Remote freelancing doesn’t have to mean full-time travel. I ditched the digital nomad hustle for a rhythm of intentional trips, structure, and balance. A way of working and wandering that actually feels sustainable.
People assume that when you work remotely, you’re constantly in motion. That you’re waking up in a new country every week, sipping coffee in cafés with magically perfect Wi-Fi, and casually sending client updates from a hammock like it’s just another Tuesday.
Cute for Instagram. But that’s not how I live, and it’s not how I want to live.
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I’ve been freelancing and working remotely long enough to know: More movement doesn’t always mean more freedom.
For me, traveling 5–6 times a year is just right. It’s intentional, realistic, and sustainable.
When I first started, I thought I had to keep up with the “digital nomad” pace. New destinations. New Airbnbs. New time zones… same inbox.
What people don’t talk about is how unstable that gets: the inconsistent Wi-Fi, the timezone math (all of my clients are Eastern timezone, and I am in the Asia timezone), the energy it takes just to figure out where to get groceries, the language barriers, and the lack of sleep from trying to fit in daytime adventures and deliver quality work at night.
Even when you have a system — even when you’re a pro — it’s still hard. You’re still splitting your brain between “enjoy the moment” and “don’t miss the deadline.” And spoiler: it adds up. Not in a good way.
I still love what I do and thrive in this lifestyle. But the lack of sleep? Yeah… that’s the part that makes me less productive, not anymore.
I usually travel 5 to 6 times a year, international trips range from 8 days to 3 weeks. When I go, it’s intentional, planned, and flexible but thoughtful.
Even then, things get chaotic. That’s why I plan for recovery days.
Day 1 is for sleep and settling in. Day 2? Work mode.
After that, I split my days, work in the morning and explore in the afternoon. It’s not always perfect. Seven hours of sleep? LOL. But I catch up when I can, especially on weekends when my workload’s lighter. Sundays = no-laptop day.
That’s the rhythm where I feel most focused, most alive. My best work often happens at home, in my structure. But my best ideas come when I’m away, in a different space. I need both. And I’ve made space for both.
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Remote work doesn’t have to mean constant movement. It can mean flexibility. Choice. The structure you actually like showing up for.
I used to dream of full-time travel until I realized it wasn’t working for me. Now? I love waking up in my own bed. I love the freedom to see my friends, visit my family, or just spend a quiet morning (sometimes afternoon because of my clients’ timezone) with my routine. I love choosing when to go and when to stay.
No constant “next destination” pressure. Just a flow that feels good.
This version of my remote life was not built for the algorithm. But it’s sustainable. It’s focused. It’s not all beaches, architecture, and passport stamps. But it is built on purpose, and it works.
If you’re building your version of this lifestyle, know that you don’t have to follow the loudest blueprint. You can create one that honors your energy, values, and vision.
You don’t have to be constantly moving to prove you’re free. You just have to feel like yourself in the process.
What would your ideal version of remote work look like?
P.S. I wrote an ebook for anyone trying to build this life without losing their mind (or their charger at the airport). It’s called Remote Work Playbook: Travel and Thrive. Packed with real strategies tested through flight delays, matcha-fueled café sessions, hotel desks, Airbnb checkouts, sunset inspiration, timezone chaos, and far too many under-slept mornings. It’s the guide I wish I had at the start. You can check it out here.
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