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I've been a nomad for almost 2 years now changing countries often (about 10 different ones) while working remotely for various companies with a dependent spouse

I've been a nomad for almost 2 years now changing countries often (about 10 different ones) while working remotely for various companies with a dependent spouse and practically no savings. It's stressful because changing countries always turns out to be a lot more expensive than it seems, also changing companies as well is difficult; it's mostly contracting so sometimes they don't pay on time. Remote work is also draining because the boundary between your work and personal life is blurred. Also, one time I had to leave a hotel without checking out because I knew that I couldn't afford the bill on a Sunday because my international payment was delayed and due to arrive during business hours on Monday; I had to check out over the phone the next day. The worst part was that in the process the client I was working for probably figured out that I was broke. You need a really high income in order to do it and ideally if you have partner they should be able to find remote work as well (it's not always possible depending on the profession). After 1 year, it's really not fun at all but I guess it builds your character; it pushes you to the edge of your abilities and gives you confidence that you can survive anything in any environment. Initially I did it because I wanted to travel but eventually it just became an effective career-optimization strategy. If you're willing to relocate absolutely anywhere, a lot of opportunities open up to you and you become better at identifying good ones.

dougmwne 9y ago
Do you mind sharing more about how being nomad helps your job hunting? Do you spend time on-site with clients? Do you interview with local clients, then take the job with you?
- jondubois 9y ago
  First of all, if you move often and apply to jobs in various countries, some recruiters take note of that; they probably assign you a flag in their system that says that you're 'willing to relocate' so you often get offers for lucrative overseas contracts sometimes in low-tax (or no-tax) jurisdictions like Gibraltar, Dubai... Another benefit is that if you see a company you like, you know that you can just go work for them at their HQ wherever they might be. Really good companies are often the ones which attract talent from all over the world. If other talented people are prepared to fly half-way across the world and leave behind all their friends and families on a short notice to work for a company, then you know that this company is almost certainly doing something special.
SirFatty 9y ago
I'm shocked that living in hotels requires a high income. Shocked.
- jondubois 9y ago
  Usually I do AirBnb which is much cheaper but on rare occasions hotels are the best options. If I plan to stay 6 months+, I will get a lease, but it's sometimes tricky depending on the country.

dougmwne 9y ago

Do you mind sharing more about how being nomad helps your job hunting? Do you spend time on-site with clients? Do you interview with local clients, then take the job with you?

jondubois 9y ago
First of all, if you move often and apply to jobs in various countries, some recruiters take note of that; they probably assign you a flag in their system that says that you're 'willing to relocate' so you often get offers for lucrative overseas contracts sometimes in low-tax (or no-tax) jurisdictions like Gibraltar, Dubai... Another benefit is that if you see a company you like, you know that you can just go work for them at their HQ wherever they might be. Really good companies are often the ones which attract talent from all over the world. If other talented people are prepared to fly half-way across the world and leave behind all their friends and families on a short notice to work for a company, then you know that this company is almost certainly doing something special.

SirFatty 9y ago

I'm shocked that living in hotels requires a high income. Shocked.

jondubois 9y ago
Usually I do AirBnb which is much cheaper but on rare occasions hotels are the best options. If I plan to stay 6 months+, I will get a lease, but it's sometimes tricky depending on the country.