An as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with a man who spent four years traveling as a "digital nomad." The conversation has been edited to make it clearer.
It wasn't sustainable for me to travel all the time.
It was necessary for me to stop being a digital nomad. More than 700 clients have been helped by me to get remote jobs.
I was originally from Panama and lived and worked in Hawaii. I didn't have a work-life balance.
In 2015, I took on my first remote role. I worked 40 to 50 hours a week at my remote job.
I wanted to use my new freedom immediately. I learned a lot through trial and error because there weren't many resources that told me how to become a digital nomad.
I started my life as a digital nomad after booking a flight to Buenos Aires. I didn't know why I picked it, I was just desperate to travel. I started working from home full time in June. I was in Argentina by the fall.
I lived and worked in 10 different countries over the next four years. I stayed as long as six months sometimes. I would only stay for a short time.
I have various side hustles while I travel and work remotely.
I wanted to build my own business, but I didn't know how to get started. I wouldn't have been able to focus on my work if I quit my job too soon.
I worked as a virtual assistant, as well as doing some translation and managing websites. My first book, a guide to vlogging, gave me a new source of income.
I didn't have a routine working as a digital nomad. I was exhausted by the constant juggling of travel, sightseeing, and full-time work.
The most popular page on my website is a remote job directory. I started offering online courses in August of 2019. My experience as a digital nomad and my experience as a HR consultant made me a good choice to build a business.
I left my remote job in December. I realized that I need to stay put for a second if I want to take this business to the next level. Mexico City is my favorite place to visit.
I need to take a break to focus on my work. It's not possible if you're always on the road.
I launched my online course in May 2020.
A service for which I charge $349 has helped 306 clients build their résumés. I have taught hundreds of students on my course. The average price is around $600.
All of my income comes from this business and I have been able to hire a team of seven people to help me out.
I put all of the money back into my business when I stopped traveling frequently.
I can focus more on growth now that I'm not moving as often. I have learned how to manage my money. I purchased my own apartment in Mexico City.
I want to travel more in the future once my business is established. I want to automate some processes and hire more people so that I can spend more time in my hometown.
Everyone has their own way of working remote work. I've been trying to work while traveling slowly and at a fast pace. I will be able to work from my own home office.
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