Two years ago, I decided that commuting and being stuck in a cubicle in front of a blinking computer is not the life that I wanted (Well, who actually wants that?), so I quit my first job.
I took a breather for a year and then decided to get my life together. I joined Melewi.
It turned out that working anywhere other than a confined space in an office is one of the best things life could offer. With remote working, the world is your office. I traded cab rides for plane rides, a cubicle for a table by the beach, and meeting in board rooms to having a conference by the poolside.
Since making the change, I’ve never been more inspired. If I wanted to, I could design a website breathing fresh air rather than dealing with the dry air produced by an office air conditioning unit. I can plan my next adventure and not worry about skipping work because I can bring it anywhere with me.
As long as there is an internet connection, I can work with our team to deliver projects to our clients.
It sounds like a dream, I know. However, there are still many challenges that I have to face. They are different but nonetheless, challenges I have to conquer.
For one, it’s difficult to match the various time zones with clients and teammates scattered around the world. To combat this, I created a regular work schedule designed to ensure that I never miss a meeting. I took into account and made sure my working hours overlapped with my colleagues so as not to sacrifice collaboration.
Another challenge was getting myself into the right mindset. It can be difficult to work when you feel like everyday’s a holiday. However, this is something that I got used to along the way and my productivity didn’t suffer.
Being a Filipino digital nomad also posed a bit of an issue. Hey, my passport is not as powerful as everybody else’s! A reality that I’ve had to deal with time and time again. Applying for a visa can be a nerve-wracking experience.
There are, however, beautiful countries which require no visa. Our neighbouring Asian countries are very welcoming, and luckily my country is a wanderlust’s dream. I am proud to say, that outside of chaotic Manila, there is more paradise than you can visit in a lifetime.
At the age of 24, I have seen more places than people my age. My decision two years ago is by far, one of the best decisions I have made in my life. If you are thinking of taking the plunge, I say do it! It’s going to be an awesome ride.
