I swear I have a job!

03 Apr, 2025

I've somehow earned a reputation as that one person who can’t seem to plant her feet on the ground. So, I always get asked: "Why are you always traveling? Don’t you have work?" "Do you work while you travel?" "Can you even be productive while you travel?"

The no-brainer answer is that I work remotely, which gives me more flexibility. But plenty of people work remotely and still don’t travel as often as I do. So, I started thinking about what really makes my lifestyle possible.

Here’s what I’ve realized:

1. My Work Arrangement is a Dream
   Having the right work setup makes all the difference.

• My work hours are flexible. I can work anytime of the day.
• My team rarely meet for calls. We mostly communicate through chat which I appreciate as an introvert.
• My client is generous in giving us PTO hours.
• My deadlines are reasonable. No panic-inducing, last-minute tasks. This allows me to plan my workload in advance before traveling.
• My creative director (who I report to) trusts me to deliver, which means no micromanaging.
  Sounds cool, right? But I know this setup works because I make sure to never abuse these privileges. Earning and maintaining trust is key.

2. The Working Travel Mindset is the Mindset
   I’ve been working while traveling since 2022 ¹. So by now I've mastered the skill of being productive at work even while exploring new places.

• Since my deadlines are reasonable, I integrate my work tasks into my travel itinerary ahead of time. Planning is key.
• I rent a portable Wifi device so I can work everywhere I go.
• I still do touristy things, but I set aside time in the afternoons to work, usually an hour or two at a café. It’s a trade-off, but I’ve learned to embrace it. I make up for it on weekends anyway.
• I travel with like-minded people. When I’m not traveling solo, I go with friends who also work remotely. That way, we explore and work together. No one gets left behind!

3. Making Smart Financial Decisions Helps a Lot
   Yes, I travel often but, trust me, I’m not swimming in cash. Traveling often doesn’t mean I'm spending recklessly. As a thrifty girl, budgeting my travel money is a skill I’m constantly refining.

• I find and book cheap flights. The more I save on flights, the more I can allocate to experiences & accommodations.
• I love maximizing tourists passes! Many countries offer special passes for tourists that significantly cut costs. For example, Japan has transportation passes designed for visitors, saving a ton on travel expenses.
• I keep meals budget-friendly. I always scout for affordable yet worthwhile restaurants. I don't mind eating convenient store meals as well.

It amazes me how all these little things add up to make this lifestyle possible. So maybe next time someone asks me those questions again, I'll just smile and say "I swear I have a job! I just prefer to do it from Kyoto or Paris."

#travel