Working remotely overseas is not just a distant fantasy. Many freelance professionals are doing just that. In fact, one of the biggest things that attracts people to the freelance lifestyle is the flexibility and freedom to work when and where they want. With that flexibility, some choose to travel or live abroad.
There is great appeal to living a nomadic lifestyle, but it also presents challenges. Staying productive is difficult when you're always on the go or experiencing the new demands and distractions of living in a foreign locale. Still, if moving overseas has always been one of your dreams, you can learn how to workremotely without compromising your productivity.
Plan Your Days in Advance
This is essential regardless of where you live, but having a plan is even more important when you work remotely and travel. Such a dramatic change in lifestyle can be stressful and unpredictable. Establishing some organization and routine is crucial to help you relax and adjust to your new way of life. Select a day each week to sit down and plan the week ahead. Determine what your goals and deadlines are, and formulate a list or schedule to help you remain focused and productive.
Know Your Work Style
If you’re not a morning person, don’t attempt to get your work done first thing in the morning. Pay attention to when you feel the most alert and focused, and schedule the bulk of your work for that time. Many people can work for hours without disruption, while others work better in shorter increments, with regular breaks. Get to know your working style, and design a schedule that suits your approach.
Handling Distractions
One of the greatest things about living abroad and traveling is getting to experience new places and cultures, and meet new people. When living abroad and traveling, the desire to explore your new surroundings can be a big distraction. A good solution is to designate specific days for work and others for recreation. Knowing you have something fun to look forward to each week can boost your morale and help you stay focused.
Take Care of Yourself
When you're working independently it can be easy to slack off on self-care, but if you don't eat, drink and care for yourself properly, your health and productivity will quickly diminish. Understand what your needs and limits are, and make it a priority to do things that nourish you.
Public Work Spaces
Many cities around the world have public work spacesthat freelancers can utilize. There are free public work spaces and some that are available for a monthly fee. These spaces are designed to provide an atmosphere that bolsters productivity, and also provides opportunities to connect with other freelance professionals in your area.
Now that you have some tips to help you stay productive while freelancing overseas, here are five cities with a positive reputation among remote workers.
Best Places to Live and Work Remotely
When considering factors such as the cost of living, the weather, how much English is spoken, safety, and Wi-Fi accessibility across hundreds of cities, below is a small list of best cities for digital nomads to work remotely and travel at the same time.
1. Bangkok, Thailand: If you prefer bigger city living, with ample cafes and other public work spaces, Bangkok has a reasonable costof living compared with other big cities. Bangkok has everything from rooftop bars to the Infamous Khaosan Road. From Michelin-star restaurants and excellent $1 street food, you can experience it all.
2. Koh Samui, Thailand: While it might not be the cheapest place to live on the beach, the island of KohSamui, boasts a relatively low cost of living, blended with a laid back way of life and miles of beautifulbeaches in Koh Samui. It also has plenty of restaurants and entertainment options to for when you’re not working.
3. Taipei, Taiwan: This cosmopolitan city offers a little bit of everything. This bustling city has plenty of coworking options. Cost of living is fairly low, compared with other cosmopolitan cities, and there is plentyto do around the city when the sun goes down.
4. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: With affordable living costs that have remained mostly stable while rising in other popular cities, HoChi Minh City is attracting more people who work remotely. The city offers the appeal of a large metropolitan area with plenty of coffee shops, while surrounded by a lush, green landscape.
5. Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain: Among some of the best warm places to live and work, this city is part of the Canary Islands in Spain. The area is popular among remote workers because of its natural beauty, friendly locals and low cost of living.
About the Author: Victoria Hill has been writing as a ghostwriter ever since she was in college. Her favorite topics are human development, business communication, modern and pop art, minimalism, and self-development.
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