Living the digital nomad life is an exciting experience — especially when you’re able to combine your passion for travel with your work. For us, it’s been the ideal balance between developing our careers and exploring the world.
We’re two designers based in Switzerland, one of the most expensive countries in the world. Over the past few years, the cost of living in Switzerland has become increasingly difficult to manage. After covering your rent and your mandatory health insurance, there’s often little left for anything else. Even simple pleasures like eating out or enjoying a weekend activity have become luxuries. Traveling this past year has given us the freedom to genuinely enjoy life, while also saving some money by embracing a more laid-back, backpacking style of travel.
During this year on the road, we’ve also learned a lot about the pros and cons of being an employee versus a freelancer. This mix of stable employment and freelance work has given us valuable insights into different degrees of flexibility and freedom — and we’ll share that with you here.
Creating Lasting Memories
Traveling is more than just ticking places off a checklist. It’s about discovering every corner of the globe, experiencing new cultures, and fully immersing ourselves in local life. Through slow travel, you are able to gain a deeper understanding of a country and go beyond the typical mass tourist experiences. It’s about developing meaningful connections and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
The Art of Slow Travel
Slow travel lets you experience the local life for longer periods of time, whether you’re working from a coffee shop in Chiang Mai or staying at a cozy house-sit in Berlin. This approach to travelling not only helps you save money but also allows you to experience the day-to-day realities of the places you visit. You have the luxury of staying long enough to absorb each location’s unique rhythm, pick up a few words in a foreign language, navigate local transport systems, and even getting to know your new neighbors.
There’s no rush when slow travelling. It removes the pressure of constantly moving and give space to balance work and adventure. You get to take your time to fully understand each destination’s rhythm and local life, instead of rushing through crowded tourist spots.
Challenges of Being an Employee vs. a Freelancer
Remote employment offers stability, but it can also bring certain limitations. Fixed working hours or adjusting to a boss mood can sometimes prevent you from fully embracing the spontaneity that comes with travel. There are times when work schedules or sudden last-minute requests clash with new adventures. On the flip side, freelancing offers more freedom to plan travel around our own schedule, but it also comes with the financial unpredictability that can bring some stress.
Nevertheless, looking ahead, our dream is to both transition into entrepreneurship and building a sustainable income online by sharing our travel experiences and insights with you. This would give us the freedom to explore new horizons, and fully embrace the lifestyle we envision.
Conclusion
Thank you for being part of this incredible adventure with us! Living the digital nomad lifestyle comes with its challenges, but it’s been a priceless journey that we’re excited to share with you. Your support means the world, and we hope to inspire your own travel dreams!
