Freelancing is one of the most liberating ways to make a living given all of the freedom it offers. Since you can generally work from anywhere assuming you have a laptop or a similar device, it’s possible to work abroad and travel on a regular basis. This is a great way to shake up your working environment and is a brilliant option for anyone that wants to explore the world while they work.
However, it’s important to keep a couple of considerations in mind before you decide to freelance abroad. In this post, we’re going to take a look at a few of those points to keep in mind so you have a better idea of what to expect when you freelance abroad.
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1. Think about how you’re going to find a workspace
While the freelance lifestyle is exciting and gives you many unique opportunities to grow yourself and your career, you need to establish some kind of workspace to carry out your work from. Make a list of the things that you need, such as a printer if you need to make physical documents or a fast internet connection to manage large files. Then, look for co-working spaces or even Airbnbs and hotel rooms that meet your needs.
2. Are there going to be any financial concerns?
While travelling and freelancing can go hand-in-hand, you need to consider the financial implications of travelling and working. For instance, will you be able to sustain yourself when it comes to food and other necessities, and do you have financial obligations back home that need to be taken care of?
3. Can you transfer money internationally?
If you’re going to be dealing with businesses across the world, you’ll likely need a way to perform an international money transfer at some point. While this can be handled by most banks, you might need to look for speciality banks that can handle your requests.
4. Are the working conditions acceptable?
You should do plenty of research into the working conditions in the country that you plan to freelance in. One of the biggest concerns is the condition of the WiFi and if it’s suitable for your needs. For instance, if you’re just typing and submitting text documents, then a low-speed WiFi connection is most likely suitable for your needs. However, if your job involves managing large files, then you may need an unlimited WiFi connection with a fast download and upload speeds.
5. Do you have a backup plan in mind?
Although it’s a lot of fun to travel and work, you should also keep a backup plan in mind should something happen. For instance, if you’re unable to work because of a natural disaster or because you’re unable to find a secure and stable WiFi connection, then you need a way to contact your clients and customers and inform them of the situation. These kinds of backup plans are important if you want to keep your business running despite the conditions that you’re facing.
