Photo by Cindy Tang on Unsplash
When I was 25 years old, I set out to create a mobile lifestyle, to seek out a way to "work" so that I can be anywhere around the world. That quest took me 5 years to fully accomplish...which was well worth the countless moments of despair, doubt and uncertainty.
But just like any goal, once you attain it, you have to figure out how it plays out in your daily life.
Balancing Work and Travel
Don't get me wrong...I'm not complaining about my situation. But I think it's good to notice that there is no freedom that doesn't come with a corresponding level of responsibility. Working while travelling, I'm realizing now more than ever is a balancing act. When there is no boss breathing down your neck, have to set your own priorities and work with very little structure then you have to impose those on yourself.
Scheduling and Timing
One of the most difficult part for me is timing and schedule. When I'm in my home environment, I have a routine and a schedule I can follow. Also, I'm wired to do my best work early in the morning between 8am and noon. After that, my productivity gets a diminishing return. But then, since my partner is located 9 Hours earlier than me (while I'm in Italy), I have to start working at 5pm in order to sync with him.
Resisting to Temptations
While being in Italy, it is a constant fight to get me to sit in front of my desktop. I mean, there are so many amazing things to do and see here...who wants to sit in front of a computer screen for 8 hours when you are perched at the top of Capri Island?
Photo by Ciprian Lipenschi on Unsplash
Conclusion
If you have the desire to reach for a "mobile" lifestyle like I did, realize that their are drawbacks. Everything comes at a cost. When I first pursued it, I didn't realize that I also had to give up on certain things such as having co-workers I meet everyday and a more balanced social life and a regular schedule that allows me to leave work with a clear conscience rather than work being 5 feet away from me 24h a day. It may sound ridiculous but those little things matter once you don't have them anymore.