So, you wanna work remotely, huh? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because it's not all coconut drinks and beachside Wi-Fi. In this post, I'll share some of the ups and downs of living and working on the go – and trust me, it's a wild ride.
First and The Most Occurring - The Wi-Fi Struggle: You know that scene in the movies where the hero desperately searches for a signal before the world ends? That's you, trying to find reliable Wi-Fi to send an important email or answer your client to confirm the transaction.
Time Zone Tango: Juggling clients in multiple time zones is a challenge, especially when you're not sure if it's Tuesday or Wednesday. I don't ask for the city name or country at this point, it's been "Tell me what time zone you are in, to schedule a meeting". Who knew I'd be more interested in your UTC Digits?!
The Lost Art of Packing: You'll quickly become a packing ninja, expertly stuffing your entire life into a carry-on. I went on a dynamic three-week trip from Phoenix to San Diego and all the way up to San Francisco with a carry-on and laptop bag. Actually, recently, we moved to a whole different country with just 18 suitcases for a family of five.
Productivity in Paradise: Staying productive while traveling is like trying to diet in a family Italian restaurant . Good luck resisting the siren call of the beach. My weakness is walking the streets of a new city or hiking famous parks in the area. Many times I woke up before the sunrise to get all the work done and indulge in exploring the area.
The Language Barrier Limbo: Nothing says "I'm a digital nomad," like accidentally ordering cow tongue instead of chicken. Thankfully, I'm a food lover at heart, and I do love both. Truth be told, moments like these are precisely what drove me to learn languages. Luckily for me, I've got a killer set of musical ears, which makes picking up new languages a tad easier. But let's be real - it's still a whole lot of work. Embrace the awkwardness and practice your charades skills. Don't be shy about opening your mouth and giving it your best shot. More often than not, people respect and admire your effort, even if you only manage to stutter out a few words in their native tongue.
Nomad Networking: Making friends as a virtual assistant is like speed dating on steroids. You'll meet amazing people, but saying goodbye is a heart-wrenching part of the lifestyle.
Passport Visa Vibes: Keeping track of visa requirements and expiration dates is like playing a high-stakes game of Tetris. (Have you seen the latest movie on Apple TV+, 'Tetris' - based on a true story? Quite fascinating!!! I was born in Russia, and trust me, it's hard to imagine the road taken by Tetris and how his developer made it alive.)
Just remember: overstaying your welcome is never a good look. Also, create google calendar events to remind you when to renew your passport; it might be a bit challenging even coming back to your home country if your passport is expiring in less than 4 months.
The Great Gear Debate: As a digital nomad, you'll develop an intense love-hate relationship with your gear. Sure, your laptop is your lifeline, but it's also the reason your back aches every day. Thats why Mac Air is my number one choice, as its 's light, powerful, and always sellable. I do sell my gear every 2 years and get upgraded to the most recent models. I'll write a separate post on why and how I do it.
Budgeting for Adventure: Balancing work and play means learning the fine art of budgeting. Sometimes, you'll splurge on experiences; other times, you'll eat instant noodles for a week. Es la vida! Also, I always keep an eye on the benefits and points systems that Credit Cards offer. My fav so far has been Chase in USA and Tinkoff in Russia. American Express is also great, especially for American Express Airport Lounges and Upgrades.
Expect the Unexpected: From surprise rainstorms to last-minute flight cancellations, the digital nomad life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Flexibility is your new best friend.
So there you have it, friend. Working remotely isn't always as glamorous as Instagram makes it seem, but it's an adventure unlike any other. Just remember to pack your sense of humor and a healthy dose of sarcasm – you'll need them on this wild journey.
Xoxoxo
Kat