there will not be a perfect time then just get on and do it as soon as you possibly can. Travelling is about facing challenges head-on rather than avoiding them.
WHO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR?
I hope to have the feeling that I have completed something challenging and unique, that I became more worldly in the process and that I made the most of this great opportunity. I want to have learnt some skills (i.e. Spanish) and launched some of my own side projects.
HOW DO YOU THINK TRAVELING WILL AFFECT YOUR CURRENT WORK?
We are making some adjustments – some things are better whilst other things are harder. I’m trying my best to make the most of the benefits – such as any time differences – if there is anything that I can work on during the UK night-time that would mean work being completed in less than 1 UK work day, then I’ll try my best to make that happen.
Aside from the UK I’ve lived in Belgium and Italy for a couple of years each, in terms of travel I’ve visited lots of Europe (especially the Nordics) and Asia, most recently I went travelling around New Zealand with my family.
WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE ON THE GLOBE?
I learnt to kitesurf on a remote beach in the Maldives, it was so peaceful and picturesque.
WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR TRAVEL COME FROM?
My parents! As a young child my family moved to Belgium for 18 months and I think that triggered the travel bug, both my brother and I are always gallivanting around the world chasing adventures.
WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TALENT?
I used to do a bit of breakdancing and I can do some beat-boxing!
YOUR FAVORITE DIGITAL NOMAD HACK?
Trail shoes so you don’t need separate trainers and hiking boots. Compression packs to vacuum pack your clothes and also helps group your items.
Astroturf shoes to play football, my laptop (not just for work), my Kindle.
DESCRIBE YOUR REMOTE YEAR EXPERIENCE SO FAR IN 3 WORDS.
Whirlwind. Fun. Home.
WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD?
Learning to quickly feel at home wherever you are. Also some activities like laundry and grocery shopping are slightly harder than normal if you don’t speak the language, you need to brush up on some useful words before you leave.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD?
Becoming minimalist in terms of possessions. This was the best part of my preparations for Remote Year, getting rid of excess clutter, closing various accounts, and preparing to live with less ‘stuff’. It makes you feel free and more easily able to travel, you have much less to worry about.
Remote Year came into my life at the perfect time. I had been living in New York City and working at the same hospital for almost four years and was looking for a change. Long-term travel has always been a dream of mine, and a traditional job makes that impossible. I became frustrated with vacation time constraints and wanted to travel where, when, and for how long I wanted while also remaining employed. It was on Facebook that I discovered Remote Year, a program that would allow me to do just that while also meeting people from all over the world. It seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Once I was accepted, it was an easy decision to take the plunge!
HOW DID YOU FIND YOURSELF A REMOTE ROLE?
Despite submitting several applications for remote consulting, writing, and research positions via LinkedIn and remote job websites, I ended up securing my position through personal networking (thanks, Dad!). I formally accepted the position less than a week before flying to Cordoba!
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON FOR THE YEAR?
I’m a Physician Assistant (PA) by trade, with 6 years of experience in both Internal Medicine and Oncology (Bone Marrow Transplant). Due to licensing and logistical issues, it was not feasible for me to practice clinically while abroad. After an extensive search for a medically-relevant remote position, I was lucky enough to land a job as a medical writer for PENTAX Medical. I will be focusing primarily on medical blogs detailing the latest research in the field of gastroenterology and medical devices.
I’ll also have the unique opportunity to meet with a group of Bone Marrow Transplant physicians at their hospital in Buenos Aires. We will be comparing treatment protocols for our oncology patients. I’m hoping to incorporate this experience into my medical blogs in some way.
On a personal note, I’ll be working on a travel blog. I’ve always journaled about my travel experiences, but never in blog form, so I’m excited to explore my creative side that way.
HOW DO YOU THINK TRAVELING WILL AFFECT YOUR CURRENT WORK?
I think it will be immensely helpful. Remote Year gave me the framework to pursue a medical career path that I hadn’t considered before. As a science major and English minor in college, I’m thrilled to finally have the chance to merge these two interests and use my Masters of Medical Science degree in a novel way. I anticipate that this experience will make me more marketable in my Physician Assistant career going forward.
Besides spending a semester abroad in Brisbane, Australia during college, I have never lived abroad. Over the last 10 years, I have traveled to six continents and nearly 30 countries. My travel highlights include medical missions to China, Ghana, India, and Peru, and leisure trips throughout Iceland, Europe, Costa Rica, and Japan.
WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE ON THE GLOBE?
My childhood home in Franklin Square, New York, where my parents still live today. No matter where or how long I’ve traveled, there’s nothing like coming home and sharing those experiences with the people I love most in the world.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS LOOKING TO BRING TRAVEL INTO THEIR LIVES?
In my experience, travel has been one of the most fulfilling paths towards personal growth. I learn more in a few weeks of traveling than I do in an entire year at home. If you have even the slightest interest in pursuing a year abroad with Remote Year, JUST DO IT!! Any sacrifices you make to bring travel into your life will be worth it once you’re out there discovering different cultures, meeting incredible people, and having unforgettable experiences.
WHO DO YOU HOPE TO BE BY THE END OF REMOTE YEAR?
I hope to be a happier and more confident version of myself. I also hope to have made friends from all over the world, while gaining a greater knowledge of and appreciation for many new countries and cultures.
Books, my camera, and a cozy sweatshirt.
YOUR FAVORITE DIGITAL NOMAD HACK?
Hands-down, Bose noise-cancelling headphones and a great Spotify playlist
DESCRIBE YOUR REMOTE YEAR EXPERIENCE SO FAR IN 3 WORDS.
Surreal, Exhilarating, Right!
WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A DIGITAL NOMAD?
The freedom to make my own schedule, which improves my mood and efficiency while enabling me to see the world at the same time!
QUOTE TO LIVE BY?
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”