Being location independent is becoming a trendy thing. But do we all fully understand what the hell is that?! In this article, I’ll be introducing you to the idea of location independence: what is that and how can you get one of those for yourself too?
These days by location independent lifestyle we understand the life that is not attached to one working place, one home base or literally “one anything else”.
By being location independent, you are independent in your decisions about where are you going to live, how long will you stay in one place, where will you work, who will be your boss and where are you going for dinner.
It definitely sounds pretty charming but how do people get it going?!
The mindset of the current millennials is shifting fast. There’s no need for long-term contracts, stability, homes and maybe even for family building right from the beginning of young adulthood (or at all).
This arises the willingness to travel, to explore new cultures, new places and meet new people. Based on this need, recently we’ve developed a term (and a lifestyle) known as “being location independent”.
What do location independent people do?!
Instead of working in the office, location independent people have taken their skillset and have found a way to make it work while traveling. Most of the jobs are related to working online, however, there are quite many variables here.
There are all kinds of ways to be location independent. For example, you can be a freelancer, work remotely for your own company, create your own business, offer services that are necessary for people all over the world, create workshops or seminars and teach people online. Whatever rocks your boat!
As long as you’re not attached to one place, you can live location independent lifestyle.
There are no rules on how many countries you should visit or how long you should say in them to qualify as “location independent”. As long as you’re free to go upon your own will, it’ll do!
You can also get some more insights into this lifestyle by checking an article What being a digital nomad really means?
Let’s take a look at some samples of location independence.
Freelancing
Freelancers are working online and can do that from wherever that is. Make it Argentina, Canada, Bulgary or Finland. Why not to travel when you can do you work from anywhere? Contracts are signed online, money is paid online, meetings are held on Skype or through e-mails. It’s not rocket science!
Teaching online
Let’s take that you’re English or Art teacher. There’s no need to be in front of a classroom to teach your audience! Now it can also be done online. Platforms like Teachable, Udemy and others are offering a wide range of options on how to create your own courses or you can teach online through platforms like VIPKid.
Creating worldwide workshops
You can be a location independent fitness instructor, craft maker or video editor and offer your workshops all over the world! While there’s the option to teach online, workshop creation is not as popular as it might be but it’s also another way to keep up with your location independent lifestyle!
Blog monetization
More and more people write blogs and find great ways to monetize them. One of the best ways to do that is with affiliate programs related to your blog and your audience.
The point is: there always is a way to turn your skills into the possibility of location independent lifestyle.
Read article 10 different ways to earn income as a digital nomad for more info!
How to know if location independence is for you?
Most location independent people qualify for at least several of the following points:
- They love to travel and don’t want to spend their lives in one place or travel only on vacations two times per year.
- They are passionate about learning new things. Whether it’s about how to run your own business or cook Italian pasta, they’re open for new knowledge.
- They have the fire in their eyes. Feeling that there’s more behind our walls. The knowledge that the world out there is created to be explored.
- They hate 9-to-5 office work. Location independent people usually don’t see themselves going back to the cubicle and working for a (possibly) mad boss.
- They want to do what they love. They’ve found their passion or are on their way to find it and know that it’s something they want to be doing. Maybe they have no idea on how to pursue their dream just yet but they know that they’ll figure it out on the way.
- They’re not working for money, they’re working for the purpose. Do you know the feeling in Monday’s morning when you wake up and you CAN’T WAIT to get to the work? Well, they do!
If you feel like you’re on your way to being one of them then great! If this doesn’t feel like you then maybe there are some other alternatives on how to spice up your life. But you can always try!!
What are the struggles of being location independent?
Well… where do I start?
While this lifestyle is purely enjoyable for many of us, it’s still a bit of a hustle. It might not work the same way as the hustle back home but it’s definitely nonetheless easier.
You have to have good management and organizing skills
Whether you’re your own boss now or you have to make things happen remotely, you should learn how to plan accordingly! These organizational skills will also be useful for things like flight booking and new apartment research. It might seem a lot at times but it’s totally worth it!
Moving and traveling is hard
Whether you’re doing that once per year or more often. You’re leaving not only the apartment or country but also people around you. And, let’s be honest, as wide open as the world is, you never know when you’re going to meet someone again. It’s a mind wrecking test for your mental health. Sometimes it’s really sad, really bad and depressive.
Practicalities
For example, should you bring your own kettle to all the next places? Or should you buy a new one everywhere you go? How to travel light while taking everything you need? How to understand a foreign language and meet new people? All of this is part of the fun BUT it’s also pretty exhausting if repeated on a monthly basis.
Finding time for everything
This might seem like a funny point but it’s true: you have the whole world wide open. How to find time for all the places you’d like to visit and live in?
But this works for other things as well. When you’re in a new location, it’s tempting to try out everything but your budget or schedule might be just too tight for that…
These are just a few of things location independent people have to deal it. This kind of lifestyle really might sound adventurous and be a great opportunity and, believe me, it really is! But you also should be confident about yourself before diving in this completely new adventure.
You’re the only one who can answer the question of whether location independence is meant for you. DO you want to be location independent? If so, give it a go!
