Overworked professionals have always dreamed of escaping to a quiet beach. But ever since Tim Ferriss’s The 4-Hour Workweek stormed the best-seller charts a decade ago, the fantasy has shifted. Instead of sipping tiki drinks and sunbathing, the new dream is to work from the beach.
Thinking About a “Work from Anywhere” Arrangement? Ask These Questions First
Becoming location-independent and traveling the world is more possible than ever. With the internet and a laptop, scores of professions that were once desk-bound — consulting, writing, researching, designing, and more — are now free to conduct business from around the globe. But is the lifestyle right for you? Before making the decision, consider how much structure you need. Understanding how you work best is an essential first step. Then try a travel pilot. Spend time in the locations on your list to see if they’re the right match before committing to any one of them. And be sure to adjust your expectations. If you want your time abroad to be transformative — and lucrative — rather than just a vacation in disguise, it’s important to level with yourself up front.