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The Art of Working from Anywhere.
Hello! I’m Jackie, a digital nomad who swapped the office for a life of adventure, remote work, and limitless possibilities. Here, I share insights on landing remote jobs, top travel destinations for nomads, essential tech, and strategies for balancing work and exploration. Whether you’re dreaming of ditching the 9-to-5 or already living the nomadic lifestyle, this site is your guide to making it sustainable, exciting, and rewarding. Let’s explore together!
Your Guide to Remote Work & Global Living
A blog dedicated to helping digital nomads navigate the world of remote work, location independence, and tech essentials.
- Co-Working Spaces vs. Cafes: Where to Work While Traveling?
As a digital nomad, one of the biggest challenges I face is finding the perfect place to work while traveling. Some days, I need a quiet, structured environment to focus, while on others, I prefer the energy of a bustling café. Both co-working spaces and cafés offer unique benefits, but choosing the right one depends on your work style, budget, and the type of experience you’re looking for. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each so you can decide what’s best for you.
Co-Working Spaces: The Dedicated Work Environment
Why I Love Co-Working Spaces
When I need a productive, distraction-free environment, I always opt for a co-working space. These places are designed for remote workers and freelancers, providing everything from high-speed internet to private meeting rooms.
Here’s why co-working spaces work well for me:
- Reliable Wi-Fi & Facilities:
One of the biggest perks is fast, stable Wi-Fi, which is a must for video calls and uploading large files. Plus, most spaces offer comfortable desks, ergonomic chairs, printing services, and even soundproof phone booths—things I rarely find in a café. - Professional & Focused Atmosphere:
Co-working spaces are filled with other remote workers and entrepreneurs. The energy of people working around me makes it easier to stay motivated and avoid distractions. There’s no background noise of loud conversations, coffee machines, or kids running around. - Networking Opportunities:
One thing I love about co-working spaces is the chance to meet like-minded people. Many offer networking events, workshops, and even social meetups, making them great for both work and expanding my professional circle. - Access to Meeting Rooms & Quiet Zones:
If I have an important Zoom meeting or need a quiet place to focus, I can easily book a meeting room or find a designated quiet space. This is a game-changer compared to working in a noisy café. - Amenities & Perks:
Some co-working spaces offer free coffee, snacks, wellness rooms, and even nap pods. A few even have outdoor areas or rooftop lounges, giving me a nice break between work sessions.
The Downsides of Co-Working Spaces
Despite their benefits, co-working spaces aren’t perfect:
- Cost:
Unlike cafés where I can work for the price of a coffee, co-working spaces come with a fee. Depending on the city, a day pass can range from $10 to $30, while monthly memberships can cost $100 to $500. This isn’t ideal if I’m trying to stick to a budget. - Fixed Hours & Membership Requirements:
Many co-working spaces have set opening hours, unlike cafés that might be open early in the morning or late at night. Some also require monthly memberships, making them less convenient for short stays.
Cafés: The Flexible, Budget-Friendly Option
Why I Love Working in Cafés
Some of my most productive work sessions have happened in charming, cozy cafés. When I want a change of scenery or need to get some creative work done, I love grabbing my laptop and heading to a café.
Here’s why cafés work well for me:
- No Membership Fees:
Unlike co-working spaces, cafés are essentially free—as long as I buy a coffee or snack. This makes them a great option when I want to save money while still having a nice place to work. - Flexible Hours & No Commitment:
Many cafés open early and close late, giving me more flexibility than most co-working spaces. Plus, there’s no need for a membership or booking a space—I can just walk in, find a seat, and start working. - Relaxed & Casual Atmosphere:
Cafés have a more laid-back vibe than co-working spaces. The background noise of conversations, music, and espresso machines can actually be energizing, especially when I’m working on creative tasks. - Great for Short Work Sessions:
If I only need to work for a couple of hours, a café is often the best choice. I can get a coffee, reply to emails, and knock out some work without having to commit to a full-day workspace.
The Downsides of Cafés
While I love the flexibility of cafés, they do have some drawbacks:
- Unreliable Wi-Fi & Power Outlets:
One of the biggest frustrations is slow or unstable Wi-Fi. Some cafés also lack enough power outlets, which can be a nightmare if my laptop battery runs low. - Noise & Distractions:
Unlike co-working spaces, cafés can get loud and unpredictable. I’ve been in places where loud groups, crying babies, or blaring music made it impossible to focus. Noise-canceling headphones help, but they’re not a perfect solution. - Pressure to Keep Buying Something:
If I’m planning to stay for several hours, I feel obligated to keep ordering food or drinks—which can add up quickly. Some cafés also have a strict “no laptops during peak hours” policy, making them unreliable for long work sessions.
So, Which One is Better?
Honestly? It depends on what kind of workday I’m planning. Here’s my general rule of thumb:
- For deep work, meetings, and structured workdays → Co-working spaces
- For casual work, short sessions, and a change of scenery → Cafés
If I need fast Wi-Fi, quiet spaces, and networking opportunities, a co-working space is my go-to. But if I want a relaxed vibe, a good cup of coffee, and a short work session, I’ll head to a café.
The best part about being a digital nomad is having the flexibility to choose! Some days, I work in a co-working space for serious productivity, while other days, I enjoy the ambiance of a café for a more laid-back work session.
What about you? Do you prefer co-working spaces or cafés? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how you work best while traveling!
- Reliable Wi-Fi & Facilities:
- Must-Have Apps for Organization, Communication, and Productivity
As a digital nomad, I’ve learned that staying organized, connected, and productive isn’t just important—it’s essential. When you’re juggling work across different time zones, managing projects remotely, and trying to balance your personal and professional life, the right apps can make all the difference. Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of apps, and these are my absolute must-haves for staying on top of everything, no matter where I am.
Organization Apps
1. Notion – The Ultimate All-in-One Workspace
I can’t live without Notion. Whether I’m planning content, tracking my to-do lists, or organizing client projects, this app does it all. Notion combines note-taking, project management, databases, and even a personal journal in one sleek interface.
- How I use it:
- Creating a travel itinerary for each destination.
- Organizing work projects with Kanban boards.
- Tracking personal and work goals with databases.
The flexibility of Notion makes it the best app for keeping my work and personal life in sync.
2. Todoist – The Simple Yet Powerful Task Manager
Sometimes, I just need a straightforward to-do list to keep me on track, and Todoist is perfect for that. It’s a lightweight but powerful task manager that lets me organize my daily and long-term tasks.
- How I use it:
- Creating a daily task list for work and personal life.
- Setting up recurring tasks (like invoicing clients).
- Prioritizing urgent work with color-coded labels.
I love how it integrates with my email and calendar, so I never miss an important deadline.
3. Google Drive – Cloud Storage Done Right
As a remote worker, I need instant access to my files from anywhere, and Google Drive is my go-to. Whether I’m working on blog posts, client documents, or spreadsheets, I can easily access everything across my laptop and phone.
- How I use it:
- Storing all important documents in the cloud.
- Sharing files with clients or collaborators in real-time.
- Using Google Docs and Sheets for content creation.
No more lost files or unnecessary USB drives—just seamless cloud storage.
Communication Apps
4. Slack – The Best Team Communication Tool
When working with remote teams, Slack is a lifesaver. It keeps all work-related conversations organized in one place, so I don’t have to dig through endless emails.
- How I use it:
- Creating channels for different projects or clients.
- Using Slack bots for reminders and scheduling.
- Integrating with Google Drive and Notion for easy file sharing.
Even as a freelancer, Slack helps me stay connected with my network and teams.
5. Zoom – Video Calls That Just Work
There’s no escaping virtual meetings, and Zoom has been my go-to video conferencing app. Whether I’m taking client calls or catching up with friends, Zoom offers reliable video and audio quality.
- How I use it:
- Scheduling weekly check-ins with clients.
- Hosting virtual coworking sessions with fellow digital nomads.
- Recording meetings for later reference.
The screen-sharing feature is especially handy when I need to present something or collaborate in real-time.
6. WhatsApp – Messaging for Work & Travel
While not strictly a work app, WhatsApp has become essential for both professional and personal communication. I use it for keeping in touch with clients, travel bookings, and connecting with other nomads.
- How I use it:
- Messaging international clients without SMS fees.
- Joining digital nomad groups for networking.
- Sending quick voice notes when typing is inconvenient.
Since it’s widely used globally, it makes staying in touch effortless.
Productivity Apps
7. Trello – Simple Yet Effective Project Management
If you’re juggling multiple projects like I do, Trello is a great way to stay organized. It’s a visual project management tool that lets you create boards, lists, and cards to track your workflow.
- How I use it:
- Organizing content calendars for my blog.
- Managing freelance projects with deadlines and updates.
- Breaking down big projects into bite-sized tasks.
Trello is especially great for people who love visual task management.
8. RescueTime – Track & Improve Your Productivity
Ever feel like time just disappears? That used to happen to me—until I started using RescueTime. This app tracks how much time I spend on different activities and helps me stay accountable.
- How I use it:
- Identifying time-wasting habits (hello, social media).
- Setting daily productivity goals.
- Getting a breakdown of where my work hours go.
If you’re struggling with focus, RescueTime can help you regain control over your schedule.
9. Forest – Stay Focused & Avoid Distractions
Distractions are everywhere, especially when working remotely. Forest is a fun and effective app that helps me stay focused by growing a virtual tree every time I focus on a task.
- How I use it:
- Setting 25-minute focus sessions (Pomodoro technique).
- Blocking distracting apps during deep work.
- Growing a digital forest as motivation.
It’s a simple yet powerful way to build better concentration habits.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right apps has been a game-changer for my productivity and organization as a digital nomad. With tools like Notion, Slack, and RescueTime, I can keep my work streamlined while still enjoying the flexibility of remote life.
If you’re struggling with staying organized or productive, start with a few of these apps and see what works best for you. Do you have any favorite apps that help you stay on track? Let me know—I’m always looking for new tools to improve my workflow!
- How I use it:
- How to Negotiate Remote Work with Your Employer
Working remotely has changed my life, giving me the freedom to explore new places while staying productive. But getting to this point wasn’t as simple as packing my laptop and leaving the office—I had to negotiate my way into a remote work arrangement. If you’re looking to do the same, here’s how I successfully convinced my employer to let me work remotely (and how you can too).
1. Build a Strong Case for Remote Work
Before even bringing up the conversation, I knew I had to prove that working remotely wouldn’t affect my performance. Employers often worry that remote work leads to lower productivity, so I gathered evidence to show the opposite.
I started by evaluating my role and responsibilities, ensuring that all my tasks could be done efficiently without being physically in the office. I also highlighted my track record—strong performance reviews, completed projects, and times when I had already worked from home successfully. If you can show that remote work won’t disrupt business operations, you’re already ahead in the negotiation.
2. Address the Employer’s Concerns
One mistake people make when negotiating remote work is focusing only on the benefits for themselves. Yes, working remotely is amazing for work-life balance, travel, and mental well-being—but employers want to know how it benefits them.
So, I came prepared with solutions to potential concerns. Worried about communication? I assured them I’d be available via Slack, Zoom, and email during work hours. Concerned about collaboration? I suggested weekly check-ins and project management tools like Asana or Trello. By addressing their fears upfront, I made it easier for them to say yes.
3. Start with a Trial Period
Not all employers are immediately sold on the idea of remote work, especially if your company has never allowed it before. Instead of demanding a permanent change, I proposed a trial period—30 or 60 days—to test how well it worked for both me and the company.
This made it a low-risk option for my employer, and during that time, I made sure to overdeliver. I met deadlines early, communicated proactively, and kept my work quality high. By the end of the trial, it was clear that remote work wasn’t just possible—it was better for my productivity.
4. Highlight Industry Trends
Sometimes, companies need a little push from the outside world. I researched industry trends and found that competitors were already offering remote or hybrid options. If other businesses in the same field were making it work, why couldn’t we?
I also shared data on how remote work improves employee satisfaction, retention, and even productivity. A study by Stanford found that remote employees are 13% more productive than their in-office counterparts. Facts like these helped strengthen my argument and showed that I wasn’t just making a personal request—I was advocating for a smarter way to work.
5. Be Flexible & Willing to Compromise
Not all employers will agree to full-time remote work right away. If your boss is hesitant, consider negotiating a hybrid schedule—maybe two or three days a week working remotely. I initially agreed to a hybrid setup, and once they saw how effective I was, I gradually transitioned into a fully remote role.
Another option is to offer measurable goals or key performance indicators (KPIs) to reassure your employer that your productivity won’t decline. If you consistently hit your targets, they’ll be more likely to extend remote privileges permanently.
Final Thoughts
Negotiating remote work isn’t just about what you want—it’s about making a convincing case that benefits both you and your employer. By preparing a solid proposal, addressing concerns, starting with a trial period, and being open to compromise, you can increase your chances of getting the green light.
If you’ve successfully negotiated remote work (or are in the process of doing so), I’d love to hear your experience! Drop a comment or reach out—let’s build a community of remote workers making this lifestyle a reality.