Breaking away from the corporate cubicle and traveling the world may seem like a great idea, but not everyone is cut out for a nomadic lifestyle. But if you have decided to go down this road, let us tell you that it’s going to be a hell of a ride. Many people have quit their regular jobs recently in hopes of jetting off to a new place and working at their will.
Travel Tips for New Freelancers
Some even considered living out of a suitcase as long as their remote jobs pay for their living and travel expenses. No matter which type you are, you will need to maintain a proper work-travel balance, or else what’s the point of becoming a freelancer? Here are a few tips that you will find useful.
1 Don’t leave your clients hanging
Freelance means freedom to go anywhere. But it also means to hold yourself accountable for the assigned work so that the money keeps flowing in. Most freelancers skip deadlines and later complain about their clients giving them the cold shoulder. Therefore, it is important to give your clients a little heads up before you fly off to a new destination. And avoid taking up new projects if you know you will be traveling in the coming days.
2 Be organized and productive
It’s a relief knowing that nobody’s looking over your shoulder as you work. But at the same time, it can put you in a laid-back zone where you tend to procrastinate and risk your relationship with the clients. Staying organized and productive is key to enjoying the best of both worlds. So, wake up early, have a cup of coffee/tea and get down to work. Without any distraction or temptation to go out during early hours, you can get more done in less time. If you are not a morning person, schedule your work late into the night so you can have the entire day to yourself to explore the new place you are visiting.
3 Choosing the right accommodation
No matter where you go, your accommodation should not only be comfortable and economical but it should also offer a conducive environment for work. You will be spending a better part of your day working on your laptop. So, make sure your place has a stable Internet connection, a workstation and plenty of room to move around. That said, a holiday home would make more sense than a hotel room, especially if you are visiting Southern Shores in North Carolina.
4 Unplug once in a while
Working remotely shouldn’t be an excuse for a 7-days-a-week grind. You need a break now, just as you would need it back when you were going to the office. Whether you want to work 40 or 80 hours a week, make sure you give yourself one day off to focus on your health and wellbeing. Especially when you are freelancing, taking short & frequent breaks can give you enough time to blow off steam. You don’t want to get off the grid for weeks and risk missing out on amazing work opportunities.
5 Stay in touch with family and friends
Meeting new people and making friends is part of the nomadic lifestyle. When you start to mingle with your new friends or neighbors, it’s natural to lose touch with your family and friends back at home. Don’t let a day go by without calling your family. And check on your friends over a video call every weekend. While distance makes the heart grow fonder, sometimes, it divides and creates boundaries in its own mysterious ways.
