In a world where remote work is becoming the norm, the idea of living and working from an exotic location no longer seems like a distant dream. I turned this dream into reality by living as a digital nomad on the enchanting island of Bali. Here’s how I did it…
I studied Graphic Design at university, which, for those who may not know, involves brand design, posters, billboards – all kinds of visual design. I’m fortunate that all the work I do can be accomplished on my laptop, with little need to be present in a physical workplace. While I was in university, I took on various side freelance projects to gain experience. Little did I know that this would one day become my full-time job on the other side of the world.
When I left Ireland, I had been working as a full-time graphic designer and marketing assistant for a company. I was already accustomed to working from home full-time since the office was too far to commute to daily. This definitely worked in my favor when it came to explaining my plans to move. I continued working for the company during my time in Bali, all while managing social media profiles on the side.
Working for a company based in another country meant adopting different work hours than the usual 9-5. While it took some getting used to, it definitely had its perks. While living in Bali, my work hours shifted to 4 pm-12 am. In Bali, this translated to breakfast dates, tranquil beach mornings, and even time for tours!
Alongside my full-time job, I was also managing social media profiles on the side. This became quite demanding, and I found myself spending a significant amount of time working. That’s when I made the bold decision.
I chose to leave my comfortable full-time job and transition into full-time freelancing. I was fortunate to have built up a client base over the past few years, and that base has only continued to grow. This newfound freedom meant I could select my own work hours, choose projects that resonated with me, and explore Bali whenever I pleased.
After six months in Bali rainy season stormed in. The perks of being a digital nomad became evident as we packed our bags and moved on. From the white sandy beaches of the Philippines to the bustling streets of Thailand, the vibrant culture of Malaysia, and the breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam, my digital nomad journey continues.
So there you have it—two pathways to becoming a digital nomad and living on the other side of the world.