The traditional 9-to-5 work routine of clocking in at an office and spending eight hours behind a desk is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. With advances in technology and communication, remote work has never been easier or more feasible. In fact, a recent study by Buffer found that 99% of remote workers would like to continue working remotely at least part of the time for the rest of their careers.
This newfound freedom to work remotely has ushered in a new way of life for many professionals, one that combines work and travel in a lifestyle known as location independence. Being location independent means having the flexibility and freedom to work from anywhere in the world, whether it be from a beach in Bali or a coffee shop in Barcelona.
In this article, we’ll explore the many benefits of the location-independent lifestyle and provide tips and insights on how to achieve it.
The Benefits of the Location-Independent Lifestyle
Freedom
One of the primary benefits of the location-independent lifestyle is the freedom it provides. Rather than being tied to a specific location, you have the ability to work and live wherever you choose. You can take advantage of low-cost living in less developed countries, enjoy vibrant cities or explore remote wildernesses.
As a location independent professional, you can create a work-life balance that suits you, and you can invest as much, or as little time, as you like in work or leisure activities. You also have the freedom to change locations as often as you like, without having to worry about quitting your job or finding new employment.
Flexibility
The flexibility of the location-independent lifestyle is a close second to the freedom it provides. You can work on your own schedule, which allows you to cater to your own peak performance hours. You can take breaks whenever needed and have control over how much work you take on.
Plus, if you’re a parent or caregiver, being location independent allows you to care for your family while still continued work. You can work around doctor’s appointments, school pickups and other obligations, without having to worry about asking for time off or not being able to attend.
Fulfillment
Finally, the location-independent lifestyle provides a sense of fulfillment as you’re able to pursue your passions and work on projects that are meaningful to you.
With control over your time and location, you can focus your work on things that are important to you, whether that be volunteering, writing, or creating art. This sense of autonomy and flexibility can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life, both personally and professionally.
How to Achieve the Location-Independent Lifestyle
Identify Your Skills
The first step towards creating a location-independent career is to identify your skillset. Knowing your strengths and your expertise will enable you to choose a career path that is suitable for remote work. Some examples of location independent careers include copywriting, graphic design, programming, web development, and online tutoring.
It’s essential to choose a career path that aligns with your passions, values and interests. If you’re not sure which direction to take, consider taking a career assessment test to help identify your strengths and interests.
Build a Portfolio
Once you know your skillset, it’s essential to develop a portfolio of work examples that showcase your skills. This will help potential clients and employers to have a better understanding of your abilities and provide them with the confidence they need to hire you for remote work.
Your portfolio could include website development work samples, writing examples, design works, or any other projects that you’ve completed. Building a comprehensive portfolio is the best way to convince clients to hire you for remote work.
Utilize Freelance Platforms
Freelance platforms, such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr, are excellent resources for finding remote work. These platforms enable you to create a profile that highlights your skills and experience, making it easier for potential clients to find and hire you.
It’s important to note that these platforms can be competitive, so utilize them the right way. Focus on building positive reviews to attract new clients and apply only to high-quality projects that align with your skill set.
Create a Network
Networking is the backbone of any successful career, and it’s no different in the world of location independence. It’s essential to build a professional network, whether it be through social media, industry events, or groups dedicated to the same passion or industry.
Networking enables you to meet like-minded individuals, potential clients, or employers, and it’s a great way to find new projects and opportunities. Building a network also provides emotional support, guidance, and mentorship.
Embrace Technology
To meet the standard of being location independent, you have to be comfortable utilizing technology tools. You will need to be comfortable using email, video conferencing tools, project management tools, and cloud storage platforms.
It’s essential to keep up-to-date with new technologies that support remote work, staying ahead of the curve in this fast-changing work environment. Additionally, utilizing productivity and project management tools can streamline your workflow, allowing you to manage your workload more efficiently.
Balance Work and Life
Achieving a location-independent career does not mean that you should sacrifice your quality of life. It’s important to balance work and life, creating healthy boundaries between the two.
Create a work schedule that enables you to get work done and take breaks whenever you need to. Set a distinct limit of the number of hours that you work each day, along with when to attend to other personal objectives.
Additionally, engaging in a healthy lifestyle is vital, both physically and mentally. Ensure you allocate enough time for physical exercise, healthy eating and meditation, and disconnect from work after working hours. Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated and a healthy work-life balance is essential for long-term success in your location-independent career.
Travel Smart
Travel is a big part of the location-independent lifestyle; therefore, it’s essential to travel smartly. Before leaving for a location, research safety precautions, travel requirements, and the best time to travel to avoid potential complications. Additionally, research the location’s cost of living, transportation options, and communication connectivity.
When working from overseas, it’s important to have a comfortable workspace, good internet connection and a schedule that enables you to get work done during hours that align with your client’s timeline.
Conclusion
The location-independent lifestyle has become increasingly popular due to its freedom, flexibility and the fulfilling dimension it provides to life. It enables individuals to work and travel the globe, expanding their knowledge and skillset while creating a career that suits their lives fully.
By identifying your skillset, creating a portfolio, networking with like-minded professionals and taking advantage of technology tools, you can achieve this aspirational work style. Balancing work and life, and investing in a healthy lifestyle should always be on the forefront to achieve long-term success.
If you’re looking for a career path that provides freedom and flexibility to work remotely and travel around the world, consider creating a location-independent job. With the many benefits it provides, chances are you’ll discover a life that enriches your personal and professional experiences in the long term.