Many people would love the opportunity to run their business from anywhere in the world. I must admit, I am happy every day that I have this amazing opportunity to operate my business abroad. I spent about two years establishing my business & lifestyle consulting practice and getting my systems in place. I always had the idea in my head to become a location independent professional (LIP) and with a bit of work learning how to be more tech savvy, I was able to go global much sooner than I thought.
I hope that by sharing this article I can help demystify some of the nuances that go along with being Location Independent. What is it really like? What are some of the concerns? What are some of the things I wish I would have known before I got started? And, how can you set your life and your business up to go LIP?
What is it really like to be Location Independent?
While it may be glamorous to fantasize about Location Independence and the freedom that goes with it, it’s also a little bit like living in an alternate reality. The freedom is amazing, and the opportunity to travel and see the world is incredible. As you move towards your new lifestyle, keep in mind that you will be changing not just where you live but how you live, how you do business, and how you conduct your personal relationships.
What are some of the concerns of an LIP?
What to Pack
Of course you know I am going to say to go as light as possible. I have been living abroad for the past six months and all I brought was a backpack and a laptop. The first real step is to downsize your life and your belongings…
Downsize your Stuff
Use Pareto’s Principle to start eliminating everything you don’t need (give yourself at least 3 months to do this). From The 4 Hour Workweek: “What is the 20% of my belongings that I use 80% of the time? Eliminate the other 80% in clothing, magazines, books, and all else. Be ruthless—you can always repurchase things you can’t live without. Which belongings create stress in my life?…” Sell what you don’t need on sites like Craigslist and eBay, and it might help finance your plane ticket outta here!
Internet Connections—Our Lifeline
When you are a working digital nomad, internet is the top priority on the road. Keep in mind when you are traveling in foreign countries, internet connectivity might not be what you are used to. Because internet is the lifeline of most of our businesses, it is really important to sort out where you can work. I would recommend starting your travel journeys at hotels or guesthouses that have wifi or DSL in the room, and then wander the city with your laptop to test the wifi speed at different internet cafes and other places to stay.
Border Runs
One very important facet of Location Independent life in many parts of the world is border runs. Most countries give you a stamp that allows you to stay only for a very limited time, and it will be important for you to learn how long you can stay in each place with different kinds of visas. Do some research to find out about the country you would like to live and find out roughly how much it costs to get your visa and how you can extend it. Remember: visa laws are always changing. (The best resource if you’re interested in spending some time in Thailand is ThaiVisa.com)
Other considerations
- Time Differences: What is the time difference between your clients and your new country? How will this affect your communication?
- Connection Speeds: Is there somewhere you can get high speed internet? Can you do your work without it? Do you want to set up a residence so you can ensure your internet connection?
- Setting a Schedule: How will living abroad change your current routine? What hours are you likely to keep so you can still be available for your clients?
- Know Your Numbers: What is your estimated cost of living? Have you set up your business to have predictive income? What are your plans to grow your business while abroad?
Some things I wish I’d known before I got started
Settling In
One of my biggest epiphanies came a couple of months after becoming Location Independent. Originally, I had planned on spending a few months in each destination bouncing around Asia. And then it hit me like a ton of bricks: I don’t ever have to go home. EVER!
While this may seem obvious, it is a very strange realization. It’s like summer vacation that will never end. I realized in that moment that I could spend a year or more in each place that I love. I don’t have to be on a schedule and I don’t necessarily need a return ticket.
With this in mind, I found it is actually far more productive to settle into a location in order to get to know an area and be more productive. This is totally opposite of what I thought originally and it has taken a bit of time to break free of the “traveler mentality” and move more towards living somewhere.
First off, it is cheaper to live somewhere. My friends and colleagues are amazed that I can live very well in Thailand for under $700 USD per month. This covers my bungalow, internet, energy bill, food and entertainment. Consider planning on a longer stay in your destinations. This will help you to feel more settled and establish deeper personal relationships with people you meet.
To Buy or Not to Buy
If you choose to settle into an area the question arises: to buy or not to buy? Do you invest in furnishings? Do you buy furniture, television, sheets, bedding, etc? How long do you want to stay? How settled do you need to feel in order to be productive?
My conclusion was to find something that is furnished, in order to stay a minimalist and still be mobile. You may decide the same, keeping in mind that you are still living the Location Independent Lifestyle and you don’t want to get too bogged down with stuff. I have only purchased the basics: a hot water boiler, tea pot, bowl, fork & spoon. This has been enough for me to have basic provisions for breakfast and snacks and yet keep the possessions down to a minimum.
Personal Relationships
Whether you are traveling or settling into an area, relationships are inevitable. There are some great people you can meet from the backpacker crowds, but the longer you stay, the more locals you get to know. The locals will be a combination of natives and expatriates (a citizen who has left his or her own country to live in another). Once you get in with the locals, your world will become much more entertaining and full. The community that I have found in Ao Nang has been an amazing mix of international friends that I know I will have for life. And I didn’t know a soul before coming here. If you are going it alone, check out this article: Traveling Solo, Going it Alone.
How to set you and your business up to go LIP
There are several steps you will need to accomplish before you convert your lifestyle and business to Location Independence. Check out my comprehensive list of How To Go Location Independent.
If you need help, we are happy to move you along and get you global. Some things to keep in mind business wise are:
- Transitioning your clients online and meeting via webcam
- Creating monthly packages with automated billing
- Building online communities and increasing your market
- Having content rich blogs that explain “How To’s” to your niche market (see Notes From Chris Guillebeau’s 279 DAYS TO OVERNIGHT SUCCESS)
- And building information products to increase your readership and income
It is my hope that this article has inspired you to follow your passion and get your gears turning on how to go global. Please contact us if you have any questions or need any support in the process!!
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