Location Independent Living (and working)
While on my little trip at the moment I met a Scottish couple and, aided by a few German beers, we got to know each other a bit. Amongst the hours of gradually blurrier conversation we talked about what I do for a living and the ability my line of work affords me to actually work anywhere in the world.
By this I mean that I could be in a small Thai village or on a Caribbean island but, providing I have an Internet connection, could still technically do my job. This may sound simple and in some aspects it is, but it can still be a scary step to take when you’re settled in a cushty regular job or of course if your line of work requires you to be within a certain location.
This lifestyle is indeed job-specific, and lends itself very much so to online entrepreneurs and designers, SEOs etc. I’ve never met my previous 3 freelance clients, but to be honest I don’t need to. We’ve spoken over the phone and via email and the work has been completed successfully and if anything at less expense.
Full-time job – meet Location Independent Living
So – interested in becomming an LIP (Location Independent Professional)? Well, it’s still quite a relatively new and unusual concept (in the respect that not every man and his dog is doing it) and to be honest – it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. In fact, you’d stuggle to find much of a mention on WIkipedia but the leading authorative on the subject would have to be www.locationindependent.com.
Is anyone really doing this?
Why yes they sure are. Some big names to throw out would include Elliot Jay Stocks and Collis Ta’eed. Collis and his partner Cyan have been milling around Hong Kong and Canada and who knows where else while maintaing their online presence and business interests – see here. And Mr. Stocks (of Carsonified fame) took time out up in Norway earlier this year while setting up his own business – see here.
So what are the benefits?
- Live and work in exotic, different locations. Why work and/or live in the city center? You could be relaxing on a beach with laptop on knee and a cocktail in hand, or getting cosy in a cottage in the countryside in front of your iMac with a big mug of hot chocolate.
- Make the most of currency conversion rates. When I was in Thailand I offered some folks my design services, but thinking back – there’s no way they could have afforded my prices due to the value of the Thai Baht to the British Pound. But what about the other way around? By living in a different country while working for clients in other countries – you can actually earn far more, just because of different countries economic climates (etc) and could, in effect, live like a king!
- Be your own boss. This pretty much ties in with just going freelance but LIL really opens up the ability to choose where you want to work, when you want to work and the only person you really have to answer to is the client – when you want to.
- Seek new inspiration. Working in the same environment, or even culture can get repetitive at times. Imagine working from Japan or South America or anywhere really that isn’t home and all the new ideas, inspiration and people you’d meet that would help to influence and surely help improve yourself.
And of course – the negatives?
- Missing family and friends. If you decide to move away or travel while working, chances are you’ll be by yourself or maybe with a partner/friend. Saying goodbye to everyone can be pretty tough.
- Possible issues with paying taxes and bank accounts.
- Lack motivation to actually work. If you’re surrounded by distractions it can be easy to loose interest in working and go off doing something else.
- It can get lonely. The lack of a social environment supplied by working in an office or while freelancing for companies can cause some loneliness at times. MSN and Skype only go so far to compensate for human companionship!
- More expensive than living at home. Especially if you’re travelling, backpacking or moving to a new country – the costs will be a lot higher than simply retiring to your home office. The temptation with moving to new places is to get out and explore and have fun but if your living depends on continuing working then you’ll have to maintain focus – or at least save up lots of backup cash before you leave!
- Time zones! Don’t forget, if you’re working and living on the other side of the world to your client – you can’t go ringing them in their sleep! Working in completely different time zones may require you to adjust your working patterns to fit with your clients at times.
So, is it worth it?
Well I’m not intending on going anywhere soon. I’m comfortable working at Flame and am learning too much and having too much of a good time to throw it away right now. But it’s always a possibility for the future. If anyone’s interested in becomming an LIP or is already travelling or living and working ‘location independently’ at the moment – give us your 2 cents in the comments section – I’d love to hear from people with experience.
But, a word of advice I would offer anyone before throwing all their clothes and Macbook in a suitcase is to research properly before you go anywhere. Although there, quite surprisingly, isn’t much on the subject out there – the best resource without a doubt is Location Independent Living. I also recommend checking out Executive Hacks and The 4-Hour Workweek.
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Nicole said:
I work for a company which does not require us to report to work. We used to enjoy it initially but believe me it can get utterly boring. There is nothing like working and chit chatting with your friends. Almost 80% of the staff come to office almost everyday despite the freedom.
nathan said:
@Nicole – that’s an interesting point. Although the idea of being able to mooch about anywhere at your own will and work where and when you like can sound appealing – the consistent social interaction of working in a creative environment can be far more stimulating and inspiring then working by yourself, wherever it may be.
D&G said:
awesome