Dreaming of traveling more and working less? Well, you and me both! LOL Get ready to pack your bags and power up your laptop, because your dream lifestyle is just around the corner!
If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll know how much I love my work and it’s surreal to think that I have been doing this for 13 years now. Wow. While I don’t write as often here as I want to, I try to share some tips about freelancing, working online, beauty, travel, food and lifestyle.
I have been itching to travel again (planning big trips this year, fingers crossed!) so I thought why not write about it.
Here are some tips that have helped me balance traveling and working.
Embrace the Digital Nomad Lifestyle
Embracing the digital nomad lifestyle is your first step towards a life of freedom and adventure. This lifestyle is perfect for those who want to combine their passion for travel with their career ambitions, allowing you to work from anywhere—whether it’s a beachfront café in Bali (Bali is still on my list as I only got to visit Yogyakarta and Jakarta while I was in Indonesia) or a quaint bistro in Paris. All you need is your trusty laptop and a dependable internet connection.
Start with Your Skillset
Your freelancing journey starts with a deep dive into your skills. Whether you’re into content writing, graphic design, web development, or social media management, the freelance market is vast and full of opportunities. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr are excellent places to connect with clients and showcase your talents. Highlight your expertise in your online profile, share your best work, and prepare to impress potential clients from around the globe.
Personally, I use UpWork and I’m very grateful that I was able to build a solid profile and work experience in the platform. It did help me attract high-value clients and projects I wouldn’t be able to get if I didn’t have a strong profile. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or Twitter, I’d be happy to answer any of your questions.
Optimize Your Work Process
Maximizing efficiency is essential when you’re balancing travel and work. Integrate productivity tools like Trello or Asana for project management, streamline your communication with tools like Slack, and keep your finances in check with QuickBooks. These strategies not only enhance your work efficiency but also free up more time to explore your surroundings.
I have been using Trello, Slack and Asana for years and I really recommend Trello if you want to streamline your process. It’s a great tracking tool for your “TO DO” list and collaborating with your colleagues.
Most of these tools have the capability of integrating other apps so it makes everything easier. My Trello and Google Drive are connected so I can view files easily and my Slack is connected to Gdrive and Canva so I get notifications on Slack if there are any comments or changes made.
Master the Art of Time Management
Effective time management is important for freelancers, especially when your workspace doubles as a travel haven. Organizing your day and staying focused can significantly boost your productivity, ensuring you get to enjoy the travel lifestyle you’ve worked so hard for.
I like to plan out my working hours in advance when I’m traveling and I write down all the places I want to visit, all the local foods I want to try and then work my tasks around it. When I don’t have a lot of time to explore a city on my own, I usually join a tour. I like hop-on hop-off bus tours because it’s convenient and less chance of getting lost (but getting lost in a new country is one of my favorite things haha).
Prioritize Your Tasks
Kickstart your day with a clear list of priorities. Tackling high-priority tasks first ensures you’re making the most of your peak productivity hours, allowing you to relax and explore later with peace of mind.
I use my trusty journal to keep track of all my tasks and I use the Reminders app on my phone for everything I need to get done for the day.
Adopt the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a game-changer for maintaining focus and enhancing productivity. By working in concentrated bursts (typically 25 minutes), followed by short breaks, you maintain a high level of concentration and avoid burnout.
I use the Focus-To-Do app and it has helped me focus on one task at a time. It has a Strict Mode which limits what you can do on your phone, it also has White Noise to improve your focus and a Timer Mode which displays the time you have left for the task.
Build a Strong Online Presence
A strong online presence is your digital passport in the freelance world. It’s how you showcase your skills, connect with clients, and build your personal brand.
Online Portfolio
A compelling online portfolio is your freelance showcase, displaying your skills, past projects, and client testimonials. Make it resonate with potential clients by illustrating your journey, your work ethic, and your passion for what you do.
I have been slacking in updating my profile but I try to optimize it every year. My tip is to fill out everything and be clear. When I say clear, I mean be detailed in what you can help a client with and include all the services you offer.
Engage on Social Media
Social media isn’t just for personal use, it’s a powerful tool for freelancers. Regularly update your followers on your travels, share insights into your freelance lifestyle, and post about your latest projects. This visibility can attract new clients and keep you connected with your current ones.
Financial Planning for Continuous Travel
To sustain your travel lifestyle, you need to be savvy with your finances. Budgeting, tracking expenses, and diversifying your income sources are all key to a successful freelance career that supports continuous travel.
Budget Wisely
Keeping track of your finances is important, especially when you’re in different parts of the world. Utilize budgeting apps to monitor your spending, plan for future travels, and ensure you always have a financial safety net.
There’s an app I use that lets you take a pic of a receipt if you find yourself having a hard time keeping track of your expenses, like me. I haven’t used it for a while now cause I get stressed whenever I forget to log a purchase or an expense so what I usually do now is give myself a budget and it’s up to me on how to spend it. For example, I would have an overall budget of 20,000pesos and I’ll break that into smaller chunks. Let’s say 6,000 for accommodation, 6,000 for food, 3,000 for shopping and 5,000 for all the other expenses (transportation, fees, tours, etc.). I usually have more money left this way too because I know just how much money I have to spend on things and it helps me not to overspend.
Diversify Your Income
Relying on a single income source can be risky, especially in the freelance world. Expand your revenue streams by exploring different project types, delving into passive income opportunities, or even creating digital products relevant to your niche.
I remember losing a client while I was traveling and that really broke my heart because there was no notice. My manager asked me if I was free and we hopped on a call and she told me I was let go because they’re hiring an in-house Social Media Manager. This experience taught me that I have to be smarter in diversifying my income streams and having more than one client would be the way to go so if one contract ends, you still have another income stream.
Networking and Community Engagement
Connecting with like-minded individuals can provide not only camaraderie but also new business opportunities. Engaging with online freelancing communities and attending relevant conferences can broaden your network and open doors to new projects and collaborations.
Right now, I do this by joining webinars and communities in social media. It would be nice to connect with other freelancers here in my city if given the chance.
Continuous Learning and Skill Enhancement
The freelance industry is continually evolving, so staying updated about new trends and enhancing your skills should be on top of your list. Regularly invest in your professional development through online courses, workshops, and webinars to stay competitive and relevant in your field.
There are a lot of free webinars, courses, and resources online that you can learn from to improve your skills and stay updated. Sometimes, what’s hard for me is finding the motivation and time to do it. I just recently joined a free webinar last week about how to work with brands as a digital creator and I learned a lot. It was like a refresher course for me and I’m glad I joined because it motivated me to share more on my social channels.
Enjoy the Journey
If you’re planning to pack up your laptop and travel soon, make sure to enjoy the journey. It’s about creating unforgettable experiences, embracing new cultures, and growing both personally and professionally.
So, take the time to immerse yourself in your travels, relish the local life, and let those experiences enrich your work and creativity.